Chapter 4
Author's Note: Alright, I couldn't wait. I started writing this chapter immediately after finishing with chapter 3, and here it is. I know, these are getting shorter and shorter, so I plan on writing a longer chapter next time. I think that this is of a pretty good quality, myself, but I'd like to get more reviews and see what others think about it! Please read and review!
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It was morning. The youngest one was the first to awaken, and so it was Rook who was first to step out from the room. In Bulgar, she remembered. The last thing that she remembered doing late last evening was reading from the diary that the young tactician had brought with him, the one written by Mark, the Tactician that had traveled with her grandmother for so long. It was unknown just who she had finally settled down with in the end, as both had to go their separate ways after several years. Even Kent, ever Lyndis' friend, faithful paladin, did not even now know the man that Lyndis had fallen in love with and married. Lyndis did, however, have two children- twins, one each of boy and girl.
Rook always did wonder what happened to her uncle; for she rarely heard of him, save from Lyn herself, years ago. She tried not to wonder about it too much, but also wondered if they were ever watching the same stars or even in the same country. Rook found her way to the washing room and let herself in. She was, perhaps, 17 years old, and held much of the same beauty that her grandmother and mother had, though her hair was not nearly as dark. The fight the other day... it had been the first time that she had ever had to protect herself from being attacked by others.
She began to undress, to let herself into the tub that was always ready for anyone wishing a bath. Before much longer, however, she realized something and went back to the door and locked it from the inside- this way, she was by herself and would remain that way. She had lost it, her edge had been dulled and gone when she found herself in a situation where there was no one in her family left. Her grandmother might still be alive, but no one knew where she could be. Once she was nude, the sunlight that came in through the dirty window played upon her fair skin as she slipped into the tub, sighing softly. Her mind raced over that which had happened but the other day.
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Her family... the ger was burned and her parents, sick in bed, had been killed in the destruction of the ger itself. The shock had gone straight to her heart, and she had been unable to move from where she had fallen to her knees, even after the brigands revealed themselves. The sounds of battle barely made any impression in her mind as she remained there, paralyzed to that spot until the tactician found his way to her after vanquishing a pair of opponents. His words had forced her out of her reverie, and she watched as he dashed off into battle afterwards.
When Kiri came over, she had gained most of her bodily processes back. But when she saw the young man dash into the midst of three brigands, a part of her heart seemed to cry out. Did she want to see another, even someone she had only just met, die? He was attempting to protect her, but he was no Paladin, no expert myrmidon or mercenary. He was simply a tactician that was also a bit of a warrior as well, and when he fell to a vicious strike of an axe, she felt pain in her own mind. A pain that she knew she could have prevented, but no, her emotions had taken hold of her until now.
A new emotion arose. Her body warmed quickly as anger took hold. Kiri was already on her way, urging Hewn, her steed, into action as she held the lance out front to aim at one of the brigands. She was disobeying Loedan's orders, but without the tactician, none of them would likely survive against them for long. A low guttural sound escaped Rook, her face twisted into a look of pure rage and hatred as she quickly stood and then strode forward, pulling out the blade only as she neared her target's back, even as the man raised his axe to deliver a finishing blow to the tactician who had fallen.
Her speed was something that surprised even her. She felt her sword arm go lax as she drew the blade and the blade fell behind her in stance before the fluid movement of her left arm swept forward. Her sword came to point forward as well before she danced faster than her opponent could see. Four times she struck out with her sword, and four times blood came pouring from two stabs and two slashes of the blade. The axe man fell at the same time as the other did, from Kiri's attention with her lance to the man she had aimed for. Without looking to Loedan, fearing that if she did she might cause his death just by a glance, she looked around until she found the mercenary that was leading them all. It took less than a minute for her to reach the man, who found out just too soon how very bad it was to anger a swordswoman of Sacae.
The man died in the same manner as the other had, and she turned even as the man fell, clutching at his neck where her blade had pierced the soft skin and tender linings within. It was only after this happened and the remaining brigands fled did she look over to the still burning wreckage of her home, and then to the man who had fallen while attempting to keep her safe. Her heart seemed to skip a beat as she saw both Kiri and Kent over there, checking on the fallen man.
"Please, don't let him be dead... let him live, oh, Mother Earth, Father Sky, let this boy live..." she found herself saying before she realized it, speaking to herself and under her breath as she walked over quickly, sheathing her bloody blade. He face had blood all over it, she knew, but at this point she did not care in the slightest. She found herself kneeling in front of the tactician, watching as Kiri poured a vulnerary down his throat. The slight magic within the liquid made itself known, healing only some of the deep wound that the axe had caused to the young man. Kent told them that they need to set up camp, and that he would be back with a cleric from the temple.
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The young girl shivered as she remembered this, and then found that she needed to start cleaning up. She was not one to waste time while bathing, but her remembrance must have taken at least 10 minutes. A few minutes later, she was clean and refreshed,she left the wash room to go back to the room she shared with the Pegasus Knight. She still did not know how she had done what she had done to save the man, but was grateful to say the least that he was indeed saved. Never again, she told herself. She would never stand afraid or in place by emotion alone again. As her steps took her up to the second floor to where their rooms were, she had a stern look on her face as she came to her door and then opened it, stepping inside and locking it behind her.
Never again.
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It was two hours later before everyone was ready to go. Loedan had done some shopping in that time, for he had woken up shortly after Rook had. His day had been planned- more vulneraries, for starters. An extra sword. Another lance, for Kiri's was getting badly mauled from fighting the brigands that they had faced so far. Unfortunately, this took their gold down to very low levels, but they had nothing else to really do at the moment save to prepare for their journey through Bern. It was still a military country, and so caution was warranted when traveling through even for a short while through even the outskirts. Bandits also roamed there constantly...
"Is everyone ready to go?" he asked them all. Kent simply nodded in agreement. The Paladin always seemed to almost be 'born ready.' Rook responded by climbing up behind Kent and hugging the paladin. Kiri looked at him with an expression of amusement, and Loedan chuckled softly, holding his hands up as they left the stables. "Yes, yes... I suppose that was a redundant question, was it not?" he commented to her, and his best friend just grinned and nodded at that. With a sigh, he pulled himself up and behind Kiri on Hewn's back. They knew where they had to go now: with only Rook remaining from Lyndis' line, there would need to be some support gained in Caelin. Now, it seemed, the Lorca clan would have to wait yet another generation before it could begin to rebuild once more.
They would take Rook to Caelin: once there, Kent and Rook would remain, so that Rook could be taught that which she wishes to learn. After all, as a member of the house of Hausen, if she so wished to take over affairs of the state, she could be in line to inherit the whole of Caelin. All that would be required is training and time, something that Rook would have plenty of in such a safe place. For Kiri and Loedan, a stop in Caelin would be a stop along the Tactician's route. The walkabout had taken him to most everywhere on the known continent, after all, and Caelin had been one of his first actual stops.
