Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews, everyone. Red Mage Neko, I think you know which character you helped to make that appeared in the last chapter. The addition of Heath was last minute, I admit, but he'll make a good plot device. Of course, I'm fairly certain that it's pretty obvious as to what's going on by now regarding certain characters. I plan on having an entire story plot regarding the character's backgrounds available soon (I've already got all the characters introduced so far, minus the bandits. This includes Kent and Heath, of course). Suggestions for characters will be taken, but please send them in e-mails. As for Heath, I know the game calls them Wyvern Lords, not Wyvern Generals. Personally, the term 'Lord' should apply to an actual 'Lord.' One last thing- I think Rock's gonna send me to hell. Him or Roll. I just know it.
---
It was the middle of the next day when the group was ready to go. The night before, a large bonfire had been constructed around the fallen Wyvern, and the rider's body was set into the middle. A fire was started around the dead wyvern rider by the mage, and the departed wyvern rider was soon reduced to ashes. That night, Loedan had given an account of their journey so far- leaving Ilia to go to the plains, Kiri and Loedan's first battle. The second battle, the following day, after meeting Kiri and Kent. Loedan's near-death experience from that battle. Their traveling to Bulgar, and then from Bulgar and across the mountains. And then Kent told them of how Kiri and himself had found themselves helping Laine and Mahri.
Then Loedan told them of how he and Rook had found themselves under attack as well. He left out Rook's lack of control, of course, when she had attacked her trio of brigands. Then he'd found Kiri and the mage, and they'd been found by a cavalier after Kiri and Laine had been healed. It had taken all three of them to take down that cavalier, but they had managed to defeat the man. Heath sat beside his wyvern, Hyperion, as he listened. Mahri sat beside her grandfather, listening intently to the combined stories as she stroked the muzzle of her wyvern.
The general seemed to be surprised at Loedan's story, but just smiled a little bit before shaking his head. Certainly, this boy was his grandfather's family, he thought to himself. Mark always seemed to have a knack for dealing with the battles that they'd found themselves in constantly. This boy was doing something almost entirely new though, not only directing battles but joining in them as well. The woman he had traveled with... Kiri seemed somewhat familiar as well. Daughter to one of the pegasus knights that had been traveling with the old troop? Quite possible. The color of her hair pointed his thoughts in Fiora's direction, for she had been the one that would most likely have ever settled down with a husband.
Rook... the general wasn't entirely sure what to make of her. Granddaughter of Lyn, one of the few survivors of the Lorca clan. He hardly knew Lyn at all, for he had never really been stationed beside the young woman during their battles. His thoughts had, at the time, been too focused upon his honor, but for good reason, of course. Rook was a pretty girl, one that he would have wished to get to know better, if he was young again. But now, he had to go by what he knew of her, and from Loedan's accounts, she was a very good fighter. A much better swordsman than the tactician, obviously.
---
Mahri sat beside her grandfather, happy to be with her grandfather for the first time in her entire life. She had awaited this day for years, ever since she was a young child. She had been told about Lady Lyndis and her group, Wil's affectionately named Lyndis' Legions. She had heard all the tales about them, of when Kent, her grandfather, first met Caelin's real claim to fame in Elibe. The wielder of her family's crest, the Mani Katti, and the Sol Katti.
And not only did she get to meet him, but others who were families of the others who had gone on that quest! Kiri was Fiora's daughter- and according to her and Kent, she was almost a spitting image of the beautiful and serious knight herself. Rook was Lady Lyndis' granddaughter- a direct descendant of the house of Hausen. One who could actually be the leader of Caelin! But she was a simple girl from the plains, with no actual plans at the moment. Mahri had been saddened to hear about what had happened to her parents on the plains, about a week ago.
Then there was Loedan. Something of a mix between a tactician and a mercenary, it seemed. She like him- he was quiet, maybe a little moody. There was something about him that intrigued the girl, to say the least. From what she had heard Commander Heath say, and then to have it backed up by her own grandfather, he was of the Tactician's line! It was enough to leave her in awe of the young man for the remainder of the night. He was always looking around, his eyes sometimes lingering upon the funeral pyre that was burning- though really, the flames were gone and the embers began to die down as well.
There was something unusual about the boy, she considered. He was... distant. He was nice enough when spoken to, and was obviously honest with his answers, but more often than not, when he was not being addressed, she caught him gazing either at the pyre or to the sky. Something troubled the lad, it seemed. But, should she ask him about it? She sighed, looking to her wyvern as it rested its head in her lap. The young serpent was obviously tired and perhaps a little cold, and so wished to be near where the heat was to be found.
