Author's Note: I'd like to thank the few who have taken the time to review my fanfic so far. I'm hoping for more reviews, so I guess to do that I'd better write more chapters! Oh yes, this one will be a little shorter than the previous chapter, so maybe it'll be an easier read...?
Chapter 3
The next day ---
Loedan was awake, having taken over for Kent an hour ago as the others slept soundly in the tent. He sat on a log, eyes open and ears alert as he watched over their small encampment. It was amazing, really, the fact that these three trusted him as much as they did. He was practically untested, as a warrior or as a tactician, and although he could account for Kiri's believing in him, he couldn't help but wonder why the others could. Rook was young, perhaps she didn't know better yet? No, for she was not that young at all, and had a mind of her own. Kent had seen many battles and had traveled with his Grandfather- surely the old Paladin could see flaws in his strategies, such as they were?
It was tearing the young man up inside. The thought that he could lose these friends that he'd made in the course of the day was quite hard to him to even think of. But, he found himself nearly comforted by the thoughts of where they would go. Loedan simply wanted to tour the lands, from Sacae to Bern, to Lycia, Nabata, and even to Etruria, perhaps ending up back in Ilia when the time was right. He would be a wandering tactician- he didn't really want to lead an army into battle or war, after all. In peacetime, tacticians were only really found in their guildhalls, teaching noble children and learning from one another.
He'd never been part of the guild, he thought, as he gazed into the starry sky. Nary a cloud wandered into his sight as he looked to the moon high up in the heavens, staring to it as if he was trying to eke out some answer from the distant saucer of pale white. His grandfather had had very little contact with the guildhalls after becoming a studying tactician and his 'walkabout', as Mark had called it. His walkabout had been well-timed... or had it been ill-timed? Well-timed for the fact that he met many people and influenced battles that had dire consequences, ill-timed because he then became so sought after by Bern and Ostia that they had nearly gone to war over the strategist.
By all that was holy, by Mother Earth and Father Sky, let that fate not by mine own. The tactician thought to himself, closing his eyes for the briefest of moments. That fame had nearly ruined his grandfather's life. It was that fame that drove him to seek isolation within the depths of the Ilian mountains, to his family's retreat within that country. There, he built a humble life where he could spend the rest of his days away from war. Eventually, the battles over him ended and the searches cut off. Only the Ilian Pegasus Knights knew where to find the 'manor;' of those, only the three who had been part of his troop knew him at all well.
Florina, Fiora, and Farina. The strength and beauty of these three sisters had been known throughout the lands after the battles they had fought in for Mark. Florina was a woman of strong morals and shy dealings, whereas her eldest sister, Farina, was a woman who gave her services for no less than 20,000 gold to a cause she could believe in. Fiora, the calm and collected one who takes her duty personally, retired a few years ago to care for her family. Following in this trio's trail was Kiri- one of Fiora's daughters. The others of her family were still very young.
Only these three had any real dealings with Mark, and on occasion, Loedan had met with them as well upon their visits with his his grandfather. Farina's gruff attitude towards money and amused expressions, Fiora's serious nature, and Florina's shyness were contrasts with one another, but never had there been an opponent, human or otherwise, that could tear their sisterhood apart. Loedan smiled a little, opening his eyes as he watched the skies still, and then looked back about the small camp. It was not near morning yet in the slightest, as the moon remained high in the sky and showed very little signs of its slow movements down towards the mountains.
He slid a hand along his side, shivering as he felt the cool air along where there should have been a scar. That axe had cut deeply into him, and by all rights, he should have died from the wound inflicted upon him by that brigand. Only the timely intervention of Rook and Kiri had saved his life... Well, not to mention the arrival of the cleric from the temple of the Mani Katti. Kent had held off so many of the brigands on his own that now he had to worry about supplies- did they have enough? Mark had mentioned that while traveling with Eliwood, he'd had a transporter named Merlinus to carry the extra things that his troops had needed. Food, weapons, tomes of magic of the various sorts, staves, items of healing and the like.
They had no way of transporting such items easily: Rook was too young to carry much, Kiri could carry more but still not much, or else could not fly. Kent could likely carry the most, but he was old and would require mobility on the field. Hauling supplies was not something just anyone was easily capable of, and Loedan himself knew his own limitations. If he carried much more than he did now, there was no way he could successfully give orders and fight at the same time without physical and mental stress wearing him out quickly on the field.
Then there was their monetary situation. He hadn't much money, maybe a thousand gold at most- enough for lodgings for a night or two and a replacement bow or sword. Kiri didn't have much either, and asking people you have just met to find out their situation with money simply wasn't polite or feasible at a time like this. With a sigh, the tactician hung his head. There was little he could do at this point, really. Perhaps stopping at Bulgar would enable them to fill their pouches with gold, if there was an arena to fight in. But only Rook would not be allowed to enter into such a tournament- the risk of life and limb was too great to allow just anyone to attempt such tournaments in an arena. Kent might be able to survive there, however, but he wasn't in his prime.
"Ah... Mother Earth and Father Sky, forgive a foolish student tactician." he said quietly, looking to the ground beneath him. A snort to the left came from Kent's horse as it slept near Hewn, and he chuckled softly before shaking his head. There was no point in worrying about this now, fortunately. In days such as these, one must think ahead when possible, but also simply live in the present. Opportunities shall present themselves later on. Perhaps they should pick up the weapons that the brigands had no use for, and sell them to an armory in town? That could provide plenty of gold, if they were still in relatively good condition...
And so he stood watch over them all, as a tactician should while in battle. A hand on the hilt of his iron sword, his gaze swept over the plains, dark sky lit up only by the moon and the stars above. And he waited, mostly unmoving and keeping his thoughts to himself, as the moon began to fall behind the mountains in the distance slowly.
In the morning ---
Loedan was still sitting there, his bow slung across his lap as he heard the first stirrings of life from within the tent. The sun had just come out from beneath the horizon, dawn settling across the plains. He smiled, watching the plains as a slight breeze picked up. Another beautiful morning... would its brilliance be marred by another battle today? Only time could tell, but for Loedan, he was hoping that he could rest this day from the stress of battle planning. His grandfather might have been able to handle his battles blindfolded and with a gag over his mouth, but for once, Loedan simply wished for a simple day of traveling and storytelling.
At that, Loedan chuckled softly. He'd only been away from home for two days! Why was he hoping for a little less adventure already?
"What is so funny, Loedan?" came a woman's voice from the tent, and he turned to look to it as Rook came out. Her braids that kept her hair from her eyes in battle swung with the breeze, ever so slightly, as she rubbed her eyes and looked to the aspiring tactician. She smiled softly as she came up to sit on the log that Loedan had been sitting on, and then stretched.
"Nothing at all, Rook... I was simply thinking that it has only been 2 days since I left home, and I was hoping that today we might not have to face any more bandits." he replied, smiling sheepishly at the plains girl. She nodded and grinned at his remark- what was so funny, he wondered?
"There really aren't many bandits around... those bandits that found us though? They were once part of an old bandit clan called the Taliver. They've hated my family ever since the old general Wallace came up and nearly destroyed every member of those bandits. The remnants of the clan took a long time to build their clan back up to the numbers they have today..." she told him, and then sighed softly. "They would rather kill than steal. Like they did yesterday. I must thank you, Loedan, for saving me."
Loedan blinked in surprise- did she remember what had happened yesterday at all? "I should be thanking you, Rook. If you and Kiri had not killed those two bandits after I had fallen, I do not think I would still be speaking with you today." he responded, looking to the ground, away from the young girl sitting beside him. He was startled when he felt a warm palm upon his cheek, and he turned his face towards the girl whose palm belonged to. He found her smiling softly, and when their eyes met, she shook her head before withdrawing her hand from him.