With a sigh, Loedan closed his eyes as they slowly made their way out of town. There was little left in this small city- indeed, Kent had recalled the cities of Ostia and Araphen, the largest cities in the Lycian League. Loedan had never been to a city bigger than Bulgar, and could only wonder at the grandness that these two cities must hold. He held onto Kiri's waist a little tighter as he felt a wave of doubt pass through him. There was really very little that he could do to combat it at this point.
Was he leading them in the right direction? Yes, of course. To get through Caelin, one would have to pass through the mountain ranges to the south. Was this what Rook wanted? Loedan didn't know. She had seemed to accept the idea easily, but he wasn't too sure she was interested in the plan that much. And, what about Kiri? She'd been rather quiet as of late... perhaps she just wasn't talkative around others whom she barely knew? A possibility, he conceded. Were their supplies going to last? It was just the beginning of spring. Chances are, they could hunt well enough to feed themselves if required.
"I just hope I'm doing the right thing in battle." he muttered, his eyes open as he says this, speaking almost against Kiri's back as he tries to relax a bit. She squirmed a little, not quite hearing what he said, but looked back to check on her passenger as they came out past the city's southern gate. It was here where Kent, Sain, and Lyn had begun their journey- and now, they were headed in the same direction, to the same place... hopefully, they wouldn't have to worry about anything other than how far they can travel in one day and about their food stores until they arrived in Caelin.
Of course, Loedan knew better- reports of bandits had increased along the Bern-Lycia border for years now. Most likely, they'd have another battle on their hands before too long.
2 days later, crossing the mountain range ---
The path that had been chosen to travel on was very narrow- Kent said that this wasn't the route that he remembered taking to get through Bern and get to Lycia. The route that Kent remembered was the way closest to the old shrine that had held the Mani Katti once, but the shrine had been rebuilt elsewhere, leaving only a relic there now. Bern had invaded that area as well during the last war, and that was why the shrine had been rebuild elsewhere.
Rook and Loedan were walking ahead of the group, while Kiri flew overhead- If Kent wasn't a Paladin, Loedan wouldn't have suggested this particular route the other day. Rook had remained quiet this whole trip, and when they set camp, she had been practicing with her blade for hours on end. Loedan had wanted to talk with her, but wound up keeping his peace as they continued. What would he say to her... what could he say to her? She'd just lost her family, after all. He'd lived without a mother since the day he was born- she died when complications arose during childbirth. His father was often gone, a mercenary for hire.
But losing both parents in one day... Loedan knew when not to bring it up. Only ashes remained of her parents now. There was little that one could say to someone as young as Rook, though for some reason, the aspiring tactician wanted to try. Say something... anything! But no. He held his peace as he walked along the path, sharp inclines that led up to the tops of the mountains on either side. There were no bandits who could or would attempt to take over these mountains as a base of operations: too far from town and not enough flat land to build even a small camp on for their people.
The mountain air was getting to Loedan- a crisp breeze made him smile, and on more than one occasion today, he'd breathed deeply of this sweet mountain air. It was a good day for both himself and Kiri- now that they were no longer on the heated plains, and in the mountains, their faith and resolve came back to them with renewed vigor. Kent did not seemed bothered by the cooler air; he seemed to be relatively at home in any condition other than rain. Rook on the other hand, was often seen shivering from the cooler air and lower temperatures. Finally, Loedan had a thought.
"Here, Rook." he says, sliding his heavy cloak off of his shoulders, coming up behind the girl and setting it onto her shoulders. He smiled as he saw her hands move to pull the cloak around her tightly before she glanced to him and smiled appreciatively. Her gaze soon moved back to the mountain path before them and away from him. That was fine, at least now she wouldn't be nearly as cold. "Next time, just ask, Rook. I do not mind lending my cloak to someone who isn't comfortable with the cold air like this." he told her, and he patted the girl's shoulder.
She blushed a little and nodded slightly at his words, hugging the cloak to herself. Hewn overhead neighed loudly enough for them all to hear, the cry echoing off the mountaintops as both Rook and Loedan stopped in place to look up to the Pegasus Knight. She swooped down quickly, smiling as she lands Hewn in front of the small group. "We have company, my friends. Looks like merchants up ahead, with guards. No more than maybe an hour away, and they seem to be settled in a clearing." she told them, and then took off again, urging her steed into the air once more.
She always was a serious one, Loedan remembered. He couldn't help but to wonder how she felt now that they were in the mountains again- a terrain that they both knew very well, much more than they knew about the plains. Places to look for food, where to hunt and how to trap game. The mountain air that always tasted sweeter than the air of any other places... well, that he knew of so far. With a smile on his face and a bit of a faster step than before, the tactician picked up his pace and even stepped along the path faster than Rook had been. One hand on the hilt of his blade, the other swinging idly at his side, he was enjoying this leisurely hike.
Kent, on the other hand, was swearing under his breath. The reason that he, Sain, Lyn, Wil, and Florina had gone the other route at the time was because mountain paths made any horse move slowly along it, and this was no exception. He didn't show it outwardly, but the Paladin hated heights. He had to be very careful along this rocky trail, for a horse could easily become injured if there was a fall or stumble for any reason. He groaned, thinking as to when he had been with his many friends... and then remembering Sain's bungling attempts at attacking when first they encountered bandits when they met Lyndis. It was slow going along the mountain paths for his horse and himself.
About an hour later.
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Loedan had to admit that Kiri was right- leave it to the Pegasus Knight to judge distances perfectly while in the mountains. About an hour after she had told them that there was a group of people ahead, they ran into them. Two travelling merchants with mercenaries for bodyguards as they went through the mountain range. After some negotiating, Loedan convinced them that they would earn their keep around the campsite in exchange for camping with them.
The merchants seemed nice enough, though obviously in the business of earning money. The first was a woman named Lidea. She had pale skin and straight black hair, and wore a light blue kimono more reminiscent of those worn by Myrmidons or even like what Rook was wearing. The other was her husband, a man named Mickal. He had light blue hair and dark skin, and wore the same kind of clothes as his wife, though of a darker shade of blue. They had done business between Sacae and Ostia for years now, and this time had hired mercenaries to provide protection. They only had half a dozen mercenaries with them- two mages, a single cavalier, and three soldiers.
It was enough protection as long as they didn't run into a swarm of Brigands, Loedan saw immediately. But, if the brigands brought their own magic users, it wasn't likely that the guards that the merchants had hired would last too long. Loedan began wandering about the expanded camp slowly, looking to the mercenaries that had been hired. One of the mages was speaking with Rook, and the two were involved deeply in a conversation. Kent was with the soldiers, sparring with them. Kiri was tending to Hewn near the tents, and he walked that way, smiling a little as he neared his friend. Kiri sensed his coming her way, and looked over to him as she used the horse brush to brush along Hewn's body slowly, each stroke done in a lingering way so as to smooth out his coat.