In her mind, she remembered the day's fighting. There had been nothing that could be done about the other wyvern rider- he had been hired recently by Caelin. She'd hardly known him, but seeing him die had sent her into a frenzy. Swooping into battle as she did, against archers and a shaman, had been folly, no doubt about it. Not even her grandfather could approve of such recklessness. But she had anyway, and went on the offensive to deal death back to those who had sought it of her. Where had Commander Heath gone?
Ah, yes. He'd been given a message for the marquess of Araphen from the current Marquess of Caelin, and had gone to deliver it. It was not exactly normal to leave three members of Caelin's guards outside the city, but as most Wyvern Riders these days were mercenaries or still serving as part of Bern's army, it was rare that they were allowed within a city that bars the entrance of most 'unusual' outsiders. Araphen had extended its policy from simply barring the nomads of Sacae from entering, to those who come from Bern or even Ilia. Only people from from Lycia were allowed within the city walls, save for those on official business as Commander Heath had been.
The girl's gaze moved back to Loedan now, her interest coming back as she tried to forget about Araphen once more. She was pulled against Kent's side, and giggled as the old paladin gave her a hug. She was very happy today, even though her comrade in arms had been killed. She simply hadn't seen her grandfather ever before, and now was glad to meet him. His armor did not possess the symbol of their family, she noticed- it was the same armor that he'd had since before his battles against Nergal. His shield itself, however, had the symbol instead, and the Mani Katti symbol was also on the top of his helm that was set beside the old man.
---
And so the evening went, old stories being told anew by all present. Heath couldn't help but to watch Loedan carefully, feeling as if he knew where certain features of the boy had come from... He knew that Mark had been his grandfather, thanks to Kent's introduction of the young man, but the grandmother must have been someone he had known somehow. It was rather confusing to the wyvern general, and Heath was fairly certain he knew who the grandmother must have been. If he was right, then perhaps he might be able to inform the boy when the time presented itself to be correct.
The next day ---
Loedan was standing watch in the early hours of the morning. He was the only one not asleep at this point, and as such, had taken it upon himself to get a breakfast going. His pack held that which he would need most when cooking- flat metal surface for cooking on, a large knife only good for cooking, not for stabbing armor, and a fork that he could use to move that which he would cook upon the metal surface. Right now, the fire was building and the plate was set on top of the heated embers, flames coming up along the different sides. Salted meat was taken from a smaller pack that he'd had with him, and within moments bacon began to fry upon the metal sheet.
Then, he took potatos from a small piled that he had found, and cut off all the roots that had escaped from within it before cutting them in half and placing them on the board as well. The grease from the bacon sizzled as the vegetables made contact, and he smiled a little, watching as the bacon started to actually grow smaller from the heat of the fire and the metal itself. He heard a pair of growls from nearby, and Loedan turned to see Hyperion and Sterra watching him as he cooked. As creatures of habit, they had smelled the scent of meat coming from the fire and had found it, he thought, even as he grinned. "No, my friends, these are not for you. I believe your riders have your food." he told them, and Hyperion simply growled at those words.
Loedan remembered a story that his grandfather had told him about Hyperion. He'd eaten much of the stores of food one time, though none knew that had happened save for Heath himself and Priscilla. How had his grandfather known about it, at the time? Well, the wyvern wound up coughing some of its ill-gotten food onto his tent after a small war in the beast's stomach. The tent never was quite the same after that, but Heath had sworn the tactician to secrecy over that. With a sigh, he lopped off two fair-sized chunks from the bacon and threw them both a piece. Hyperion nabbed the first piece from the air and began chewing on it, even as Sterra chomped down on the second piece that had been thrown.
A giggle came from the direction of one of the Caelin tents, and Loedan gazed over, idly turning the bacon on the metal as well as several of the vegetables. He found Kent's granddaughter coming closer from that direction, and he had to wonder if he had woken her up. "I apologize, milady, if I woke you." he said to the woman, for she seemed older than he was. To that she shook her head and came up close to see what was being made.
"Such a meager amount... Here, go hunt, and I will watch what is cooking, milord." she said, taking the knife and fork from him and then pushing the tactician out of the way lightly. He grinned and bowed to her, heading towards the woods to start his own hunt for elusive prey- meat of some sort, that would fill the belly of all in the camp, including the wyverns. Was there possibly such game to be found in this forest, so soon after the battle that had taken place?