"Perhaps, but you attempted to save my life, and that in itself deserves my thanks, Loedan. If ever you have need of my help, you have but to tell me or ask for it, and you shall have it." she says, making that vow to the tactician. He smiled softly, and then the clinking of armor was heard as the one who wore it strode towards the two. Both looked over to see Sir Kent smiling. Rook was smiling back, but Loedan just watched the aged paladin come closer.
"Well said, Rook. My services, such as they are, are indebted to you as well, for you saved the sole remaining survivor of the Lorca clan... the Lady Lyndis' clan." the old man said. From Mark's diary, Loedan knew that the people of Sacae tell no lies, and this particular knight of Caelin does not give his services without cause to people her barely knows. Loedan nodded to the knight, smiling gratefully to him and then to Rook as well.
"I thank you both... my friends."
To Bulgar ---
The day was surprisingly peaceful, Loedan thought to himself, as he rode on horseback behind the aged Paladin. Rook was in the air with Kiri, and both seemed to be enjoying themselves as they flew in the air on Hewn. Loedan chuckled softly, glad that the two were having fun, though he was thinking about what they should do once they reach the city. The largest on the plains, Mark had noted in his diary. How well stocked might they be? Both Kent and Loedan were weighed down by carrying as many of the weapons as they could, taken from the fallen members of the bandits that had attacked them yesterday. A total of five axes in two bags (three in Loedan's, two in Kent's) swung from their backs and along their sides.
These, they would sell at an armory in town. There was no need to leave a landscape littered with such weapons, after all, to show where a battle had taken place. But, though Kiri had taken the sword that the mercenary that had led the group once used (as a replacement for Loedan's sword, when he would need a new one), the rest of the weapons had been left there. They simply couldn't carry so much and yet be able to fight should the need arise. The tactician closed his eyes and let his senses fly: Nothing. There were no immediate threats, none that he could sense at the moment anyway. Perhaps this day would simply pass by without any battles to mar the beauty that Mother Earth and Father Sky had seen fit to provide?
In the Air ---
"Kiri, this is wonderful!" the young girl, daughter of the fallen Lorca clan, exclaimed as she held onto the Pegasus Knight's waist tightly. The knight simply smiled and nodded at her passenger's words, giving the reins a small jump in her hands as well as a nudge with her knees to tell Hewn to go slow down a bit so that they could actually speak with one another.
"I am glad that you enjoy this, Rook... There are few who would care to actually fly so high." the knight replied, looking over her shoulder as Hewn just flew almost lazily, above Kent and Loedan on the ground below. "What do you think of Loedan?" she asked the girl, who just smiled back to her. Oh, she had heard the knight easily enough, but what exactly did she mean by the question? The way he looked? Or the way he had taken control of the battle before falling yesterday? Rook had to think about it for a moment before actually responding to the woman in front of her.
"I like him... he's nice, and seems to do fairly well in battle. The way he swings his sword though, it almost seems as if he has not been trained well in its use. I could have dodged what he could not, yesterday, but we are quite different. His attacks are effective... when they actually connect, anyway." was the measured reply that Rook gave the Pegasus Knight. Kiri smiled a little- how right the girl was! Loedan's father was a mercenary that taught Loedan only the basics of swordfighting, and not any of the finer points of it. His grandfather had taught him how to use a bow.
Mark himself had used a bow after his travels to save the continent from Nergal. With the bow, he saved himself numerous times from bandits, and became quite proficient in its usage. There was not much to teach his young grandson before he wandered off again, to die or travel once more, but he did what he could. What he had done before, however, had inspired his grandson to become a tactician as well. However, Loedan was significantly different from his grandfather in that he believed that a tactician should fight alongside his troops if possible. One should not send others to do what he would not be able to, after all.
All this, Kiri had learned from her mother, who often met with Mark before his disappearance met with surprised reaction from the other Pegasus Knights of Ilia. They had kept close contact with the man, hoping one day to have his brilliant mind help them with their mercenary guilds. But when he was found missing by Loedan one day, a country-wide search had been initiated. It was a failed attempt to retrieve The Tactician, of course. Loedan knew that if his grandfather wished not to be found, then by all means, he would not be found. Nothing could have kept his grandfather from leaving when he wanted- nothing short of another Nergal could have stopped the tactician from leaving.
"Why do you ask, Kiri?" Rook asked, snapping the knight from her reverie before she could respond. Kiri just shook her head a little before looking straight ahead again. She was not entirely sure why she had asked that question- just to make conversation? That was quite possible, and a likely excuse to be true.
"I was just wondering, that's all, Rook. Loedan hasn't met many people, so I just wanted to know how others might think of the Tactician's grandson." was the knight's reply. Rook smiled a little bit, behind her back. Young she might be, and know better? She might know that, too, but one could not blame the mischievous girl as she held the knight's waist a bit tighter so that she knew that she had the rider's attention. Kiri was immediately wary of the girl behind her- she'd proven to be a little nosy earlier, and this sudden attention made her think that she was thinking of something...
"Oh, I see..." she said, acting coy as she rested behind the knight. "I just thought you may be wondering about more than that about him, hm?" she asked, teasing the knight. She could feel the girl in front of her tense up, and then Rook laughed aloud. Kiri had to tell herself that she was doing this to tease her and to keep her mind off of her parents from yesterday... if Kiri had been forced through an ordeal like that, she'd likely be doing the same thing as well. And when she heard her laughter die off and felt the girls face pressed against her back, she knew that she was right.
And so, like that, the day went on as the small group wandered towards Bulgar.
Nearing Bulgar ---
"I remember the day the troops landed first on Valor, milord. It was a day most unlike this one, with fog creeping over the land and a forbidden forest as far as the eyes could... though, like I said, it was foggy so one could not see very far inland anyway!" and Kent laughed as he slowed his great war beast to a trot, and then to a standstill. He'd been providing his old war stories to the grandson of the man who had led him into battle throughout the trip to the large city. Now, as Kiri came to a halt beside the Paladin and his passenger, they gazed upon the large city that had been proving to become closer and closer as they progressed.
"The city of Bulgar. The largest city in all of Sacae, and the city where I met the Lady Lyndis in for the first time. Before that time, I know little of her adventures with Mark, but Sain and I were soon involved in her quest to save her own grandfather, old Lord Hausen, from his very brother. May I never see a day where family turns upon family again." Kent proclaimed, looking to the ground. His thoughts turned to those he had served with in battle in his life.
Of the old knights of Caelin, only two were alive to this day. Wallace had met his end living a peaceful life, and had passed on his sleep while clutching the spear and the Manual of Knightly Prowess. The book itself was retired from service, though it is said that the lords of Caelin passed it down from one generation to the next as a way to provide those who wish to become great generals the rules required to become such. All generals and paladins of Caelin are required now to pass the tests described in the manual. As such, the numbers of generals and paladins dwindled.
Of Sain, the less said, the better. One day, he finally met the girl of his dreams... and no, not on the five times daily basis he usually met the girl of his dreams, either. This girl learned how the knight lived, operated... how he would never be completely loyal without a leash tethered about him. And so she ensnared the louse with her charms, and they lived a happy life. Sain retired a happy man... especially when he managed to escape their cottage to visit the village girls and try his rotten luck with them. Sain also died in his sleep only a year ago, an end that he had never thought could happen to him. The man who had become smitten with practically every woman in the lands of Caelin was revered, and his family survives him.
Wil. The archer from Pherae returned to his homeland after several years of serving the house of Caelin, until Lyn left after her grandfather's death. At the funeral, those who had helped Lyn to save her grandfather had arrived- including Mark, the Tactician of reknown. Wil was the last to leave the burial grounds. As Kent had trained him and Lyn had provided him with friendship and courage, he was also one of the last to leave the service of the house. He returned home and made up with his family. Now, he serves as an archer of the highest order among the Pherae Knights, teaching his skills to the younger generations.