"So, Kiri, how much longer would you say until we are out of the mountains?" he asked her, watching as she brushed the Pegasus' coat gently. She shrugged a little, not really up for saying too much at the moment as she focused upon brushing Hewn's coat until it was clean once more. Loedan sighed inwardly, his eyes moving to gaze at the sky as the light descended, leaving the dark of the night sky to be seen as he searched for the stars. Kiri watched him for a moment as he became distracted, and smiled slightly.
"Another day of marching should get us down from these mountains, actually. Longer if we keep you and Rook from riding on horseback, though. Day and a half at most." she replied casually, and Loedan smiled softly as he looked from the sky and to the green haired knight once more. He nodded his thanks, and went off back along the trail a bit, out of sight of the rest of the camp as he drew his blade from its scabbard. He began his own practicing, on his own, as he closed his eyes, letting his senses fill with what might be around. A sharp incline and decline on either side of the trail. The camp behind him, the way back to Sacae before him. He had spent far too little time in Sacae. It was a beautiful country as far as his eyes could see. He would see about returning, some day.
His blade swept forward from where he had held it defensively in front of him. Diagonal, it had been, from his right hand to his left shoulder, centered before his chest. He held it with one hand as he swept it forwards, his eyes opening as he swept the sword that way. Only air was cleaved through when the blade slashed, and then it was moved back as the blade was then thrust forward. The tip cleaved air, and Loedan knew that he'd become rusty. He was slow. His blade was weak. And he couldn't trust in his ability to finish up a battle, obviously. The brigands he had fought so far had not been very strong, as he knew that the ones he had managed to defeat could only be considered weak in comparison to most of the enemies that were to come.
Wars in Bern and Lycia provided others with enough experience to provide power renewed. Mercenaries became known as Heroes. Myrmidons became Swordmasters, Monks became Bishops. Lords became Saviors. Loedan? I am but a tactician, nothing more. No tactician in history known had ever been of use in combat, save to direct others to battle. I aspire to become more... but, what could there be that I could do, to gain the experience I desire? To be not only a man who directs others, but to fight alongside them as well?
These questions the man asked himself in his mind, his strikes becoming more graceful and swung with greater speed. An untapped resource within himself that he knew not of yet had begun to let itself be known. His mind was busy on its own as his steps took him about, his blade parrying an unknown foe. It is said that only fear itself may be feared. However, this tactician had doubts about his own abilities, his decisions. Tacticians from the guildhalls did not leave their halls unless they were ready- mentally, that is. Loedan aspired to be a combat tactician, to try and direct his troops and provide support in a way other than a simple strategist normally does.
When Loedan's blade was met by another, the sound and feeling caused him to come back to himself. It was another sword that had met his, and as his eyes found focus upon the one who had parried his strike, they widened slightly in surprise. It was Rook, and she was smiling as she usually did when she looked at him. "I see that woke you, Loedan... supper is ready." she told him, and then backed away, quickly sheathing her blade. He had no idea that she'd been trying to get his attention. Looking to the sky, he found that it was completely dark, with the stars out to shine now. He had been practicing for quite some time, obviously, and he fell in behind the plains girl.
"Your style is unusual, Loedan. They remind me of what my grandmother taught me, long ago, but different still." she told him, looking back over her shoulder to the tactician. "Almost as if you had not been trained in just a single style..." she trailed off, and Loedan chuckled softly, sheathing his blade now. Indeed, his grandfather had taught him one style, and his father had taught him another. But at this point, he needed to prove to himself that he knew what he was doing, either in combat or by directing a battle. Luck can only get a person so far, after all, before it runs out.
"Yes... I had heard that some of what I have learned about using blades came from Sacae, but the rest was taught by my father. He is a mercenary, and his swordsmanship is quite different from those who come from Sacae. I haven't seen him in quite some time, though." Loedan told her in response. He sighed softly- perhaps if he had seen his father more often, he'd not be here now? No matter; here he was, far from his home. Directing a small troop of people as they went on their way towards Caelin from Sacae. Rook stopped and turned around, the smile that had been on her face gone now as she just stepped up to him and embraced the young man.
Loedan was caught off guard as he felt her arms slip around him, but as he heard her sniffling, he couldn't help but to realize that his talking about his father had reminded her of several days ago. "I... I am sorry, Rook. I was not thinking..." he said, trying to apologize for bringing up the bad memory even as his arms moved about her waist, holding her close. She just shook her head and buried her face into his tunic, which quickly became a little moist as she cried silently. They just stood there for a few minutes before she stepped back, her arms moving from around him as she wiped her eyes off on her sleeve. Loedan took his arms from around her and she smiled a little bit.
"Thank you, Loedan." she said, watching him for a moment before turning and rushing back to camp. Loedan sighed softly, then smiled, knowing that he had done nothing really to help her save to let her have a tunic to cry on. He didn't want to see that happen to anyone else again- the pain on a person's face was far too much for him to bear. With that in mind, he walked soberly back into camp, where Kent would have been the one who had cooked tonight. The scent of roasted meat came to him, and strangely enough, it didn't smell burnt. Tonight, they would probably eat well.
That night ---
The light of the fire outside the camp had dimmed- Loedan was still awake, along with one of the soldiers and one of the mages that the merchants had hired. They were out walking around the camp while Loedan sat near the fire, looking into it. The others were already asleep, sharing the one tent they had at the moment between the three of them. He couldn't help but to keep thinking about things. What would he do once they reached Caelin? What would Rook do? And Kent? Kiri was coming with him until such time as she wished to go back to Ilia... What if he was on his own after they arrived at their destination? He knew no one in Caelin, having been isolated in Ilia for so long.
The 'what ifs' began to pop into his head, the door now thrown wide open by the doubt he had allowed in. What if he neglected a small detail in battle and it turned out to be a deadly mistake? What would happen if Kent died? If Rook died? What if Kiri took off, became a mercenary, and they were reunited later in life, as enemies? What if they were ambushed again by some group as they went along the mountain pass towards Araphen, where they would emerge from the mountains?
With a sigh, the tactician shook his head and looked to the sky. Mother Earth and Father Sky, please protect my friends, he thought, a silent prayer offered up for the protection of his friends. As a tactician, he had little knowledge of his own worth in battle, save that his directions could kill any of his friends that he would be ordering into battle. He couldn't afford to place his friends on the line to protect himself. They had no cause to fight, save to keep themselves alive against attacks made against them. There was no Nergal, no morphs to defeat. No dragons to kill, no deadly warlord attempting to enslave the continent. Instead, there was self defense against bandits. He was an apprentice tactician during peaceful times, and he liked that.