---
It was about an hour later that he returned, almost empty handed. Mahri stood at the plate still, though now it was cooling off as it said beside the fire and not on it. The meat had finished cooking, fortunately. The wyvern rider looked over to the man who had just returned and smiled as she saw what dangled from his hand. It was a very large bird, of a variety that she had not seen for quite a while. "A turkey? I did not know there were many in this forest!" she commented, even as he grinned slightly.
"Aye... well, this will have to do for now. There is little game in this area, thanks to that battle that we waged but yesterday." he replied, sighing softly. The bird wasn't all that heavy, but it had been a long haul back from where he had found it. "And now, I shall have to feather the bird before we can cook it." he said, and dragged the bird towards the fire a bit closer before he started plucking feathers from the headless bird. It had been cleaved off, the Mahri could see. The things gave out so much noise when struck that it was said that it continued to make that noise once the head was cut off. Fortunately, that is not the case.
"Ah... let me help you, milord." came her voice, and Loedan looked up to her, smiling softly as he nodded to her. He grabbed the quills of the bird and pulled downwards and then up, the feathers coming out easily enough. Still, there were many more to take off the downed beast, but between the two, it was not long before the bird was basically naked, bereft of any feathers that would otherwise make it look like the bird that once it had been.
"My thanks, lady Mahri." Loedan said to her, smiling as he takes his blade out. And down lengthwise it sliced along the bird's body, cutting the remains of the bird in half. Then, as he took out a cloth and put the already cooked food inside, he set one slab of bird onto the plate. After packing the cooked meat away, he set the other half of the bird onto the plate, and then lifted up and onto the fire once more. With a sigh, he wiped his brow, the heat getting to him rather easily. When he saw Mahri look at him as if she was rather amused, he chuckled softly. "Well, I am from Ilia. You should have seen me when we were in Sacae!"
This brought laughter not only from Mahri, but from Kent as well, who came from his tent with a smile on his face. "Good morning to you Loedan, and you as well, my granddaughter." he said to them, coming close to give the young woman a hug in greeting. Loedan was surprised to see the man so physical with another, but then again, they are family. Loedan felt a twinge of regret- he hadn't anyone at home that he could be so familiar with. Not since his grandfather had left the house, years ago. Not even his own father had greeted him so warmly before. Mahri looked happy, and smiled as she returned the embrace.
This seemed to wake everyone else, from Kent's voice, and the sounds of those who had been asleep now waking up emerged from the tents. With a small smile, Loedan turned to continue watch the bird as it cooked. No need to burn it, right?
Midday ---
The bird had been well-done by the time everyone was awake, and portions were spread out. Cooked bacon, potato, and turkey for everyone. Loedan, however, had not been very hungry, and found himself wandering along the outskirts of the camp. His steps were slow, his mind weighed down by thoughts of what Heath had said to him. What had the man meant by those words? "You have your grandfather's blood in you... As well as that of another I believe I know as well." he muttered under his breath. Was there some hidden meaning behind those words that Heath had uttered, or was he simply worrying too much about it?
"A coin for your thoughts, milord Loedan?" came a voice, and Loedan stopped short, looking up to see the Wyvern General watching him. Loedan shook his head slowly, smiling a little bit to the older man. Just the man that the tactician did not want to talk to at the moment, of course. It usually wound up like this, after all. Perhaps he should begin to bet with the others in the camp regarding this sort of thing?
"That may be all they are worth at the moment, milord Heath. I am simply considering your words from yesterday." he replied, as politely but honestly as he could. The man nodded to Loedan, and smiled a little. Loedan was not sure if he was amused or just surprised that the tactician was brooding over his cryptic remark, but hoped that he would not leave him in the dark as to the meaning behind his comment, if indeed there was one to be found.
"All shall become clear with time, my friend. Time reveals many things... including the ancient archsage Athos." Heath said, and Loedan chuckled softly. The general was a man with a sense of humor, obviously
"Yes, but I must hope I should not need to wait over a thousand years to have the answer revealed to me." was Loedan's reply, to which both men laughed. The tactician still wanted to know what Heath meant, but as the wyvern general walked away, he kinda got the impression that he'd have to wait again before getting any more of a hint from the old man. There were several things he'd like to ask- perhaps he could while they were on the march. For instance, what was Caelin like? Kent didn't talk about it too much, and what he did speak about had been about 20 years ago or so.
