Day 1
My name... it is something I cannot remember well. I believe that it is Mark, for it was the name that this large book had within it. This was one of my few possessions left to me after I was found by this girl, Lyn of the Lorca tribe, of the Sacae plains. She found me on the plains after I had passed out from exhaustion and thirst. I had come from Ilia, to pursue my career as a tactician, though I have had little to no practical experience yet on the subject. Lyn is very attractive girl, with a glint in her eyes that were not meant for simply any man. She carried with her stance a sense of nobility, I thought, the day we met. Thank Elimine for watching out for me on that fateful day, when I had collapsed from exhaustion after passing along the plains, so far from my home.
She cared for me for but a short while before some noise from outside the tent in which I was resting and she lived in drew her outside. Bandits, she told me, and so we both went outside. She was right- three axe wielding brigands were headed for the Ger that was Lyn's home. With a look of steel, she brought the fight to them, and I was only of limited help as she fought the bandits. The last, a man who called himself "Batta the Beast," proved to be the most trouble for Lyn, despite her skill with her blade and the speed she carried naturally. However, a missed opportunity by the bandit allowed the girl to score her victory, using a special maneuver that cut through the brigands' defenses in several locations and severing life from his body in the same instant.
I was, of course, impressed with this girl's tenacity. Unfortunately, as weak as I was at the time, I collapsed soon after returning to the Ger with Lyn. It was the next day by the time I regained consciousness, and we spoke again. She wished to become stronger, to go on a journey of training... and she wished for me to take her with me. I told her that I would, but only if she had permission from her parents, for at the time she could not be much more than 16 or 17 summers old. When she told me her tragic story, of how her family and her tribe were slaughtered by Taliver bandits, I could not help but be moved, and immediately allowed her to come with me. Two strangers united by something... perhaps a bond of fate, perhaps not, but we were unlikely allies as we took down the Ger and packed our valuables, this book among them, and headed for Bulgar.
It seems that to me that I should continue to write in this book, for perhaps someday when I am old and have need of remembering days long past, that this shall contain the truth and strength of the times when I travelled with Lyn. No matter what, though we have only known each other for two days now, I know I will treasure my time with this young girl... though really, I am not much older than she. I only hope, when she reflects upon her time with me as well, that she might think the same as I do.
Day 3
Lyn told me, as we neared the city, that Bulger was the largest of all cities in Sacae. Of course, I believed her, for I had not seen any larger in my travels in this direction. Once in the city, we wandered about to try and find anything that would be of use to us, supplies to help us on our way, but Lyn was stopped by a man in green armor. His brown hair was well kept, and a youthful face was brimming with hope. However, the way that he tried to compliment Lyn told me that there was something... odd, to say the least, about this knight of Lycia. Lyn just shrugged him off and pulled me by the hand with her, away from the man and towards the edge of the walled city.
But lo, what should we find but that same man and another beside a pair of horses, speaking to one another as we neared the entrance to town? This one had quite nice red hair, and seemed somewhat sophisticated- a rather unusual pair they were, it seemed to me, but at least this one had manners. Though when the red haired knight said that he had thought he had seen Lyn sometime before, she took offense (saying as much to him as well) and dragged me off, it seemed to me that he did not mean that in the same light as the green armored one.
Once out of the city, we found ourselves surrounded by even more brigands! What was more surprising, however, was the fact that their leader called Lyn by a somewhat different name, Lyndis. Just when I thought I might have to try my hand at fighting as well against these hopeless odds, despite the vulneraries that Lyn had with her, reinforcements arrived in a peculiar manner. It was the pair of knights from before, and I was introduced to them. The green armored knight, a louse and a hopeless womanizer, was called Sain. An interesting play on the word vain... I wonder if his mother and father planned it that way? The red haired and armored knight was called Kent, and he at least knew his way around a battle, I found, as he provided Sain with instruction regarding how to defeat those who used axes.