It was proving to himself that he could do his chosen job if required that frightened him. There were far too few battles and wars that could season a tactician into a respectable man or woman that could lead the troops under his or her direction. The strength of a tactician lay within his people's abilties. Tacticians were known for keeping their people alive, or not, as the case may be. For daring to throw people into the wind and expect them to strike at the opponent in the hopes of defeating them, despite the cost. Loedan was of the train of thought that keeping his people alive at any cost was worth any risk... even his own life. If he could, he would provide his friends the vulneraries required to heal any wound, to take a strike meant for another.
He had done so once or twice already, and paid the price. The second time had nearly been his death, as he rushed a trio of brigands to keep them away from Kiri and Rook. Though a death-fearing man, he knew that if it was required of him, he would sacrifice himself to save an ally. "By Elimine, let such a thing never happen." he said aloud, though quietly, to the fire as he looked back to its dimming light. He used his blade to reach into the fire and move the embers about somewhat, pushing unburnt wood into the middle. Soon, he sheathed the blade, still cool, and pulled out his grandfather's diary, reading from it a passage or two further along in the book than he had been yesterday.
Tactician's Diary ---
Day 9
We were attacked again last night. Bandits came pouring from all directions as we holed up inside an abandoned fort that Sain and Wil found. Inside, we found a woman named Natalie who was searching for her husband. A fighter named Dorcas, and we would soon find him much easier than his wife might have thought. He needed money in order to help his wife, whose legs were in dire need of special healing, but the cost of the services would be quite expensive. Turns out that he was one of the bandits that we fought against, though thanks to Lyn's quick recognition, we managed to convince him to join us.
Everyone became a bit more experienced that day, as we held the fort, so to speak, while Dorcas and Lyn made their way to the leader of the bandits and slayed him quickly. Our knights held the main entrance to the fort while Wil protected the west wall from being destroyed by the bandits that were attempting to bring it down. Florina was sent to the east side of the wall, and flew over the trees nearby as the bandits' mercenaries appeared, one by one. She was becoming quite the tough little pegasus knight now, everyone could tell, as I paid careful attention to the girl. If the bandits had come up with any archers in that area, I would have needed to get her out of there. Fortunately for us all, none arrived with the reinforcements that simply poured in.
She even, finally, came up to me to talk. After an introduction from her that lasted 10 minutes of stammering, I motioned for the girl to simply have a seat on my bedroll. I had been busy taking inventory of the items we had, as well as keeping sure as to our monetary situation before she came in, and as usual, I am becoming quite tired. I asked her to lie down on her back on the bed, and she did so, seeming to relax a bit. Then, she finally opened up (after about 15 more minutes, mind you), and told me that she was glad that I was leading the group, that I would give her a chance to protect her friend. I simply told her that I was glad she decided to join us, and that she could protect her friend no matter what my orders were, as long as it was necessary at the time. I also asked her to respect my judgment on these matters, for though I am only a student of military strategy, I do have the ability to see the battlefield better than anyone else in the group. She replied that she does understand me, and that she would do that.
She began to fall asleep, and I kissed her forehead before saying goodnight to the knight. She fell asleep quickly, and I walked out of the tent and over towards Kent, who was serving as a night watch. Together, we kept watch for several hours into the night quietly, before he went to get Wil to take over the watch. Dorcas, I found later on, and we talked for a while before he suggested that he come with us. I told him that I would be happy if he would join the group, but that he would need to speak with Lyn in the morning. I was restless, and found myself near the fire as it burned, looking up to the stars. I have been getting less and less sleep these days... just what shall I do, if I am burned out? I could hear Sain speaking of an inn not too far away- I shall have to order the group to rest there for a day, if possible. Though I must say, I certainly hope that he doesn't get drunk.
Day 12
Well, I was right. Sain had calmed down considerably, though he couldn't wait to get to the inn we are staying in this night. I couldn't blame him, really, and neither could anyone except Kent. He hadn't even attempted to seduce Florina or Lyn since yesterday... but then again, we received another pair of travelers within our growing group. Erk is a mage- pretty good kid, really. Maybe no more than 15 or 16 years old? No matter, he is much more mature than his companion is. Serra. I was once told, by my mother before she died years ago, that if one cannot say something nice about another, then the smartest tactical decision was to say nothing at all.
However, though I will not say it, I will write it in this book. She is without a doubt, the most annoying, self-centered woman I have ever met. She believes that though she is a cleric, that she is better than others since she is religiously working for Elibe to heal others. So why would she say that she would not charge money to heal Erk, for free? Truly, if Erk had even a slightly shorter amount of patience within his body, he would use his Fire tome to either smack her upside the head or to cast the spell itself to get her to simply shut up. Fortunately, though I hate to say it, Sain has come around to begin working on Serra. The two seem to have hit it off, though I somehow doubt that Sain will ever consider her seriously to court her.
Erk was happy to be in the company of people who are much more... calm, shall I say? He has been speaking with Lyn for a while now, and the two seem to get along quite nicely. Florina has been casting glances at me as well, as if she wants to say something but cannot bring herself to do so. I wonder what she wishes to say to me? I think tomorrow, if we are not attacked by bandits again, I will go to ask her what she would wish to speak of. The strain of these battles is getting to me now that I have more people to order about the battle field. I can tell that my skill is improving, but I shall have to learn more to become stronger, as Lyn wants to be. I think we shall need to hurry, soon.
By Elimine... I just had a run in with Serra. She barged into my tent and demanded to be allowed to sleep in the same tent as Lady Lyndis, instead of with her 'escort', Erk. As Lyn and I share this particular tent, as we have since first we met, I had to deny her request, and tell her that she would be better off sleeping with her escort, rather than with Lyn. She simply stormed out, and I can't help but to feel sorry for Erk, who would likely not obtain sleep of any sort as a result of the woman's mood. Mother Earth and Father Sky... tell me she's a monk and not a cleric? How could such a woman be a healer? At least now I can say that Sain will at last have a receptive ear for his advances.
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After reading this little bit from the diary, he closed the book and sighed again. Then, with heavy steps, the young tactician headed to the tent to bring himself to sleep once more. Crawling into the bedroll and setting the book beside him, Loedan's eyes closed and he was soon asleep. Unfortunately, he began to dream of a time when Serra was belittling him and attempting to get her way. It was such a nightmare... would it never end?
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Author's Note: Yeah, I know, another non-active chapter. Can't have fights everyday... right? Right? Anyway, I'm hoping that I'll get more reviews with these two chapters up, so please leave a review! I may also post the full 'Lyn's Story' diary as well, after I've finished with the different journal entries in the first chapters of this fic. I've actually finished that part of the diary... hehe.