Kent smiled a little before looking up, his eyes opening again. The old man had been past his prime for almost 20 years now. His duties to his kingdom were long over, but the duties of his heart remained. He had loved the Lady Lyndis, almost since the day that they had met. He realized now that his stoic manner and strict adherence to the rules had destroyed that chance that might have been his with Lyndis, but he did not regret his decision. He had his own family as well, still living in Caelin, and he hoped to see his own granddaughter soon.
Loedan patted the Paladin on the back before clasping his shoulder. "Shall we be going, Sir Kent?" he asked quietly. He knew that the man was remembering things as the way they once had been, in times of turmoil. Kiri and Rook watched the old man as well, both smiling softly to him. The voice of Sain came to haunt the old paladin, urging him to say something to the two girls on the pegasus beside him, to comment on their beauty.
As always, Kent simply smiled grimly and nodded to them each, a look of thanks in his eyes for their humoring an old man. His pride and resolve as a knight had always kept him from complimenting others for their particular physical fairness, and so he kept his peace. He was not Sain, nor would he ever be. From what he had heard, Sain's own son was quite a lot alike his father had been. Was it a good or bad thing? Only time and meeting the young man could tell. "Quite right... let us be off." Kent said, and then they began to trot towards the city wall, cresting the hill after a second and then down it again towards the largest city on all the plains.
Bulgar ---
It was a very warm day here in Sacae- warmer than it had been yesterday by far, for a breeze could not be effectively felt within the confines of the walled city. No, it was a very warm day that had Kiri and Loedan sweating, for after all, they both came from Ilia. From a land that was almost always covered in snow to one that rarely saw it other than on mountaintops, there was a huge difference in climates. Loedan found himself having trouble staying awake- always, when he was warm or heated, he found himself becoming drowsy. His senses diminished as a result. Thank goodness that they were in a city, where it was rather unlikely that a band of bandits would bother to attack them in.
Rook looked about as she smiled- she knew this city like the back of her hand. She'd come here with her grandmother from time to time, listening to Lyndis' stories when she was a young child. How she'd met Sain and Kent, how she had met Mark and everyone else in the self-proclaimed 'Lyndis' Legions.' She'd giggled at Sain's lame attempts to flirt with her grandmother... an act that more often than not nearly got the man at the end of Lyn's blade in an attempt to make him stop. Lyndis was a beautiful woman, even as a grandmother- full of life and still active in her age. But none had seen her for years now, since before Kent had arrived to serve her family, as he had for Lyndis, long years ago.
Kiri was having the most trouble here. Whereas she was used to cold air, thrived in it even, it was the heat that positively destroyed her. Oh, if it had been a magical heat, it would be different, but this was completely natural. Though she knew it to not be the case, it felt as if she was on a spit that was being turned slowly over a fire within an inn on a cold day outside. The breeze that could sometimes be felt was the only thing keeping her from almost fainting, and she simply hoped that they would rest soon. That was rather an unusual thing for her, for she would never complain normally. This was a test that needed to be passed, for she must be ready to go to places much warmer than this should she become a full-fledged mercenary knight of Ilia.
Kent smiled- he was unaware that his own passenger's grip had lessened, figuring it to be because he was just looking about. Kent was known in this city as the only paladin in all of Sacae; Nomadic Troopers and Troubadors were rather common here, but none, thanks to the way that the people of Sacae lived, ever became Cavaliers. Metal weapons were infrequent- oh, certainly there were axes and swords and lances, but lances were almost never used, in exchange for bows or staves instead. The people of Sacae fought from a distance, only to protect themselves or fend for themselves. As one who fought from horseback, in a way more befitting a soldier, Kent had been known to help the city's defenses against bandit attacks every now and again.
Loedan's eyes shut as he swiped a hand across his brow. He must have looked quite the sight to anyone who watched them as their steeds took them deeper into the city. A man with a bow and a blade? Such a thing was unheard of outside of the Nomadic Troopers... and Lady Lyn, of course. He'd read about the day that Mark had Eliwood give her a Heaven's Seal from his gradnfather's journal, and instantly she'd gained some sort of uncanny ability with a bow. Indeed, she had gone from being a simple lord of Caelin to what his grandfather had termed a Blade Lord- her speed and accuracy astounded all. Armor had never been worn by the woman, as she usually avoided any and all attacks, magical or physical. Mark was instantly glad that he had been able to, finally, provide Lady Lyn with the strength she had so oft desired, and had asked to travel with him to gain.
Of course, the tactician here was neither a Trooper or a Blade Lord. He was a travelling tactician, though he would look more like a mercenary than anything else to tell the truth. The people milled about, going on their own business. Some of the children stopped playing long enough to wave to Kent, who smiled and waved back to the youngsters in turn. He'd often provided the children here with stories of his battles and sparring with the local militia to improve them and keep his own edge. Soon, the horse that Loedan and Kent were riding on came to a stop as Kent urged it to do so, and Loedan looked up warily over the man's shoulder. "Here we are... let us get rid of these weapons, sir Loedan, and let us get some suitable accomodations." the paladin said, and the tactician nodded.
Loedan slipped off of the horse, wincing as he landed on the ground- on his feet, fortunately. Too bad the ride had been long but on even ground- his thighs hurt from the long ride to the city. Overhead, the sky was turning an interesting shade of orange and red as the sun began to set. "I shall be back." he told them, and he hefted his bag of axes over his shoulder, shivering a little as he walked into the armory that Kent had stopped them in front of.
---
It was about 10 minutes later when Loedan managed to walk back out and took the bag from Kent as well, walking back into the shop. He'd walked out without the bag he'd gone in with- obviously, some sort of haggling had taken place during his time inside the establishment. With a smile on his face, Loedan walked back out, almost 2000 gold richer. This he had hidden within his cloak, resting it at his side, so as not to bring attention to the money that they now had access to. "All done... managed to get a good price for them, too. What say we find an inn and get something to eat, hm?" he asked them all. The dull ache in his thighs was gone by now, but he dreaded getting on the horse again for even a short distance now. Kent nodded and pulled his steed up alongside the tactician. He simply shook his head and smiled a little. "If it is all the same to you, sir Kent, I would rather walk to the inn... my legs could use the exercise."
Kent chuckled softly and nodded to the man, bringing his horse around before leading the way back down the street slowly, so Loedan could keep up with them. Kiri brought her Pegasus around as well, and then Rook slipped from the Pegasus' back, coming up alongside Loedan to walk with him. "What is the matter, Loedan? Are you not feeling well?" she asked him, obviously concerned for his welfare. He was touched, and he looked to the girl before shaking his head slowly.
"Nay... I am well, Rook. I am just not used to riding a horse much, to tell the truth. Hewn, I have gotten used to, and it is not such rough riding as being on the ground as horses must be." he replied, smiling sheepishly to the girl. He felt his own cheeks begin to color a little before he shook embarassment away with a rolling of his shoulders, coming to stand straight again. She giggled a little and flashed a mischievous grin that faded almost as quickly as it had appeared. "Oh, leave me be..." he muttered, but just barely loudly enough for the young girl to hear him and burst out laughing.
"Kids..." he muttered under his breath, hand coming up to rest his brow upon his palm as the apprentice tactician moved ahead of the group. He found himself having to step aside quickly for a person whobrushes past- immediately, Loedan's hand went to the coin pouch he carried to check on it. It was there, and with all the coins still inside. A smile spread on his face, a look of relief unseen of by the others in his eyes as he thanks the sky and earth for the fact that that which they had earned was not stolen.