With their help and timely use of Vulneraries, we all managed to triumph over the bandits. Then it was time for the knights to share their story- that Lyn's real name was Lyndis, and she was named after her grandmother, a once noble woman of Caelin. Her mother, Madelyne, eloped with a nomad, and came to Sacae. Lyn's parents were killed months ago. Then Lyn learned she had a grandfather, and her eyes were alight in a different manner than they had been before. Family was something that I no longer possessed in my life, though Lyn had become much like a sister to me in the three days we had known one another. I could appreciate it when she decided to travel with the knights to meet her grandfather, but when Sain, the knight with the looser tongue, spoke of her grand uncle...
Day 4
Just as we headed east enough to get around the mountains that proved the border between Lycia and Sacae, Lyn wished to stop at a shrine to pray for blessings on her journey. The religion in this region were very well kept up, it occurred to me, and I no sooner gave my consent than we found ourselves asked to save an old man in the temple. When we were told that bandits were attempting to steal an ancient blade called the Mani Katti, I knew something was going on that was larger than all of our small group. An ancient blade, a woman with an unusual ancestry... Of course, I know not what exactly would happen.
Glass was the name of the bandit's leader, and he was not exactly the smartest mercenary I'd ever met. Lyn and Kent cut him through, even as Sain mopped up the bandits outside the shrine. We had to open a new entrance in the temple's west wall, a fact that I am sorry to say but it had been required, or else Lyn would have had to deal with at least three bandits alone. The priest inside forgave me my decision, at least, after the Mani Katti was found to be Lyn's by right of the spirits who judged her when she held the blade in her hands. A sacred blade, perhaps the strongest in Sacae, was now in the hands of the young woman in our party... Only I could guess as to why.
She is a virtuous girl, honest, and attractive in demeanor and looks. Her determination for nothing more than to meet with her grandfather and become strong enough to not be defeated must have won over the spirits of the blade. Later on, when I had a chance to speak with Lyn shortly after receiving the blade, I had her pull the blade out once more and she presented the weapon to me. I set my hand upon the blade- nothing but cold and sharp steel could I feel from it, but I could almost sense a presence within the blade itself. To Lyn, I looked into her eyes and told her again that I would be with her until this was over. She smiled and set the blade away, blushing ever so slightly, before heading away to join the other two. I followed after them, and we wandered southward.
The land and weather held out- no swamps or wetlands did we cross over. Sain could not help himself from trying to 'influence' Lyn's way of thinking about him. I believe he did little to better himself in her eyes, especially after she threatened to leave him at the shrine, so he could become a monk and serve the world by becoming celibate. It was shortly after that Sain came to me and said that he hoped that other women might join our troup... he seemed to know when he'd been reprimanded, at least.
Day 7
No sooner had we set south for Caelin than did we find a village that was burned to the ground. There looked to be nothing left over within the ruins, but then again we had little time to consider what to do. A few moments after we had arrived, a pair of bandits and a pegasus knight (coming from Ilia, I know quite a bit about them, but nothing could prepare me for this particular knight) could be seen. Lyn exchanged a few words with them and managed to save the pegasus knight. Florina is her name, and though a capable if fragile knight, she seems to have this insane fear of men that stems from... well, even this tactician's eyes cannot see why, just yet.
During this battle, we also found an Archer by the name of Wil. I also found that Florina is deathly afraid of archers as well as of men in general, so when Sain attempted to compliment Florina, it was I who had to drag the louse away while Lyn calmed the pegasus knight down. She seemed to get along with me- perhaps it is because she does not see me as a threat to her? I hope so. Wil seems rather talkative, and although one might not think it, seems to get along with Florina as well. Florina listens to Wil as he speaks to her, though he does seem to ramble on at times. I think Florina's simply trying to get over her fear of men. Wil speaks of our small group as Lyndis's Legions... interesting name. I hope that it does not become popular.
Sain arrived to me late in the day with a black eye- not an injury provided by a bandit, but from Kent after Sain attempted to, yet again, 'compliment' the Lady Lyndis and coerce her into dancing with him. He complained to me about the entire thing, but I simply told him that if he gets hurt by doing it, then don't do it. Sain just said that I was the same as Kent, and that both of us would become old before our time. I simply replied that common sense was something that he would need, if he were to survive these battles. Heroic actions are not really heroic, I told him. To be smart about your actions at the time, and let others judge those deeds to be heroic... that is the way to do battle. Think of the moment while in battle, and do not worry as to how others think of you afterwards. I know not if those words meant anything to the retreating knight, but I think he calmed down for the next day or two.