Author's Note: Alright, I couldn't wait. I started writing this chapter immediately after finishing with chapter 3, and here it is. I know, these are getting shorter and shorter, so I plan on writing a longer chapter next time. I think that this is of a pretty good quality, myself, but I'd like to get more reviews and see what others think about it! Please read and review!
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It was morning. The youngest one was the first to awaken, and so it was Rook who was first to step out from the room. In Bulgar, she remembered. The last thing that she remembered doing late last evening was reading from the diary that the young tactician had brought with him, the one written by Mark, the Tactician that had traveled with her grandmother for so long. It was unknown just who she had finally settled down with in the end, as both had to go their separate ways after several years. Even Kent, ever Lyndis' friend, faithful paladin, did not even now know the man that Lyndis had fallen in love with and married. Lyndis did, however, have two children- twins, one each of boy and girl.
Rook always did wonder what happened to her uncle; for she rarely heard of him, save from Lyn herself, years ago. She tried not to wonder about it too much, but also wondered if they were ever watching the same stars or even in the same country. Rook found her way to the washing room and let herself in. She was, perhaps, 17 years old, and held much of the same beauty that her grandmother and mother had, though her hair was not nearly as dark. The fight the other day... it had been the first time that she had ever had to protect herself from being attacked by others.
She began to undress, to let herself into the tub that was always ready for anyone wishing a bath. Before much longer, however, she realized something and went back to the door and locked it from the inside- this way, she was by herself and would remain that way. She had lost it, her edge had been dulled and gone when she found herself in a situation where there was no one in her family left. Her grandmother might still be alive, but no one knew where she could be. Once she was nude, the sunlight that came in through the dirty window played upon her fair skin as she slipped into the tub, sighing softly. Her mind raced over that which had happened but the other day.
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Her family... the ger was burned and her parents, sick in bed, had been killed in the destruction of the ger itself. The shock had gone straight to her heart, and she had been unable to move from where she had fallen to her knees, even after the brigands revealed themselves. The sounds of battle barely made any impression in her mind as she remained there, paralyzed to that spot until the tactician found his way to her after vanquishing a pair of opponents. His words had forced her out of her reverie, and she watched as he dashed off into battle afterwards.
When Kiri came over, she had gained most of her bodily processes back. But when she saw the young man dash into the midst of three brigands, a part of her heart seemed to cry out. Did she want to see another, even someone she had only just met, die? He was attempting to protect her, but he was no Paladin, no expert myrmidon or mercenary. He was simply a tactician that was also a bit of a warrior as well, and when he fell to a vicious strike of an axe, she felt pain in her own mind. A pain that she knew she could have prevented, but no, her emotions had taken hold of her until now.
A new emotion arose. Her body warmed quickly as anger took hold. Kiri was already on her way, urging Hewn, her steed, into action as she held the lance out front to aim at one of the brigands. She was disobeying Loedan's orders, but without the tactician, none of them would likely survive against them for long. A low guttural sound escaped Rook, her face twisted into a look of pure rage and hatred as she quickly stood and then strode forward, pulling out the blade only as she neared her target's back, even as the man raised his axe to deliver a finishing blow to the tactician who had fallen.
Her speed was something that surprised even her. She felt her sword arm go lax as she drew the blade and the blade fell behind her in stance before the fluid movement of her left arm swept forward. Her sword came to point forward as well before she danced faster than her opponent could see. Four times she struck out with her sword, and four times blood came pouring from two stabs and two slashes of the blade. The axe man fell at the same time as the other did, from Kiri's attention with her lance to the man she had aimed for. Without looking to Loedan, fearing that if she did she might cause his death just by a glance, she looked around until she found the mercenary that was leading them all. It took less than a minute for her to reach the man, who found out just too soon how very bad it was to anger a swordswoman of Sacae.
The man died in the same manner as the other had, and she turned even as the man fell, clutching at his neck where her blade had pierced the soft skin and tender linings within. It was only after this happened and the remaining brigands fled did she look over to the still burning wreckage of her home, and then to the man who had fallen while attempting to keep her safe. Her heart seemed to skip a beat as she saw both Kiri and Kent over there, checking on the fallen man.
"Please, don't let him be dead... let him live, oh, Mother Earth, Father Sky, let this boy live..." she found herself saying before she realized it, speaking to herself and under her breath as she walked over quickly, sheathing her bloody blade. He face had blood all over it, she knew, but at this point she did not care in the slightest. She found herself kneeling in front of the tactician, watching as Kiri poured a vulnerary down his throat. The slight magic within the liquid made itself known, healing only some of the deep wound that the axe had caused to the young man. Kent told them that they need to set up camp, and that he would be back with a cleric from the temple.
---
The young girl shivered as she remembered this, and then found that she needed to start cleaning up. She was not one to waste time while bathing, but her remembrance must have taken at least 10 minutes. A few minutes later, she was clean and refreshed,she left the wash room to go back to the room she shared with the Pegasus Knight. She still did not know how she had done what she had done to save the man, but was grateful to say the least that he was indeed saved. Never again, she told herself. She would never stand afraid or in place by emotion alone again. As her steps took her up to the second floor to where their rooms were, she had a stern look on her face as she came to her door and then opened it, stepping inside and locking it behind her.
Never again.
---
It was two hours later before everyone was ready to go. Loedan had done some shopping in that time, for he had woken up shortly after Rook had. His day had been planned- more vulneraries, for starters. An extra sword. Another lance, for Kiri's was getting badly mauled from fighting the brigands that they had faced so far. Unfortunately, this took their gold down to very low levels, but they had nothing else to really do at the moment save to prepare for their journey through Bern. It was still a military country, and so caution was warranted when traveling through even for a short while through even the outskirts. Bandits also roamed there constantly...
"Is everyone ready to go?" he asked them all. Kent simply nodded in agreement. The Paladin always seemed to almost be 'born ready.' Rook responded by climbing up behind Kent and hugging the paladin. Kiri looked at him with an expression of amusement, and Loedan chuckled softly, holding his hands up as they left the stables. "Yes, yes... I suppose that was a redundant question, was it not?" he commented to her, and his best friend just grinned and nodded at that. With a sigh, he pulled himself up and behind Kiri on Hewn's back. They knew where they had to go now: with only Rook remaining from Lyndis' line, there would need to be some support gained in Caelin. Now, it seemed, the Lorca clan would have to wait yet another generation before it could begin to rebuild once more.
They would take Rook to Caelin: once there, Kent and Rook would remain, so that Rook could be taught that which she wishes to learn. After all, as a member of the house of Hausen, if she so wished to take over affairs of the state, she could be in line to inherit the whole of Caelin. All that would be required is training and time, something that Rook would have plenty of in such a safe place. For Kiri and Loedan, a stop in Caelin would be a stop along the Tactician's route. The walkabout had taken him to most everywhere on the known continent, after all, and Caelin had been one of his first actual stops.