---
"Loedan? Everyone is ready to be off. Are you ready to go?" Kiri told the boy as she came over on her winged steed. Hewn snorted, seemingly wanting to get going as well now. Rook was behind her, the girls arms wrapped about the waist of the rider as she smiled over Kiri's shoulder to the tactician. Loedan nodded to them, smiling a little, and then started towards the group that was just about ready to go. It looked like most everyone was packed up and ready, fortunately. Kent had the mage set up behind him, so Loedan's normal ride was taken. Who would he be riding with, if with anyone, he wondered? A soft cry came from Sterra as her rider urged her forward, towards Loedan, and then had her sit down beside Loedan.
"Come, milord, we must be off." Mahri told him, and she extended a gloved hand down to the young man. Loedan was surprised, to say the least, at this development. Still, he nodded and took the woman's hand, letting a mutual pull of their arms bring him up behind the rider. His arms immediately went around her waist, and he felt the woman stiffen for a moment before relaxing again. Finally, Heath took off, winging into the air thanks to Hyperion, and Hewn was not far behind. Sterra was next, and then Kent wheeled his steed about to continue along the trail that led southward.
The plan was to bypass Araphen to the west by traveling far enough south, and then head west towards Caelin. With the mountain behind them and a steady breeze bringing some turbulence, they moved. Loedan was not so sure about his seating upon the back of the wyvern, however. He had never been on the back of a wyvern before, to tell the truth, and as such knew not how to move while on one's back. It seemed that the one before him could tell, thanks to the turns she made with the wyvern to glide upon the wind. He shivered a little- a bit cooler up here than it had been back in Sacae, obviously.
Still, he hung in there, and soon had the motions down as to how the wyvern moved when in flight. The muscles were strong and the great beast was obviously quite maneuverable. Almost as maneuverable as a Pegasus, but far too strong to be quite as agile. The beast also, from notes he had read that had been written by his grandfather, could not take magical attacks nearly as well as Pegasi could. Pegasi were mystical beasts, whereas the Wyverns used their strength to give them their abilities.
Now he could tell for himself that his grandfather had been correct with his notes. Loedan would have to be sure to keep any wyvern rider away from any magic users if at all possible. The great beast shifted upwards slightly as a draft took them higher, and then he thought he heard laughter before Sterra started a nose dive towards the ground. The speed was astounding, and when Loedan caught sight of the trees below, couldn't help it as his arms wound up tighter about the wyvern rider's waist. His hands clenched at his own arms as he felt himself begin to lift somewhat from the back of the wyvern, and he had to fight the urge to clench down on the wyvern's body with his legs. Mahri grinned, though Loedan could not see that, and then brought Sterra back up to level out, just above the treetops.
"Thank Mother Earth and Father Sky," he told himself under his breath, eyes closed as he swallowed back what remained of his breakfast before he could show the entire region what he had had to eat. Laughter erupted from the side, and warily, he slowly turned his head to the right and found the origin of the laughing. Heath, Kiri, and Rook were there, flying alongside them. They had obviously been watching during the whole time, and Loedan knew he must have looked sickly from the way they were looking at him. Heath was laughing heartily, while Kiri and Rook were giggling. "I shall never live this down." he said quietly to no one in particular, his grip finally relaxing upon Mahri as he sighed softly, looking to the treetops below them.
3 hours later ---
A halt had been called by Kent- the ride towards Caelin had been a rough one for him, since he was on the ground. They all settled near an old fort, long past useful and now only ruins, as Kent lay upon the ground, with his eyes closed. He was breathing heavily, for some reason rather fatigued. Heath came over, not astride Hyperion, and checked him out carefully. Loedan watched as the wyvern general checked the man's pulse and lungs with his fingers set to various positions. There was no known reason for it, the man decided. Unless he had been attacked in the woods, but the mage that had ridden with the paladin said that they hadn't seen anyone at all.
"Hmm... If I did not know better, he looks as if he may be poisoned." Loedan commented as he walked from Sterra and over to the old paladin. Mahri wasn't quite as calm- she'd just met her grandfather, and was rather worried about the old man. Family was family, no matter how little one knew the other. Loedan knew that much was certainly true. She knelt beside her grandfather, who opened his eyes and smiled with a gentleness in his eyes that Loedan was sure he had never seen such an expression before. They spoke, and Mahri nodded to her grandfather before standing up slowly. Loedan walked over to see Kent for himself, the wyvern general looking through his belongings to find something.