He couldn't help but spare a glance to the person he had passed just a second ago. A cloaked individual, and he couldn't see any details other than the person's purple cloak that he or she was wearing. With a shrug, Loedan gazed back to the inn, and walked on in, leaving the other three outside while he goes to get them rooms in the inn and in the stables for the steeds.
Later that evening ---
Two rooms, a large and very filling dinner later, the four were in their rooms in the inn. Kent and Leodan share in one room, while Kiri and Rook share the other. Kent was downstairs at the fireplace, providing stories to those who cared to listen about the past. Kiri and Rook were in their room, likely asleep already if Loedan was correct. And the tactician himself was busy with a book of his own, one that he knew he should keep. There was little that could be done, but as a tactician, he needed to keep track of that which was material. Weapons, money, supplies...
Equipment List:1800 gold
2 Iron Swords 1 Silver Sword 1 Iron Bow 2 Iron Lances 1 Iron Axe 4 packs of Vulneraries (10 total)
Food enough for a week
By Elimine... was there enough for now? Once they left, they would follow the mountain range into Bern, and then down towards Araphen. The food wouldn't last that long, but they would pass through several villages along the way, if what his grandfather had written in his journal held true. Bern's campaign a little over 20 years ago, to take over the whole of the continent, had destroyed many different villages in several kingdoms. There had been so much turmoil in that war- Loedan's father, a mercenary of no reknown, had played a part in the war on Lycia's behalf, but had been injured early on. It was from him that Loedan received his information regarding the war that had gone on, and now he worried over it.
To reach Caelin- a good place to rest once past Bern, he thought. It would take several weeks, if not a month or two, at a steady if slow pace. Loedan set his book aside and picked up Mark's journal, flipping to the pages just after those that had been written after he and Lyndis had met the knights from Caelin. What could he expect from the land that they would need to traverse? Plenty of hills and forests, of course... a village with shops, perhaps? "Let me see..."
Tactician's Journal ---
Day 4
Just as we headed east enough to get around the mountains that proved the border between Lycia and Sacae, Lyn wished to stop at a shrine to pray for blessings on her journey. The religion in this region were very well kept up, it occurred to me, and I no sooner gave my consent than we found ourselves asked to save an old man in the temple. When we were told that bandits were attempting to steal an ancient blade called the Mani Katti, I knew something was going on that was larger than all of our small group. An ancient blade, a woman with an unusual ancestry... Of course, I know not what exactly would happen.
Glass was the name of the bandit's leader, and he was not exactly the smartest mercenary I'd ever met. Lyn and Kent cut him through, even as Sain mopped up the bandits outside the shrine. We had to open a new entrance in the temple's west wall, a fact that I am sorry to say but it had been required, or else Lyn would have had to deal with at least three bandits alone. The priest inside forgave me my decision, at least, after the Mani Katti was found to be Lyn's by right of the spirits who judged her when she held the blade in her hands. A sacred blade, perhaps the strongest in Sacae, was now in the hands of the young woman in our party... Only I could guess as to why.
She is a virtuous girl, honest, and attractive in demeanor and looks. Her determination for nothing more than to meet with her grandfather and become strong enough to not be defeated must have won over the spirits of the blade. Later on, when I had a chance to speak with Lyn shortly after receiving the blade, I had her pull the blade out once more and she presented the weapon to me. I set my hand upon the blade- nothing but cold and sharp steel could I feel from it, but I could almost sense a presence within the blade itself. To Lyn, I looked into her eyes and told her again that I would be with her until this was over. She smiled and set the blade away, blushing ever so slightly, before heading away to join the other two. I followed after them, and we wandered southward.
The land and weather held out- no swamps or wetlands did we cross over. Sain could not help himself from trying to 'influence' Lyn's way of thinking about him. I believe he did little to better himself in her eyes, especially after she threatened to leave him at the shrine, so he could become a monk and serve the world by becoming celibate. It was shortly after that Sain came to me and said that he hoped that other women might join our troup... he seemed to know when he'd been reprimanded, at least. And with that in mind, two knights of Caelin and a worried woman as our leader, we progressed southward past the mountains.
Day 7
No sooner had we set south for Caelin than did we find a village that was burned to the ground. There looked to be nothing left over within the ruins, but then again we had little time to consider what to do. A few moments after we had arrived, a pair of bandits and a pegasus knight (coming from Ilia, I know quite a bit about them, but nothing could prepare me for this particular knight) could be seen. Lyn exchanged a few words with them and managed to save the pegasus knight. Florina is her name, and though a capable if fragile knight, she seems to have this insane fear of men that stems from... well, even this tactician's eyes cannot see why, just yet.
During this battle, we also found an Archer by the name of Wil. I also found that Florina is deathly afraid of archers as well as of men in general, so when Sain attempted to compliment Florina, it was I who had to drag the louse away while Lyn calmed the pegasus knight down. She seemed to get along with me- perhaps it is because she does not see me as a threat to her? I hope so. Wil seems rather talkative, and although one might not think it, seems to get along with Florina as well. Florina listens to Wil as he speaks to her, though he does seem to ramble on at times. I think Florina's simply trying to get over her fear of men. Wil speaks of our small group as Lyndis's Legions... interesting name. I hope that it does not become popular.
Sain arrived to me late in the day with a black eye- not an injury provided by a bandit, but from Kent after Sain attempted to, 'compliment' Florina and coerce her into dancing with him. He complained to me about the entire thing, but I simply told him that if he gets hurt by doing it, then don't do it. Sain just said that I was the same as Kent, and that both of us would become old before our time. I simply replied that common sense was something that he would need, if he were to survive these battles. Heroic actions are not really heroic, I told him. To be smart about your actions at the time, and let others judge those deeds to be heroic... that is the way to do battle. Think of the moment while in battle, and do not worry as to how others think of you afterwards. I know not if those words meant anything to the retreating knight, but I think he calmed down for the next day or two.
Florina's meek personality intrigues me- her lightly colored hair reminded me of a light purple, and her short stature makes her seem to be of little threat. However, her Pegasus, Huey, is a totally different story. Combined, their abilties in battle proved to best even the strongest foe in battle, with a little help from our brown haired archer. Wil is a little talkative, and Sain seems to have taken to him as best friends. At the least, he is good for morale, and somehow seems to be making some headway with the Pegasus Knight, getting her to talk at least a little bit every so often. Lyn told me just before I began writing this that she hadn't seen her talk so much to men since the last time that she had come to visit the Lorca.
Lundgren will pay. Though I am nothing more than a tactician, leading others on the field of battle to attack others, I will be sure to provide Lyn the chance to prove to herself that she is strong and that she can do what is needed to get to her grandfather.
---
Loedan put the book away, smiling a little. His grandfather certainly had a way with words, he thought to himself, as the tactician closed his eyes and tried to envision the people that had been described in the journal. The last passage of the journal was something that he didn't remember reading before... perhaps he had merely skipped over that part, the last times he had read it? It was certainly possible, he thought, even as a wave of warmth washed over him. The apprentice tactician yawned, and then lay down upon the bed beneath him.
Loedan was not fond of performing inspections, but this time he came up with one that he could relax while doing. He found himself studying the darkness that was before him, his eyes still closed. And while studying the insides of his eyelids, the young man fell asleep.
---
Author's Note: Well now, I'm glad that my previous two chapters have gathered a few reviews! As for taking character ideas, I'd like to receive them in e-mails, please. Red Mage Neko, I think something can be arranged as far as the first two characters- however, the other three I think I'll keep in mind for later on in the series. Don't be surprised if I change their names though (just a little, I swear!). Surprise... no fighting in this one! I'm better with characterizations than with battles, to tell the truth. Also, I think I'm getting into the swing of writing in this way, so it should be easier for me to keep writing new chapters. I'd like to get more signed reviews, if possible... that way, I can actually respond to you guys easier!