With a sigh, Loedan closed his eyes as they slowly made their way out of town. There was little left in this small city- indeed, Kent had recalled the cities of Ostia and Araphen, the largest cities in the Lycian League. Loedan had never been to a city bigger than Bulgar, and could only wonder at the grandness that these two cities must hold. He held onto Kiri's waist a little tighter as he felt a wave of doubt pass through him. There was really very little that he could do to combat it at this point.
Was he leading them in the right direction? Yes, of course. To get through Caelin, one would have to pass through the mountain ranges to the south. Was this what Rook wanted? Loedan didn't know. She had seemed to accept the idea easily, but he wasn't too sure she was interested in the plan that much. And, what about Kiri? She'd been rather quiet as of late... perhaps she just wasn't talkative around others whom she barely knew? A possibility, he conceded. Were their supplies going to last? It was just the beginning of spring. Chances are, they could hunt well enough to feed themselves if required.
"I just hope I'm doing the right thing in battle." he muttered, his eyes open as he says this, speaking almost against Kiri's back as he tries to relax a bit. She squirmed a little, not quite hearing what he said, but looked back to check on her passenger as they came out past the city's southern gate. It was here where Kent, Sain, and Lyn had begun their journey- and now, they were headed in the same direction, to the same place... hopefully, they wouldn't have to worry about anything other than how far they can travel in one day and about their food stores until they arrived in Caelin.
Of course, Loedan knew better- reports of bandits had increased along the Bern-Lycia border for years now. Most likely, they'd have another battle on their hands before too long.
2 days later, crossing the mountain range ---
The path that had been chosen to travel on was very narrow- Kent said that this wasn't the route that he remembered taking to get through Bern and get to Lycia. The route that Kent remembered was the way closest to the old shrine that had held the Mani Katti once, but the shrine had been rebuilt elsewhere, leaving only a relic there now. Bern had invaded that area as well during the last war, and that was why the shrine had been rebuild elsewhere.
Rook and Loedan were walking ahead of the group, while Kiri flew overhead- If Kent wasn't a Paladin, Loedan wouldn't have suggested this particular route the other day. Rook had remained quiet this whole trip, and when they set camp, she had been practicing with her blade for hours on end. Loedan had wanted to talk with her, but wound up keeping his peace as they continued. What would he say to her... what could he say to her? She'd just lost her family, after all. He'd lived without a mother since the day he was born- she died when complications arose during childbirth. His father was often gone, a mercenary for hire.
But losing both parents in one day... Loedan knew when not to bring it up. Only ashes remained of her parents now. There was little that one could say to someone as young as Rook, though for some reason, the aspiring tactician wanted to try. Say something... anything! But no. He held his peace as he walked along the path, sharp inclines that led up to the tops of the mountains on either side. There were no bandits who could or would attempt to take over these mountains as a base of operations: too far from town and not enough flat land to build even a small camp on for their people.
The mountain air was getting to Loedan- a crisp breeze made him smile, and on more than one occasion today, he'd breathed deeply of this sweet mountain air. It was a good day for both himself and Kiri- now that they were no longer on the heated plains, and in the mountains, their faith and resolve came back to them with renewed vigor. Kent did not seemed bothered by the cooler air; he seemed to be relatively at home in any condition other than rain. Rook on the other hand, was often seen shivering from the cooler air and lower temperatures. Finally, Loedan had a thought.
"Here, Rook." he says, sliding his heavy cloak off of his shoulders, coming up behind the girl and setting it onto her shoulders. He smiled as he saw her hands move to pull the cloak around her tightly before she glanced to him and smiled appreciatively. Her gaze soon moved back to the mountain path before them and away from him. That was fine, at least now she wouldn't be nearly as cold. "Next time, just ask, Rook. I do not mind lending my cloak to someone who isn't comfortable with the cold air like this." he told her, and he patted the girl's shoulder.
She blushed a little and nodded slightly at his words, hugging the cloak to herself. Hewn overhead neighed loudly enough for them all to hear, the cry echoing off the mountaintops as both Rook and Loedan stopped in place to look up to the Pegasus Knight. She swooped down quickly, smiling as she lands Hewn in front of the small group. "We have company, my friends. Looks like merchants up ahead, with guards. No more than maybe an hour away, and they seem to be settled in a clearing." she told them, and then took off again, urging her steed into the air once more.
She always was a serious one, Loedan remembered. He couldn't help but to wonder how she felt now that they were in the mountains again- a terrain that they both knew very well, much more than they knew about the plains. Places to look for food, where to hunt and how to trap game. The mountain air that always tasted sweeter than the air of any other places... well, that he knew of so far. With a smile on his face and a bit of a faster step than before, the tactician picked up his pace and even stepped along the path faster than Rook had been. One hand on the hilt of his blade, the other swinging idly at his side, he was enjoying this leisurely hike.
Kent, on the other hand, was swearing under his breath. The reason that he, Sain, Lyn, Wil, and Florina had gone the other route at the time was because mountain paths made any horse move slowly along it, and this was no exception. He didn't show it outwardly, but the Paladin hated heights. He had to be very careful along this rocky trail, for a horse could easily become injured if there was a fall or stumble for any reason. He groaned, thinking as to when he had been with his many friends... and then remembering Sain's bungling attempts at attacking when first they encountered bandits when they met Lyndis. It was slow going along the mountain paths for his horse and himself.
About an hour later.
---
Loedan had to admit that Kiri was right- leave it to the Pegasus Knight to judge distances perfectly while in the mountains. About an hour after she had told them that there was a group of people ahead, they ran into them. Two travelling merchants with mercenaries for bodyguards as they went through the mountain range. After some negotiating, Loedan convinced them that they would earn their keep around the campsite in exchange for camping with them.
The merchants seemed nice enough, though obviously in the business of earning money. The first was a woman named Lidea. She had pale skin and straight black hair, and wore a light blue kimono more reminiscent of those worn by Myrmidons or even like what Rook was wearing. The other was her husband, a man named Mickal. He had light blue hair and dark skin, and wore the same kind of clothes as his wife, though of a darker shade of blue. They had done business between Sacae and Ostia for years now, and this time had hired mercenaries to provide protection. They only had half a dozen mercenaries with them- two mages, a single cavalier, and three soldiers.
It was enough protection as long as they didn't run into a swarm of Brigands, Loedan saw immediately. But, if the brigands brought their own magic users, it wasn't likely that the guards that the merchants had hired would last too long. Loedan began wandering about the expanded camp slowly, looking to the mercenaries that had been hired. One of the mages was speaking with Rook, and the two were involved deeply in a conversation. Kent was with the soldiers, sparring with them. Kiri was tending to Hewn near the tents, and he walked that way, smiling a little as he neared his friend. Kiri sensed his coming her way, and looked over to him as she used the horse brush to brush along Hewn's body slowly, each stroke done in a lingering way so as to smooth out his coat.