"Milord. I fear 'tis not poison that ails me, but age itself. If I should fail to return to Caelin... please, grant this old retainer a last request. Watch over my granddaughter and Rook." he said, and Loedan shook his head, barely restraining tears that threatened to seep out from his eyes. This tough old paladin, die? From old age? Not likely. The man would die in honorable battle or in his sleep, of this the tactician was absolutely sure.
"Kent, you were, and always will be, a stubborn man. My grandfather said as much in his diary. You will see this task through, and I will make sure of it, even should I need to hold you steady upon your very horse." Loedan replied, to which Kent laughed weakly before degenerating into a coughing fit. Heath just smiled slightly at those words, knowing them to be true. He had seen the cavalier, and then paladin later, as he protected the Lady Lyndis as well as the others of their troop. He had taken hit after hit, but continued to defend. After Wallace, one could say that the Paladin was the true 'Crag of Caelin.'
"Well said, milord, but I am also a man who recognizes limitation. At my age, I am nearly more trouble than I am worth. Almost... I believe I told Sain as much one time, too. Funny, that I would say such about myself, after so long." he said, and Loedan smiled. Heath grinned too, but soon both tactician and wyvern general were helping the old man to his feet. Kent was breathing easier now after a rest, and then Mahri came over, helping the two by going to Loedan's side to keep the old man standing straight as they manuevered him to his horse's saddle. Up he went, with both Mahri and Heath's help, Loedan unable to reach all that high thanks to his height, but able to keep the paladin steady before coming up behind him to help keep him upright.
Kiri and Rook watched on from the back of Kiri's Pegasus, and Rook was practically crying. This man, she had known for years- had been part of the family. She had called him uncle often, and considered him to be such. But now, she knew that her uncle did not lie. Though not a man of Sacae, the paladin could not lie. It was a breach of honor to do so, and honor was something that kept him from many things in life. He had not much of a life, following his duties to the very end as he always had done. As he would always do. If his name held any power within Caelin these days, perhaps something could be done for him. Surely there was someone within the territory who could help ease any pain he might have?
On the march, several hours later ---
They rode on now, at a slower pace than before. Loedan now rode behind Kent, helping the old knight to stay upright in the saddle as they travelled at an easy pace. Hewn was beside them, not traveling through the air for two reasons. The first was simple: Rook had asked that they stay closer to her grandfather. The second was from Kiri- she wanted to keep an eye on the man who may have become her father a long time ago. Fiora would be saddened to hear of Kent's deteriorating state, and her daughter would be sure to send a message to the halls regarding their progress, the state of the lands that they had passed through, and regarding Kent for her mother to learn.
Heath had the mage sitting behind him now, and both wyvern general and rider were aloft, gliding on a little ways ahead of the small group. There were mountains around them now as the shifted southwards, following the valley that would lead them towards Castle Caelin. Loedan held now no doubts that they would reach the castle in time for Kent to see it again, but also knew that travelling in this area at night would be folly. Heath and Mahri knew this better than he, of course, and Mahri was sent down to inform them that they would be stopping at a small hall that the Marquess kept in the northern reaches of the territory, where they could rest for the final march to the castle.
It was another hour later, when darkness approached and the sun itself shied away from it, that they reached the hall. It was a large place, almost a village unto itself thanks to the many houses that surrounded the area. No shops, however, and that was unfortunate. At the very least, if there had been a town nearby, they could have restocked supplies and eaten fresh food today. But no, the few people who had watched them pass by simply were too busy preparing the fields. None but the oldest would remember the battles between the Lady Lyndis' and Lundgren's forces, many years ago. Few even knew of Heath and fewer of Mahri, but the lord Kent had been gone from the country for so long that only the very oldest would remember the old paladin.
They stayed there for the night, Heath volunteering himself, Laine, and Mahri for night guard duty. Kent was set upon a cot that had been found in the hall, and made as comfortable as possible. Without his armor on, he did not look his age in the slightest. Still strong but now somewhat wiry, the knight rested on the cot, his eyes closed and his breathing light as he slept. Loedan watched over the man, with Rook and Mahri as well. They were his family, and he had no right to be here, but as he went to leave, both girls took his arms and made him sit between them as all three kept watch over the old paladin.
Loedan pulled out his book, grandfather's journal. Rook and Mahri each held a candle close to the book so he could read, and he did, speaking aloud words written long ago by his grandfather during his first journey with Lyndis and her 'Legion.' He knew that his grandfather would approve of this, that he would want his old companion to remember the old times, times that had provided life and action to the old man. Mahri and Rook listened as the tactician read aloud several passages from the book.