Chapter 3
The next day ---
Loedan was awake, having taken over for Kent an hour ago as the others slept soundly in the tent. He sat on a log, eyes open and ears alert as he watched over their small encampment. It was amazing, really, the fact that these three trusted him as much as they did. He was practically untested, as a warrior or as a tactician, and although he could account for Kiri's believing in him, he couldn't help but wonder why the others could. Rook was young, perhaps she didn't know better yet? No, for she was not that young at all, and had a mind of her own. Kent had seen many battles and had traveled with his Grandfather- surely the old Paladin could see flaws in his strategies, such as they were?
It was tearing the young man up inside. The thought that he could lose these friends that he'd made in the course of the day was quite hard to him to even think of. But, he found himself nearly comforted by the thoughts of where they would go. Loedan simply wanted to tour the lands, from Sacae to Bern, to Lycia, Nabata, and even to Etruria, perhaps ending up back in Ilia when the time was right. He would be a wandering tactician- he didn't really want to lead an army into battle or war, after all. In peacetime, tacticians were only really found in their guildhalls, teaching noble children and learning from one another.
He'd never been part of the guild, he thought, as he gazed into the starry sky. Nary a cloud wandered into his sight as he looked to the moon high up in the heavens, staring to it as if he was trying to eke out some answer from the distant saucer of pale white. His grandfather had had very little contact with the guildhalls after becoming a studying tactician and his 'walkabout', as Mark had called it. His walkabout had been well-timed... or had it been ill-timed? Well-timed for the fact that he met many people and influenced battles that had dire consequences, ill-timed because he then became so sought after by Bern and Ostia that they had nearly gone to war over the strategist.
By all that was holy, by Mother Earth and Father Sky, let that fate not by mine own. The tactician thought to himself, closing his eyes for the briefest of moments. That fame had nearly ruined his grandfather's life. It was that fame that drove him to seek isolation within the depths of the Ilian mountains, to his family's retreat within that country. There, he built a humble life where he could spend the rest of his days away from war. Eventually, the battles over him ended and the searches cut off. Only the Ilian Pegasus Knights knew where to find the 'manor;' of those, only the three who had been part of his troop knew him at all well.
Florina, Fiora, and Farina. The strength and beauty of these three sisters had been known throughout the lands after the battles they had fought in for Mark. Florina was a woman of strong morals and shy dealings, whereas her eldest sister, Farina, was a woman who gave her services for no less than 20,000 gold to a cause she could believe in. Fiora, the calm and collected one who takes her duty personally, retired a few years ago to care for her family. Following in this trio's trail was Kiri- one of Fiora's daughters. The others of her family were still very young.
Only these three had any real dealings with Mark, and on occasion, Loedan had met with them as well upon their visits with his his grandfather. Farina's gruff attitude towards money and amused expressions, Fiora's serious nature, and Florina's shyness were contrasts with one another, but never had there been an opponent, human or otherwise, that could tear their sisterhood apart. Loedan smiled a little, opening his eyes as he watched the skies still, and then looked back about the small camp. It was not near morning yet in the slightest, as the moon remained high in the sky and showed very little signs of its slow movements down towards the mountains.
He slid a hand along his side, shivering as he felt the cool air along where there should have been a scar. That axe had cut deeply into him, and by all rights, he should have died from the wound inflicted upon him by that brigand. Only the timely intervention of Rook and Kiri had saved his life... Well, not to mention the arrival of the cleric from the temple of the Mani Katti. Kent had held off so many of the brigands on his own that now he had to worry about supplies- did they have enough? Mark had mentioned that while traveling with Eliwood, he'd had a transporter named Merlinus to carry the extra things that his troops had needed. Food, weapons, tomes of magic of the various sorts, staves, items of healing and the like.
They had no way of transporting such items easily: Rook was too young to carry much, Kiri could carry more but still not much, or else could not fly. Kent could likely carry the most, but he was old and would require mobility on the field. Hauling supplies was not something just anyone was easily capable of, and Loedan himself knew his own limitations. If he carried much more than he did now, there was no way he could successfully give orders and fight at the same time without physical and mental stress wearing him out quickly on the field.
Then there was their monetary situation. He hadn't much money, maybe a thousand gold at most- enough for lodgings for a night or two and a replacement bow or sword. Kiri didn't have much either, and asking people you have just met to find out their situation with money simply wasn't polite or feasible at a time like this. With a sigh, the tactician hung his head. There was little he could do at this point, really. Perhaps stopping at Bulgar would enable them to fill their pouches with gold, if there was an arena to fight in. But only Rook would not be allowed to enter into such a tournament- the risk of life and limb was too great to allow just anyone to attempt such tournaments in an arena. Kent might be able to survive there, however, but he wasn't in his prime.
"Ah... Mother Earth and Father Sky, forgive a foolish student tactician." he said quietly, looking to the ground beneath him. A snort to the left came from Kent's horse as it slept near Hewn, and he chuckled softly before shaking his head. There was no point in worrying about this now, fortunately. In days such as these, one must think ahead when possible, but also simply live in the present. Opportunities shall present themselves later on. Perhaps they should pick up the weapons that the brigands had no use for, and sell them to an armory in town? That could provide plenty of gold, if they were still in relatively good condition...
And so he stood watch over them all, as a tactician should while in battle. A hand on the hilt of his iron sword, his gaze swept over the plains, dark sky lit up only by the moon and the stars above. And he waited, mostly unmoving and keeping his thoughts to himself, as the moon began to fall behind the mountains in the distance slowly.
In the morning ---
Loedan was still sitting there, his bow slung across his lap as he heard the first stirrings of life from within the tent. The sun had just come out from beneath the horizon, dawn settling across the plains. He smiled, watching the plains as a slight breeze picked up. Another beautiful morning... would its brilliance be marred by another battle today? Only time could tell, but for Loedan, he was hoping that he could rest this day from the stress of battle planning. His grandfather might have been able to handle his battles blindfolded and with a gag over his mouth, but for once, Loedan simply wished for a simple day of traveling and storytelling.
At that, Loedan chuckled softly. He'd only been away from home for two days! Why was he hoping for a little less adventure already?
"What is so funny, Loedan?" came a woman's voice from the tent, and he turned to look to it as Rook came out. Her braids that kept her hair from her eyes in battle swung with the breeze, ever so slightly, as she rubbed her eyes and looked to the aspiring tactician. She smiled softly as she came up to sit on the log that Loedan had been sitting on, and then stretched.
"Nothing at all, Rook... I was simply thinking that it has only been 2 days since I left home, and I was hoping that today we might not have to face any more bandits." he replied, smiling sheepishly at the plains girl. She nodded and grinned at his remark- what was so funny, he wondered?
"There really aren't many bandits around... those bandits that found us though? They were once part of an old bandit clan called the Taliver. They've hated my family ever since the old general Wallace came up and nearly destroyed every member of those bandits. The remnants of the clan took a long time to build their clan back up to the numbers they have today..." she told him, and then sighed softly. "They would rather kill than steal. Like they did yesterday. I must thank you, Loedan, for saving me."
Loedan blinked in surprise- did she remember what had happened yesterday at all? "I should be thanking you, Rook. If you and Kiri had not killed those two bandits after I had fallen, I do not think I would still be speaking with you today." he responded, looking to the ground, away from the young girl sitting beside him. He was startled when he felt a warm palm upon his cheek, and he turned his face towards the girl whose palm belonged to. He found her smiling softly, and when their eyes met, she shook her head before withdrawing her hand from him.