"So, Kiri, how much longer would you say until we are out of the mountains?" he asked her, watching as she brushed the Pegasus' coat gently. She shrugged a little, not really up for saying too much at the moment as she focused upon brushing Hewn's coat until it was clean once more. Loedan sighed inwardly, his eyes moving to gaze at the sky as the light descended, leaving the dark of the night sky to be seen as he searched for the stars. Kiri watched him for a moment as he became distracted, and smiled slightly.
"Another day of marching should get us down from these mountains, actually. Longer if we keep you and Rook from riding on horseback, though. Day and a half at most." she replied casually, and Loedan smiled softly as he looked from the sky and to the green haired knight once more. He nodded his thanks, and went off back along the trail a bit, out of sight of the rest of the camp as he drew his blade from its scabbard. He began his own practicing, on his own, as he closed his eyes, letting his senses fill with what might be around. A sharp incline and decline on either side of the trail. The camp behind him, the way back to Sacae before him. He had spent far too little time in Sacae. It was a beautiful country as far as his eyes could see. He would see about returning, some day.
His blade swept forward from where he had held it defensively in front of him. Diagonal, it had been, from his right hand to his left shoulder, centered before his chest. He held it with one hand as he swept it forwards, his eyes opening as he swept the sword that way. Only air was cleaved through when the blade slashed, and then it was moved back as the blade was then thrust forward. The tip cleaved air, and Loedan knew that he'd become rusty. He was slow. His blade was weak. And he couldn't trust in his ability to finish up a battle, obviously. The brigands he had fought so far had not been very strong, as he knew that the ones he had managed to defeat could only be considered weak in comparison to most of the enemies that were to come.
Wars in Bern and Lycia provided others with enough experience to provide power renewed. Mercenaries became known as Heroes. Myrmidons became Swordmasters, Monks became Bishops. Lords became Saviors. Loedan? I am but a tactician, nothing more. No tactician in history known had ever been of use in combat, save to direct others to battle. I aspire to become more... but, what could there be that I could do, to gain the experience I desire? To be not only a man who directs others, but to fight alongside them as well?
These questions the man asked himself in his mind, his strikes becoming more graceful and swung with greater speed. An untapped resource within himself that he knew not of yet had begun to let itself be known. His mind was busy on its own as his steps took him about, his blade parrying an unknown foe. It is said that only fear itself may be feared. However, this tactician had doubts about his own abilities, his decisions. Tacticians from the guildhalls did not leave their halls unless they were ready- mentally, that is. Loedan aspired to be a combat tactician, to try and direct his troops and provide support in a way other than a simple strategist normally does.
When Loedan's blade was met by another, the sound and feeling caused him to come back to himself. It was another sword that had met his, and as his eyes found focus upon the one who had parried his strike, they widened slightly in surprise. It was Rook, and she was smiling as she usually did when she looked at him. "I see that woke you, Loedan... supper is ready." she told him, and then backed away, quickly sheathing her blade. He had no idea that she'd been trying to get his attention. Looking to the sky, he found that it was completely dark, with the stars out to shine now. He had been practicing for quite some time, obviously, and he fell in behind the plains girl.
"Your style is unusual, Loedan. They remind me of what my grandmother taught me, long ago, but different still." she told him, looking back over her shoulder to the tactician. "Almost as if you had not been trained in just a single style..." she trailed off, and Loedan chuckled softly, sheathing his blade now. Indeed, his grandfather had taught him one style, and his father had taught him another. But at this point, he needed to prove to himself that he knew what he was doing, either in combat or by directing a battle. Luck can only get a person so far, after all, before it runs out.
"Yes... I had heard that some of what I have learned about using blades came from Sacae, but the rest was taught by my father. He is a mercenary, and his swordsmanship is quite different from those who come from Sacae. I haven't seen him in quite some time, though." Loedan told her in response. He sighed softly- perhaps if he had seen his father more often, he'd not be here now? No matter; here he was, far from his home. Directing a small troop of people as they went on their way towards Caelin from Sacae. Rook stopped and turned around, the smile that had been on her face gone now as she just stepped up to him and embraced the young man.
Loedan was caught off guard as he felt her arms slip around him, but as he heard her sniffling, he couldn't help but to realize that his talking about his father had reminded her of several days ago. "I... I am sorry, Rook. I was not thinking..." he said, trying to apologize for bringing up the bad memory even as his arms moved about her waist, holding her close. She just shook her head and buried her face into his tunic, which quickly became a little moist as she cried silently. They just stood there for a few minutes before she stepped back, her arms moving from around him as she wiped her eyes off on her sleeve. Loedan took his arms from around her and she smiled a little bit.
"Thank you, Loedan." she said, watching him for a moment before turning and rushing back to camp. Loedan sighed softly, then smiled, knowing that he had done nothing really to help her save to let her have a tunic to cry on. He didn't want to see that happen to anyone else again- the pain on a person's face was far too much for him to bear. With that in mind, he walked soberly back into camp, where Kent would have been the one who had cooked tonight. The scent of roasted meat came to him, and strangely enough, it didn't smell burnt. Tonight, they would probably eat well.
That night ---
The light of the fire outside the camp had dimmed- Loedan was still awake, along with one of the soldiers and one of the mages that the merchants had hired. They were out walking around the camp while Loedan sat near the fire, looking into it. The others were already asleep, sharing the one tent they had at the moment between the three of them. He couldn't help but to keep thinking about things. What would he do once they reached Caelin? What would Rook do? And Kent? Kiri was coming with him until such time as she wished to go back to Ilia... What if he was on his own after they arrived at their destination? He knew no one in Caelin, having been isolated in Ilia for so long.
The 'what ifs' began to pop into his head, the door now thrown wide open by the doubt he had allowed in. What if he neglected a small detail in battle and it turned out to be a deadly mistake? What would happen if Kent died? If Rook died? What if Kiri took off, became a mercenary, and they were reunited later in life, as enemies? What if they were ambushed again by some group as they went along the mountain pass towards Araphen, where they would emerge from the mountains?
With a sigh, the tactician shook his head and looked to the sky. Mother Earth and Father Sky, please protect my friends, he thought, a silent prayer offered up for the protection of his friends. As a tactician, he had little knowledge of his own worth in battle, save that his directions could kill any of his friends that he would be ordering into battle. He couldn't afford to place his friends on the line to protect himself. They had no cause to fight, save to keep themselves alive against attacks made against them. There was no Nergal, no morphs to defeat. No dragons to kill, no deadly warlord attempting to enslave the continent. Instead, there was self defense against bandits. He was an apprentice tactician during peaceful times, and he liked that.