Tactician's Log ---
Day 17
The day started out fine. Erk commented that he got a full night's rest. Wil went hunting. Lyn practiced her sword techniques. Serra complained about sleeping on the ground and not getting enough sleep. The normal morning rituals. Matthew had since told me that he knew who Serra was, and he obviously couldn't stand the girl any more than anyone else possibly could. Once everything was packed again, we headed off once more.
Should've known that there is no such day as a free one. We were met by a young boy, no more than maybe 10 years of age, if that, as we attempted to go through a village. But when the boy told us his sister was abducted, well, Lyn took charge of the whole expedition. Of course, even Sain was willing to do something to save the boy's sister as well. The boy is a bard, and his flute seems to work some sort of magic on whoever he plays for... a strange little tune, one I had never heard a bard play before. It was unfortunate that we began to face an enemy called a shaman- a magic user who uses Elder magic, if I remember the term correctly, to defeat Anima magic.
Elimine be praised, for we obtained the services of a monk who wished to help the boy. The boy's name is Nils (such pale hair and skin. Where is he from exactly? Ilia?), and the monk's name is Lucius. I sent Florina southward to scout past the mountains- she came back with a few scratches obtained by fighting a Shaman that she found there. As a result of that and the number of brigands that she had seen as well, I kept her in the back line. I had Rath and Sain sit this battle out, for they had been injured slightly in the last battle in Araphen.
We defeated our foe, only to find that the lad's sister was nowhere to be found... At least, not until a red-haired stranger in garb befitting only nobility showed up with a pale haired young woman in his arms. And when it was learned that he was the sone of the Marquess of Pherae, I was rather impressed. He seemed to be a nice enough person, and I would have like to speak with him a few moments longer than I had. However, news came to my attention from Lyn that some ring called Nini's Grace had been stolen from the girl. I took a look at my notes regarding our equipment, and found that we could easily stand a day or two worth of marching, and another battle, to reclaim the stolen item for Ninian.
Day 19
We gave pursuit to the ones who stole Ninian's ring, and soon found ourselves at a rather old fortress, obviously abandoned over time. But from the tracks that Wil and Lyn had managed to follow, the thieves were inside somewhere. The inside provided our group with an advantage- they could only defend themselves by attack one of us in a one-on-one confrontation. They did have a few mages and archers, but nothing that Kent could not handle.
When we defeated their leader, I was very disturbed that the man commited suicide rather than be left alive, as Lyn had promised to leave him if he left the children alone. Kent was certainly right about this man, he must be a part of a well organized group of some sort. We took the ring and quickly headed west, to try and get to Lady Lyn's grandfather before it was too late. I certainly hope that we can make it there quickly... Lyn is becoming very anxious. Not even Florina can get too close to the girl now, and they are best friends! If this keeps up, I shall have to keep Lyn from entering another battle until she relaxes a little.
What was that? Oh... it seems that Sain was attempting to flirt with Ninian just now, and the crack I heard was simply Nils' spare flute being broken over the poor knight's skull. Caelin knights are made of very stern stuff, I have learned... and this particular knight knew nothing other than to try and win the hearts of the few maidens that have joined our group. On the other hand, I cannot blame the poor fool for being smitten with the pale beauty of Nils' sister. There's something unusual about these two siblings... and I do not mean the color of their hair and skin. Mayhaps I am simply imagining things. I had better go check on our equipment now, I believe some of our weapons are finally becoming too well used to be used much longer.
Day 20
No longer heading south, we change our destination to the west, to Castle Caelin. However, it now seems as if our coming is known by Lundgren, for he has managed to employ, of all things, a siege engine against Lyn and her legion. Oh no... I just called our group what Wil calls it. Ah well, I suppose it was inevitable.
This was a brutal battle. Most of the enemies were equipped with weaponry that caused the strengths and weaknesses of weapons to be switched. Those who used lances had what is called an Axereaver, others had Swordreavers and still others had Lancereavers. And for fear of the ballista (as I also had fear of a ballista. If the user had targeted myself, I know not if I could have dodged it in time), I had to do as Sain suggested (amazing how he can come in useful at times) and kept Florina out of he battle. At least Nils and Ninian's special ability to sense danger enabled them to warn Lyn before she could be run through by the giant bolt. Though I am grateful for it, that is just another one of those things that I just can't explain as to why they would have such an ability.