"Perhaps, but you attempted to save my life, and that in itself deserves my thanks, Loedan. If ever you have need of my help, you have but to tell me or ask for it, and you shall have it." she says, making that vow to the tactician. He smiled softly, and then the clinking of armor was heard as the one who wore it strode towards the two. Both looked over to see Sir Kent smiling. Rook was smiling back, but Loedan just watched the aged paladin come closer.
"Well said, Rook. My services, such as they are, are indebted to you as well, for you saved the sole remaining survivor of the Lorca clan... the Lady Lyndis' clan." the old man said. From Mark's diary, Loedan knew that the people of Sacae tell no lies, and this particular knight of Caelin does not give his services without cause to people her barely knows. Loedan nodded to the knight, smiling gratefully to him and then to Rook as well.
"I thank you both... my friends."
To Bulgar ---
The day was surprisingly peaceful, Loedan thought to himself, as he rode on horseback behind the aged Paladin. Rook was in the air with Kiri, and both seemed to be enjoying themselves as they flew in the air on Hewn. Loedan chuckled softly, glad that the two were having fun, though he was thinking about what they should do once they reach the city. The largest on the plains, Mark had noted in his diary. How well stocked might they be? Both Kent and Loedan were weighed down by carrying as many of the weapons as they could, taken from the fallen members of the bandits that had attacked them yesterday. A total of five axes in two bags (three in Loedan's, two in Kent's) swung from their backs and along their sides.
These, they would sell at an armory in town. There was no need to leave a landscape littered with such weapons, after all, to show where a battle had taken place. But, though Kiri had taken the sword that the mercenary that had led the group once used (as a replacement for Loedan's sword, when he would need a new one), the rest of the weapons had been left there. They simply couldn't carry so much and yet be able to fight should the need arise. The tactician closed his eyes and let his senses fly: Nothing. There were no immediate threats, none that he could sense at the moment anyway. Perhaps this day would simply pass by without any battles to mar the beauty that Mother Earth and Father Sky had seen fit to provide?
In the Air ---
"Kiri, this is wonderful!" the young girl, daughter of the fallen Lorca clan, exclaimed as she held onto the Pegasus Knight's waist tightly. The knight simply smiled and nodded at her passenger's words, giving the reins a small jump in her hands as well as a nudge with her knees to tell Hewn to go slow down a bit so that they could actually speak with one another.
"I am glad that you enjoy this, Rook... There are few who would care to actually fly so high." the knight replied, looking over her shoulder as Hewn just flew almost lazily, above Kent and Loedan on the ground below. "What do you think of Loedan?" she asked the girl, who just smiled back to her. Oh, she had heard the knight easily enough, but what exactly did she mean by the question? The way he looked? Or the way he had taken control of the battle before falling yesterday? Rook had to think about it for a moment before actually responding to the woman in front of her.
"I like him... he's nice, and seems to do fairly well in battle. The way he swings his sword though, it almost seems as if he has not been trained well in its use. I could have dodged what he could not, yesterday, but we are quite different. His attacks are effective... when they actually connect, anyway." was the measured reply that Rook gave the Pegasus Knight. Kiri smiled a little- how right the girl was! Loedan's father was a mercenary that taught Loedan only the basics of swordfighting, and not any of the finer points of it. His grandfather had taught him how to use a bow.
Mark himself had used a bow after his travels to save the continent from Nergal. With the bow, he saved himself numerous times from bandits, and became quite proficient in its usage. There was not much to teach his young grandson before he wandered off again, to die or travel once more, but he did what he could. What he had done before, however, had inspired his grandson to become a tactician as well. However, Loedan was significantly different from his grandfather in that he believed that a tactician should fight alongside his troops if possible. One should not send others to do what he would not be able to, after all.
All this, Kiri had learned from her mother, who often met with Mark before his disappearance met with surprised reaction from the other Pegasus Knights of Ilia. They had kept close contact with the man, hoping one day to have his brilliant mind help them with their mercenary guilds. But when he was found missing by Loedan one day, a country-wide search had been initiated. It was a failed attempt to retrieve The Tactician, of course. Loedan knew that if his grandfather wished not to be found, then by all means, he would not be found. Nothing could have kept his grandfather from leaving when he wanted- nothing short of another Nergal could have stopped the tactician from leaving.
"Why do you ask, Kiri?" Rook asked, snapping the knight from her reverie before she could respond. Kiri just shook her head a little before looking straight ahead again. She was not entirely sure why she had asked that question- just to make conversation? That was quite possible, and a likely excuse to be true.
"I was just wondering, that's all, Rook. Loedan hasn't met many people, so I just wanted to know how others might think of the Tactician's grandson." was the knight's reply. Rook smiled a little bit, behind her back. Young she might be, and know better? She might know that, too, but one could not blame the mischievous girl as she held the knight's waist a bit tighter so that she knew that she had the rider's attention. Kiri was immediately wary of the girl behind her- she'd proven to be a little nosy earlier, and this sudden attention made her think that she was thinking of something...
"Oh, I see..." she said, acting coy as she rested behind the knight. "I just thought you may be wondering about more than that about him, hm?" she asked, teasing the knight. She could feel the girl in front of her tense up, and then Rook laughed aloud. Kiri had to tell herself that she was doing this to tease her and to keep her mind off of her parents from yesterday... if Kiri had been forced through an ordeal like that, she'd likely be doing the same thing as well. And when she heard her laughter die off and felt the girls face pressed against her back, she knew that she was right.
And so, like that, the day went on as the small group wandered towards Bulgar.
Nearing Bulgar ---
"I remember the day the troops landed first on Valor, milord. It was a day most unlike this one, with fog creeping over the land and a forbidden forest as far as the eyes could... though, like I said, it was foggy so one could not see very far inland anyway!" and Kent laughed as he slowed his great war beast to a trot, and then to a standstill. He'd been providing his old war stories to the grandson of the man who had led him into battle throughout the trip to the large city. Now, as Kiri came to a halt beside the Paladin and his passenger, they gazed upon the large city that had been proving to become closer and closer as they progressed.
"The city of Bulgar. The largest city in all of Sacae, and the city where I met the Lady Lyndis in for the first time. Before that time, I know little of her adventures with Mark, but Sain and I were soon involved in her quest to save her own grandfather, old Lord Hausen, from his very brother. May I never see a day where family turns upon family again." Kent proclaimed, looking to the ground. His thoughts turned to those he had served with in battle in his life.
Of the old knights of Caelin, only two were alive to this day. Wallace had met his end living a peaceful life, and had passed on his sleep while clutching the spear and the Manual of Knightly Prowess. The book itself was retired from service, though it is said that the lords of Caelin passed it down from one generation to the next as a way to provide those who wish to become great generals the rules required to become such. All generals and paladins of Caelin are required now to pass the tests described in the manual. As such, the numbers of generals and paladins dwindled.
Of Sain, the less said, the better. One day, he finally met the girl of his dreams... and no, not on the five times daily basis he usually met the girl of his dreams, either. This girl learned how the knight lived, operated... how he would never be completely loyal without a leash tethered about him. And so she ensnared the louse with her charms, and they lived a happy life. Sain retired a happy man... especially when he managed to escape their cottage to visit the village girls and try his rotten luck with them. Sain also died in his sleep only a year ago, an end that he had never thought could happen to him. The man who had become smitten with practically every woman in the lands of Caelin was revered, and his family survives him.
Wil. The archer from Pherae returned to his homeland after several years of serving the house of Caelin, until Lyn left after her grandfather's death. At the funeral, those who had helped Lyn to save her grandfather had arrived- including Mark, the Tactician of reknown. Wil was the last to leave the burial grounds. As Kent had trained him and Lyn had provided him with friendship and courage, he was also one of the last to leave the service of the house. He returned home and made up with his family. Now, he serves as an archer of the highest order among the Pherae Knights, teaching his skills to the younger generations.