It was proving to himself that he could do his chosen job if required that frightened him. There were far too few battles and wars that could season a tactician into a respectable man or woman that could lead the troops under his or her direction. The strength of a tactician lay within his people's abilties. Tacticians were known for keeping their people alive, or not, as the case may be. For daring to throw people into the wind and expect them to strike at the opponent in the hopes of defeating them, despite the cost. Loedan was of the train of thought that keeping his people alive at any cost was worth any risk... even his own life. If he could, he would provide his friends the vulneraries required to heal any wound, to take a strike meant for another.
He had done so once or twice already, and paid the price. The second time had nearly been his death, as he rushed a trio of brigands to keep them away from Kiri and Rook. Though a death-fearing man, he knew that if it was required of him, he would sacrifice himself to save an ally. "By Elimine, let such a thing never happen." he said aloud, though quietly, to the fire as he looked back to its dimming light. He used his blade to reach into the fire and move the embers about somewhat, pushing unburnt wood into the middle. Soon, he sheathed the blade, still cool, and pulled out his grandfather's diary, reading from it a passage or two further along in the book than he had been yesterday.
Tactician's Diary ---
Day 9
We were attacked again last night. Bandits came pouring from all directions as we holed up inside an abandoned fort that Sain and Wil found. Inside, we found a woman named Natalie who was searching for her husband. A fighter named Dorcas, and we would soon find him much easier than his wife might have thought. He needed money in order to help his wife, whose legs were in dire need of special healing, but the cost of the services would be quite expensive. Turns out that he was one of the bandits that we fought against, though thanks to Lyn's quick recognition, we managed to convince him to join us.
Everyone became a bit more experienced that day, as we held the fort, so to speak, while Dorcas and Lyn made their way to the leader of the bandits and slayed him quickly. Our knights held the main entrance to the fort while Wil protected the west wall from being destroyed by the bandits that were attempting to bring it down. Florina was sent to the east side of the wall, and flew over the trees nearby as the bandits' mercenaries appeared, one by one. She was becoming quite the tough little pegasus knight now, everyone could tell, as I paid careful attention to the girl. If the bandits had come up with any archers in that area, I would have needed to get her out of there. Fortunately for us all, none arrived with the reinforcements that simply poured in.
She even, finally, came up to me to talk. After an introduction from her that lasted 10 minutes of stammering, I motioned for the girl to simply have a seat on my bedroll. I had been busy taking inventory of the items we had, as well as keeping sure as to our monetary situation before she came in, and as usual, I am becoming quite tired. I asked her to lie down on her back on the bed, and she did so, seeming to relax a bit. Then, she finally opened up (after about 15 more minutes, mind you), and told me that she was glad that I was leading the group, that I would give her a chance to protect her friend. I simply told her that I was glad she decided to join us, and that she could protect her friend no matter what my orders were, as long as it was necessary at the time. I also asked her to respect my judgment on these matters, for though I am only a student of military strategy, I do have the ability to see the battlefield better than anyone else in the group. She replied that she does understand me, and that she would do that.
She began to fall asleep, and I kissed her forehead before saying goodnight to the knight. She fell asleep quickly, and I walked out of the tent and over towards Kent, who was serving as a night watch. Together, we kept watch for several hours into the night quietly, before he went to get Wil to take over the watch. Dorcas, I found later on, and we talked for a while before he suggested that he come with us. I told him that I would be happy if he would join the group, but that he would need to speak with Lyn in the morning. I was restless, and found myself near the fire as it burned, looking up to the stars. I have been getting less and less sleep these days... just what shall I do, if I am burned out? I could hear Sain speaking of an inn not too far away- I shall have to order the group to rest there for a day, if possible. Though I must say, I certainly hope that he doesn't get drunk.
Day 12
Well, I was right. Sain had calmed down considerably, though he couldn't wait to get to the inn we are staying in this night. I couldn't blame him, really, and neither could anyone except Kent. He hadn't even attempted to seduce Florina or Lyn since yesterday... but then again, we received another pair of travelers within our growing group. Erk is a mage- pretty good kid, really. Maybe no more than 15 or 16 years old? No matter, he is much more mature than his companion is. Serra. I was once told, by my mother before she died years ago, that if one cannot say something nice about another, then the smartest tactical decision was to say nothing at all.
However, though I will not say it, I will write it in this book. She is without a doubt, the most annoying, self-centered woman I have ever met. She believes that though she is a cleric, that she is better than others since she is religiously working for Elibe to heal others. So why would she say that she would not charge money to heal Erk, for free? Truly, if Erk had even a slightly shorter amount of patience within his body, he would use his Fire tome to either smack her upside the head or to cast the spell itself to get her to simply shut up. Fortunately, though I hate to say it, Sain has come around to begin working on Serra. The two seem to have hit it off, though I somehow doubt that Sain will ever consider her seriously to court her.
Erk was happy to be in the company of people who are much more... calm, shall I say? He has been speaking with Lyn for a while now, and the two seem to get along quite nicely. Florina has been casting glances at me as well, as if she wants to say something but cannot bring herself to do so. I wonder what she wishes to say to me? I think tomorrow, if we are not attacked by bandits again, I will go to ask her what she would wish to speak of. The strain of these battles is getting to me now that I have more people to order about the battle field. I can tell that my skill is improving, but I shall have to learn more to become stronger, as Lyn wants to be. I think we shall need to hurry, soon.
By Elimine... I just had a run in with Serra. She barged into my tent and demanded to be allowed to sleep in the same tent as Lady Lyndis, instead of with her 'escort', Erk. As Lyn and I share this particular tent, as we have since first we met, I had to deny her request, and tell her that she would be better off sleeping with her escort, rather than with Lyn. She simply stormed out, and I can't help but to feel sorry for Erk, who would likely not obtain sleep of any sort as a result of the woman's mood. Mother Earth and Father Sky... tell me she's a monk and not a cleric? How could such a woman be a healer? At least now I can say that Sain will at last have a receptive ear for his advances.
---
After reading this little bit from the diary, he closed the book and sighed again. Then, with heavy steps, the young tactician headed to the tent to bring himself to sleep once more. Crawling into the bedroll and setting the book beside him, Loedan's eyes closed and he was soon asleep. Unfortunately, he began to dream of a time when Serra was belittling him and attempting to get her way. It was such a nightmare... would it never end?
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Author's Note: Yeah, I know, another non-active chapter. Can't have fights everyday... right? Right? Anyway, I'm hoping that I'll get more reviews with these two chapters up, so please leave a review! I may also post the full 'Lyn's Story' diary as well, after I've finished with the different journal entries in the first chapters of this fic. I've actually finished that part of the diary... hehe.