Fortunately, the abundance of forests in this battle made the archer manning the ballista unable to fire with any reasonable accuracy at all. It did manage to barely graze Kent once when he was caught in the open (a mistake on my part, unfortunately), but a quick visit (and for everyone in camp, any visit with Serra is just that, if possible) to our resident cleric found him to be good as new within a moment's time. Then he was back out to the front of the battle with Sain, who was holding up on his own surprisingly well. It was Dorcas who did the majority of the work, however, since most of the enemies had lances.
Day 21
This day we met with Eliwood again in an effort to keep Lundgren from gaining reinforcements from the other nations of the Lycian League. With their support, the mad man would likely be able to keep Lyn from reachign her grandfather. The young son of the Marquess of Pherae continues to impress, first saving Ninian from the black-cloaked people and then by keeping the other nations neutral during our conflict with him. Florina was impressed enough to thank the man personally... of course, it took twenty minutes, but she did manage it. Eliwood, of course, did not laugh, though I was positive that he would later on. It took all my skill and patience to keep myself from laughing aloud right then and there!
Lyn pulled me aside after our meeting with the young lord. She told me that she wanted me to stay by her side from now on, instead of directing the battle from a safe corner. The look in her eyes told of worry and shame that she could not have been counted on to simply watch over me carefully. I told her that I would go with her, if she wished, but I did not want to make her more of a target than she already was while in battle. If they got her, they would get me as well, after all. Then she did something I didn't expect in the slightest. She just clasped my arm with both hands and pressed to me, holding me in place as she just stayed there. I could do naught but turn to her and embrace the young girl. She was frightened, and as I was the one she had met before all this, had brought me back from where I likely would have died, I was indebted to her.
I would not leave her until after this battle of hers was over. I told her this as I held the young woman close, and she looked up, grateful to me for my words. It was then that she stepped back, away from me, and then wandered back towards where everyone else was. I think that if Sain had been there, he would have said something that would have made me want to run his own lance through his stomach and add a twist afterwards. It was the most tender moment in my life, and I will treasure it always.
It was shortly after this that we found ourselves in another battle, and then 'he' found us. A bald man with silver armor. A Knight. His name is Wallace, and his attitude made me cringe. Of course, he was about twice the size of even Kent, and much more muscular. He'd trained both Kent and Sain, and it seemed that the man is hell-bent on training everyone else in the troop who uses weapons. Dorcas seemed to pass his inspection, though now he seems to be trying to torture Wil. At least he hasn't... ah, drat.
Wallace found me and attempted to put me through some sort of physical training. Wil had been stuck doing push ups as well, but as soon as we found ourselves stuck, we were rescued by Kent and Sain. Thank Elimine for those two- I will not begrudge our lout ever again. Wil and I struck a bargain- if I can keep Wallace away from him, then Wil will do our hunting every day and do the cooking. As he seems to be a better cook than anyone else (other than myself, it seems. Sain is barely passable, and Kent can only do a few things. Lyn's cooking is alright, though suited mostly for stews. Little Florina has yet to cook for us- she's too jumpy to keep at it), I readily agreed to his terms.
Florina and Erk have been spending more time with one another lately. As such, I can often hear Serra's voice even over the clanking of Wallace's armor as he runs around the camp, as he does to keep himself training to keep in shape. I don't know what exactly they have been doing, but it is nice to see the girl opening up to more men than just myself and Wil. She speaks of her sister Fiora, who she says is a lot like Kent. Another duty and honor-bound knight? Well, I can't say that it would be preferable to Sain's flirting, but at least it would provide another person interested in keeping us safe at night. As it is, Kent and I spend most of our time at night on watch, while the rest of the troop sleeps. Though, I must admit, Lyn has been having Sain take over watch duty at night so I can get some rest. For some reason, I cannot sleep as long as I used to. Must be the travelling life getting to me.
Day 23
Finally, after nearly a month of travel, we are at the foothills of Caelin. Lundgren would pull out all the possible reinforcements that he has left from his own forces in an effort to stop us. As such, we spent all day yesterday preparing. Old weapons that I could break over my knee (only Lyn's very used sword and one of the iron lances fit into this category), I threw away. I had Erk, Lucius, and Serra go over their magical tomes and staff, and they seemed to be well. I distributed the remaining vulneraries to everyone, including Rath and Wallace, the two most unapproachables in the group.