Kent smiled a little before looking up, his eyes opening again. The old man had been past his prime for almost 20 years now. His duties to his kingdom were long over, but the duties of his heart remained. He had loved the Lady Lyndis, almost since the day that they had met. He realized now that his stoic manner and strict adherence to the rules had destroyed that chance that might have been his with Lyndis, but he did not regret his decision. He had his own family as well, still living in Caelin, and he hoped to see his own granddaughter soon.
Loedan patted the Paladin on the back before clasping his shoulder. "Shall we be going, Sir Kent?" he asked quietly. He knew that the man was remembering things as the way they once had been, in times of turmoil. Kiri and Rook watched the old man as well, both smiling softly to him. The voice of Sain came to haunt the old paladin, urging him to say something to the two girls on the pegasus beside him, to comment on their beauty.
As always, Kent simply smiled grimly and nodded to them each, a look of thanks in his eyes for their humoring an old man. His pride and resolve as a knight had always kept him from complimenting others for their particular physical fairness, and so he kept his peace. He was not Sain, nor would he ever be. From what he had heard, Sain's own son was quite a lot alike his father had been. Was it a good or bad thing? Only time and meeting the young man could tell. "Quite right... let us be off." Kent said, and then they began to trot towards the city wall, cresting the hill after a second and then down it again towards the largest city on all the plains.
Bulgar ---
It was a very warm day here in Sacae- warmer than it had been yesterday by far, for a breeze could not be effectively felt within the confines of the walled city. No, it was a very warm day that had Kiri and Loedan sweating, for after all, they both came from Ilia. From a land that was almost always covered in snow to one that rarely saw it other than on mountaintops, there was a huge difference in climates. Loedan found himself having trouble staying awake- always, when he was warm or heated, he found himself becoming drowsy. His senses diminished as a result. Thank goodness that they were in a city, where it was rather unlikely that a band of bandits would bother to attack them in.
Rook looked about as she smiled- she knew this city like the back of her hand. She'd come here with her grandmother from time to time, listening to Lyndis' stories when she was a young child. How she'd met Sain and Kent, how she had met Mark and everyone else in the self-proclaimed 'Lyndis' Legions.' She'd giggled at Sain's lame attempts to flirt with her grandmother... an act that more often than not nearly got the man at the end of Lyn's blade in an attempt to make him stop. Lyndis was a beautiful woman, even as a grandmother- full of life and still active in her age. But none had seen her for years now, since before Kent had arrived to serve her family, as he had for Lyndis, long years ago.
Kiri was having the most trouble here. Whereas she was used to cold air, thrived in it even, it was the heat that positively destroyed her. Oh, if it had been a magical heat, it would be different, but this was completely natural. Though she knew it to not be the case, it felt as if she was on a spit that was being turned slowly over a fire within an inn on a cold day outside. The breeze that could sometimes be felt was the only thing keeping her from almost fainting, and she simply hoped that they would rest soon. That was rather an unusual thing for her, for she would never complain normally. This was a test that needed to be passed, for she must be ready to go to places much warmer than this should she become a full-fledged mercenary knight of Ilia.
Kent smiled- he was unaware that his own passenger's grip had lessened, figuring it to be because he was just looking about. Kent was known in this city as the only paladin in all of Sacae; Nomadic Troopers and Troubadors were rather common here, but none, thanks to the way that the people of Sacae lived, ever became Cavaliers. Metal weapons were infrequent- oh, certainly there were axes and swords and lances, but lances were almost never used, in exchange for bows or staves instead. The people of Sacae fought from a distance, only to protect themselves or fend for themselves. As one who fought from horseback, in a way more befitting a soldier, Kent had been known to help the city's defenses against bandit attacks every now and again.
Loedan's eyes shut as he swiped a hand across his brow. He must have looked quite the sight to anyone who watched them as their steeds took them deeper into the city. A man with a bow and a blade? Such a thing was unheard of outside of the Nomadic Troopers... and Lady Lyn, of course. He'd read about the day that Mark had Eliwood give her a Heaven's Seal from his gradnfather's journal, and instantly she'd gained some sort of uncanny ability with a bow. Indeed, she had gone from being a simple lord of Caelin to what his grandfather had termed a Blade Lord- her speed and accuracy astounded all. Armor had never been worn by the woman, as she usually avoided any and all attacks, magical or physical. Mark was instantly glad that he had been able to, finally, provide Lady Lyn with the strength she had so oft desired, and had asked to travel with him to gain.
Of course, the tactician here was neither a Trooper or a Blade Lord. He was a travelling tactician, though he would look more like a mercenary than anything else to tell the truth. The people milled about, going on their own business. Some of the children stopped playing long enough to wave to Kent, who smiled and waved back to the youngsters in turn. He'd often provided the children here with stories of his battles and sparring with the local militia to improve them and keep his own edge. Soon, the horse that Loedan and Kent were riding on came to a stop as Kent urged it to do so, and Loedan looked up warily over the man's shoulder. "Here we are... let us get rid of these weapons, sir Loedan, and let us get some suitable accomodations." the paladin said, and the tactician nodded.
Loedan slipped off of the horse, wincing as he landed on the ground- on his feet, fortunately. Too bad the ride had been long but on even ground- his thighs hurt from the long ride to the city. Overhead, the sky was turning an interesting shade of orange and red as the sun began to set. "I shall be back." he told them, and he hefted his bag of axes over his shoulder, shivering a little as he walked into the armory that Kent had stopped them in front of.
---
It was about 10 minutes later when Loedan managed to walk back out and took the bag from Kent as well, walking back into the shop. He'd walked out without the bag he'd gone in with- obviously, some sort of haggling had taken place during his time inside the establishment. With a smile on his face, Loedan walked back out, almost 2000 gold richer. This he had hidden within his cloak, resting it at his side, so as not to bring attention to the money that they now had access to. "All done... managed to get a good price for them, too. What say we find an inn and get something to eat, hm?" he asked them all. The dull ache in his thighs was gone by now, but he dreaded getting on the horse again for even a short distance now. Kent nodded and pulled his steed up alongside the tactician. He simply shook his head and smiled a little. "If it is all the same to you, sir Kent, I would rather walk to the inn... my legs could use the exercise."
Kent chuckled softly and nodded to the man, bringing his horse around before leading the way back down the street slowly, so Loedan could keep up with them. Kiri brought her Pegasus around as well, and then Rook slipped from the Pegasus' back, coming up alongside Loedan to walk with him. "What is the matter, Loedan? Are you not feeling well?" she asked him, obviously concerned for his welfare. He was touched, and he looked to the girl before shaking his head slowly.
"Nay... I am well, Rook. I am just not used to riding a horse much, to tell the truth. Hewn, I have gotten used to, and it is not such rough riding as being on the ground as horses must be." he replied, smiling sheepishly to the girl. He felt his own cheeks begin to color a little before he shook embarassment away with a rolling of his shoulders, coming to stand straight again. She giggled a little and flashed a mischievous grin that faded almost as quickly as it had appeared. "Oh, leave me be..." he muttered, but just barely loudly enough for the young girl to hear him and burst out laughing.
"Kids..." he muttered under his breath, hand coming up to rest his brow upon his palm as the apprentice tactician moved ahead of the group. He found himself having to step aside quickly for a person whobrushes past- immediately, Loedan's hand went to the coin pouch he carried to check on it. It was there, and with all the coins still inside. A smile spread on his face, a look of relief unseen of by the others in his eyes as he thanks the sky and earth for the fact that that which they had earned was not stolen.