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.
Day 13
The morning began almost as normal, though now I have a thoroughly irritable mage and and an irritating cleric to boot. I certainly felt sorry for Erk, and could be found speaking to everyone during the day. It was decided afterwards that Erk could sleep in the same tent as Kent, so that Sain and Serra could have a tent to themselves. I give Sain a week, at most, before the knight would crack and be coming to me for permission to go back to the tent with Kent.
Serra, in a change of attitude since yesterday, didn't want anyone else to be in the tent with her other than Erk. The look on Erk's face said what he wanted to speak aloud, but did not for fear of incurring the girl's wrath. I still cannot get over the "I'm generous to a fault" that she said yesterday, about healing the mage. I was very nearly ready to empty our coffers in the shops that we passed to buy vulneraries and send that cleric on her way. Of course, I did no such thing, as she was providing her services of her own accord. I, on the other hand, suspected some sort of plot on her part. I have no evidence, but I am certain of it.
We travelled the day without incident other than Sain's bungling attempts to woo Florina or Serra on at least a dozen occasions... each. All he got for his trouble were several slaps from Florina, whose meekness could not stand in the face of Sain's ploys. She was certainly warming up to Wil lately, and I even saw them both conversing as we marched on. Kent remained at the lead, with Lyndis close behind. I remained at the rear of the troop with Erk, talking about our lives. We became rather fast friends, especially since I managed to get him away from Serra for such a long while. Of course, Sain did do his part, I admit... giving Serra a ride on his horse as she talked the day away. I swear, if she hadn't volunteered her services, we all would have shoved her down a hill and then ran away in the other direction.
Day 15
Florina spoke to me today, after what I assumed was some encouraging from Lyndis. She wanted to get some carrots for Huey, so I gave her a few gold to go ahead and purchase some from the farmers that we passed by. Surprisingly, she asked me to go with her, and so I did, leaving the troop under Lyn's watchful eyes. I couldn't help but to compliment the girl on how far she had come, to be able to talk to me without taking 15 minutes to come up with more than two words. Her response was simply to blush and look away from me.
Cute. Simply adorable, this pegasus knight. We spoke afterwards, and I learned that she had two sisters who were also pegasus knights. I wonder if I might ever meet these two others?
We made it to Araphen today, and Kent went on ahead to speak with the Marquess. Supposedly, we were to procure supplies from him, but a sudden fire and attack on the castle left us with a battle on our hands. It amazes me to say it, but a man attempted to kill Lyn today, and very nearly did if it hadn't been for the nomad from Sacae, a very silent man named Rath who was captain of the guard. An archer on horseback... Well, at least he could avoid attacks, unlike Wil. His mobility came in very handy as we searched for the switches that would open up the hidden entrance that would lead into the castle.
The soldiers that we had to face in battle today were little more than a joke. However, when one of Lungren's knights appeared after we opened a secret passageway, the joke was over. Between Dorcas, Erk, Wil, and Rath, however, we chipped away as the man stood in place, as if he were a statue built there to only stand in that one location. It didn't take long to defeat the villain after that. Lyn spoke with the Marquess, who had been ready to provide us with aid on our way to Caelin, but I could not help wanting to take Lyn's sword up and sliding it forcefully into the man's chest. He was a lout that could make Sain look as if a noble and honorable person, with his words of hatred for the people of Sacae.
I rather doubt many would say as they did to the man's face as Lyn did this day. I was proud of her, her honor, and her own pride in her people. And, I must say, I became proud of the fact that our resident 'thief', a man known as Matthew, convinced me that there were a few things worth taking from the Marquess. An Angelic Robe is a device that can increase the overall hardiness of an individual, and an Armorslayer is a sword that does very well against Knights. I certainly hope that these will be of use- who shall I give the robe to?
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.