The impending battle was thick in the air as we rested. None knew if any of the others would die the today. Apprehension had ceased our mages and Wil, his ever-present smile gone as he checked his bow for imperfections, and practiced his aim. Lyn and I practiced, she using her Mani Katti and I used Sain's iron sword. Her speed astounds me still, and though I could not even provide a proper training, I did give her a good work out. My own defense against even her speed was considerable... I suppose that explains why I am usually slow moving, save for when it came to keeping up with Lyn. Florina and Kent came over to provide further training for her, and I retired to the tent to take a nap. Lyn's request, of course, for I knew that I should be doing other things instead of resting.
The battle begun, and with everyone healthy and rested, we proceeded to go into battle. The rain slowed things down, the weather turning bad every so often as we rushed through the remaining defenses of Lyn's granduncle. Kent and Sain swept through soldiers, archers, and mercenaries. Lucius and Erk took out the few magic users that Lundgren had employed. Dorcas found an Energy Ring in the nearby town, and I had him give it to Lyndis, who used the item. The ring vanished, and she was stronger because of its effects.
It came down to Lyn and Lundgren, as I had known it would. As she knew it would be. Kent and Sain each traded blows with the powerful General, and then I sent in Lyn to deal with him. She wanted it this way, had wanted it since learning that that which had befallen Lord Hausen was not illness, but poison. They traded attacks- Lyn's Mani Katti struck through his armor, and her speed allowed her to avoid his counter attack with a Silver Lance. It was immediately afterwards, when Lundgren threw his lance out, that I saw that Lyn hadn't been ready after his feint- the spear was coming straight towards her! Immediately, I threw her to the ground, falling with her. The lance hit not the girl but me, though the tip did miss me. The length of the wood struck instead, and caused me a glancing blow, knocking me to the ground.
Matthew was over to help me to my feet afterwards, after the battle had been done. Lyn was there too, and the three of us went to sieze the castle. That day, we all met the ill lord Hausen who, with Lyndis' help, began to get better almost immediately.
Day 30
A week has passed since last I wrote in this journal. I have been staying away from everyone who remained in Caelin- Dorcas left to return to Bern to care for his wife a while. Rath disappeared shortly after the final conflict. Erk and Serra went on to Ostia, and from there, I know not where either will go to. I wish Erk the best of luck in keeping his sanity in the danger of travelling with that cleric alone. Lucius left yesterday for Araphen, saying he had some business there. Matthew left the next day, claiming that he had places to go, chests to pilfer, and the like. I just hope he doesn't see fit to take from my pocket in the future. Finally, Nils and Ninian left after a rousing performance last night, and were gone this morning for a location that they did not provide to us.
And now... I have left as well. Only Lyn found me as I went to depart- the others were busy elsewhere. Lyn knows me well, it seems. We exchanged embraces, and though we did not say farewell to one another, I felt as if I was leaving a part of myself in her hands. She said that she knew that we would meet again, and I found myself agreeing with her. Whether by fate of Elimine or my own two feet, we would meet once more. So, I left the country, and am now heading west towards Ostia. Perhaps they might require a tactician there? I know not, but I certainly know that I will be in training for years to come.
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Loedan's voice trailed off as he read off the final passage of his grandfather's journey to Caelin with the Lady Lyndis. Mahri had listened intently, though her eyes remained upon her grandfather's sleeping form. Loedan closed his eyes slowly. "May Mother Earth and Father Sky see fit to protect you to the end, milord Kent. You shall make it to the castle Caelin before tomorrow's day is done. This I swear to you, in my family's name." he said to the man. Though Kent slept, Loedan smiled as his eyes opened to find Mahri looking to him now. Rook gave the young tactician a hug, embracing him tightly- words that he said coming from her now, a vow given by Lyndis' heir. Mahri debated for a moment, whether to hug the young man or not. The debate came to a close as she hugged both Rook and Loedan for a short moment, and then went off to stand over her grandfather.
Rook released Loedan and smiled softly as she stood to walk over and stand beside Mahri, her eyes upon her uncle. His armor rested upon a table nearby, and Loedan walked over to it. It was old, as old as he had been wearing it for the first time. It had been repaired many times, and was now scratched and marred. The shoulder pieces were about ready to fall off, and Loedan smiled, reattaching the pieces one at a time. This man would reach Caelin tomorrow... even if the Tactician had to pick him up and carry him into the castle himself.
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Author's Note: Depressing, isn't it? I think I'll have something more ready for the next chapter, though. I know, I've kinda had to set Kiri to the side for now, but she'll be making a comeback soon enough, I think. The next chapter will be the Lyn's Journey Tactician's Log. After that, I'll actually continue with the fic again. Please, read and review!