He couldn't help but spare a glance to the person he had passed just a second ago. A cloaked individual, and he couldn't see any details other than the person's purple cloak that he or she was wearing. With a shrug, Loedan gazed back to the inn, and walked on in, leaving the other three outside while he goes to get them rooms in the inn and in the stables for the steeds.
Later that evening ---
Two rooms, a large and very filling dinner later, the four were in their rooms in the inn. Kent and Leodan share in one room, while Kiri and Rook share the other. Kent was downstairs at the fireplace, providing stories to those who cared to listen about the past. Kiri and Rook were in their room, likely asleep already if Loedan was correct. And the tactician himself was busy with a book of his own, one that he knew he should keep. There was little that could be done, but as a tactician, he needed to keep track of that which was material. Weapons, money, supplies...
Equipment List:1800 gold
2 Iron Swords 1 Silver Sword 1 Iron Bow 2 Iron Lances 1 Iron Axe 4 packs of Vulneraries (10 total)
Food enough for a week
By Elimine... was there enough for now? Once they left, they would follow the mountain range into Bern, and then down towards Araphen. The food wouldn't last that long, but they would pass through several villages along the way, if what his grandfather had written in his journal held true. Bern's campaign a little over 20 years ago, to take over the whole of the continent, had destroyed many different villages in several kingdoms. There had been so much turmoil in that war- Loedan's father, a mercenary of no reknown, had played a part in the war on Lycia's behalf, but had been injured early on. It was from him that Loedan received his information regarding the war that had gone on, and now he worried over it.
To reach Caelin- a good place to rest once past Bern, he thought. It would take several weeks, if not a month or two, at a steady if slow pace. Loedan set his book aside and picked up Mark's journal, flipping to the pages just after those that had been written after he and Lyndis had met the knights from Caelin. What could he expect from the land that they would need to traverse? Plenty of hills and forests, of course... a village with shops, perhaps? "Let me see..."
Tactician's Journal ---
Day 4
Just as we headed east enough to get around the mountains that proved the border between Lycia and Sacae, Lyn wished to stop at a shrine to pray for blessings on her journey. The religion in this region were very well kept up, it occurred to me, and I no sooner gave my consent than we found ourselves asked to save an old man in the temple. When we were told that bandits were attempting to steal an ancient blade called the Mani Katti, I knew something was going on that was larger than all of our small group. An ancient blade, a woman with an unusual ancestry... Of course, I know not what exactly would happen.
Glass was the name of the bandit's leader, and he was not exactly the smartest mercenary I'd ever met. Lyn and Kent cut him through, even as Sain mopped up the bandits outside the shrine. We had to open a new entrance in the temple's west wall, a fact that I am sorry to say but it had been required, or else Lyn would have had to deal with at least three bandits alone. The priest inside forgave me my decision, at least, after the Mani Katti was found to be Lyn's by right of the spirits who judged her when she held the blade in her hands. A sacred blade, perhaps the strongest in Sacae, was now in the hands of the young woman in our party... Only I could guess as to why.
She is a virtuous girl, honest, and attractive in demeanor and looks. Her determination for nothing more than to meet with her grandfather and become strong enough to not be defeated must have won over the spirits of the blade. Later on, when I had a chance to speak with Lyn shortly after receiving the blade, I had her pull the blade out once more and she presented the weapon to me. I set my hand upon the blade- nothing but cold and sharp steel could I feel from it, but I could almost sense a presence within the blade itself. To Lyn, I looked into her eyes and told her again that I would be with her until this was over. She smiled and set the blade away, blushing ever so slightly, before heading away to join the other two. I followed after them, and we wandered southward.
The land and weather held out- no swamps or wetlands did we cross over. Sain could not help himself from trying to 'influence' Lyn's way of thinking about him. I believe he did little to better himself in her eyes, especially after she threatened to leave him at the shrine, so he could become a monk and serve the world by becoming celibate. It was shortly after that Sain came to me and said that he hoped that other women might join our troup... he seemed to know when he'd been reprimanded, at least. And with that in mind, two knights of Caelin and a worried woman as our leader, we progressed southward past the mountains.
Day 7
No sooner had we set south for Caelin than did we find a village that was burned to the ground. There looked to be nothing left over within the ruins, but then again we had little time to consider what to do. A few moments after we had arrived, a pair of bandits and a pegasus knight (coming from Ilia, I know quite a bit about them, but nothing could prepare me for this particular knight) could be seen. Lyn exchanged a few words with them and managed to save the pegasus knight. Florina is her name, and though a capable if fragile knight, she seems to have this insane fear of men that stems from... well, even this tactician's eyes cannot see why, just yet.
During this battle, we also found an Archer by the name of Wil. I also found that Florina is deathly afraid of archers as well as of men in general, so when Sain attempted to compliment Florina, it was I who had to drag the louse away while Lyn calmed the pegasus knight down. She seemed to get along with me- perhaps it is because she does not see me as a threat to her? I hope so. Wil seems rather talkative, and although one might not think it, seems to get along with Florina as well. Florina listens to Wil as he speaks to her, though he does seem to ramble on at times. I think Florina's simply trying to get over her fear of men. Wil speaks of our small group as Lyndis's Legions... interesting name. I hope that it does not become popular.
Sain arrived to me late in the day with a black eye- not an injury provided by a bandit, but from Kent after Sain attempted to, 'compliment' Florina and coerce her into dancing with him. He complained to me about the entire thing, but I simply told him that if he gets hurt by doing it, then don't do it. Sain just said that I was the same as Kent, and that both of us would become old before our time. I simply replied that common sense was something that he would need, if he were to survive these battles. Heroic actions are not really heroic, I told him. To be smart about your actions at the time, and let others judge those deeds to be heroic... that is the way to do battle. Think of the moment while in battle, and do not worry as to how others think of you afterwards. I know not if those words meant anything to the retreating knight, but I think he calmed down for the next day or two.
Florina's meek personality intrigues me- her lightly colored hair reminded me of a light purple, and her short stature makes her seem to be of little threat. However, her Pegasus, Huey, is a totally different story. Combined, their abilties in battle proved to best even the strongest foe in battle, with a little help from our brown haired archer. Wil is a little talkative, and Sain seems to have taken to him as best friends. At the least, he is good for morale, and somehow seems to be making some headway with the Pegasus Knight, getting her to talk at least a little bit every so often. Lyn told me just before I began writing this that she hadn't seen her talk so much to men since the last time that she had come to visit the Lorca.
Lundgren will pay. Though I am nothing more than a tactician, leading others on the field of battle to attack others, I will be sure to provide Lyn the chance to prove to herself that she is strong and that she can do what is needed to get to her grandfather.
---
Loedan put the book away, smiling a little. His grandfather certainly had a way with words, he thought to himself, as the tactician closed his eyes and tried to envision the people that had been described in the journal. The last passage of the journal was something that he didn't remember reading before... perhaps he had merely skipped over that part, the last times he had read it? It was certainly possible, he thought, even as a wave of warmth washed over him. The apprentice tactician yawned, and then lay down upon the bed beneath him.
Loedan was not fond of performing inspections, but this time he came up with one that he could relax while doing. He found himself studying the darkness that was before him, his eyes still closed. And while studying the insides of his eyelids, the young man fell asleep.
---
Author's Note: Well now, I'm glad that my previous two chapters have gathered a few reviews! As for taking character ideas, I'd like to receive them in e-mails, please. Red Mage Neko, I think something can be arranged as far as the first two characters- however, the other three I think I'll keep in mind for later on in the series. Don't be surprised if I change their names though (just a little, I swear!). Surprise... no fighting in this one! I'm better with characterizations than with battles, to tell the truth. Also, I think I'm getting into the swing of writing in this way, so it should be easier for me to keep writing new chapters. I'd like to get more signed reviews, if possible... that way, I can actually respond to you guys easier!