Chapter 6: Blood of Pride

We had finally made it to Lycia. The country itself is a federation of territories, each one ruled by a powerful marquess. After days of traveling and settling in the forests we arrived at a city.

Lyn was the first to walk up to its gates and see the many villages scattered around a large castle. Stone pillars decorated the otherwise normal town and some trees grew unhindered next to tiny huts and shops. People of all kinds littered the busy streets. "What city is this?" Lyn asked as she looked around appreciatively.

"This?" Sain said in surprise, "This is Araphen. After Ostia, it's the second-largest city in Lycia."

I, myself, was mildly surprised that Sain had gotten a chance to tell about something. This made me look around for Kent who was no where to be seen. Serra yawned from behind me, "Second biggest, hm? I still think that Ostia is much better."

"Well, I'll admit that there is a lot more people and things to do in Ostia, but this place has charm."

"Erk, don't you dare say that Ostia has no charm! We've got tons!" Serra then proceeding in explaining these, jabbing the short-tempered mage in the shoulder with her staff to better emphasis her points. I decided to tune the two of them out and approached Lyn's side.

She had also been looking at the two and turned suddenly to Sain who had been watching the pink-haired healer, "Where's Kent?"

"Huh, oh. He said something about going to the castle, but.." The playboy knight shielded his eyes with his hand and smiled, "Here he comes now."

The cavalier moved from behind a corner of a stone large building ourside the castle, and the sun made almost blonde highlights appear in his hair as it reflected off. I stretched and started to turn back to Lyn as I saw a shadowy figure in the distant. He was dressed in a red cape and was squinting in our direction. When he noticed me he smiled brightly and walked off behind a nearby cart of rugs.

I scratched the back of my head as Kent's voice broke into my thoughts, "Milady Lyndis! Let us proceed to the castle. They've prepared supplies for us. The marquess has agreed to aid us on our journey to Caelin."

I heard footsteps as Wil walked in closer so that he could hear better. "I didn't think the rulers of Lycia were that tight-knit," he quietly spoke to me.

Lyn heard this and seemed rather unsure, "He's going to help us?"

The redhead nodded, "Yes. Araphen and Caelin have enjoyed a sturdy friendship for many years. Once I informed the marquess of our plight, he agreed to lend us his strength."

Sain had his usual smile in place as he moved to lean on his companion's shoulder, "Looks like we've got a smooth road ahead!"

The other knight nodded, "If we could pick up some soldiers, the road to Caelin would be that much safer. I'm truly sorry for the hardships you've suffered so far."

Lyn's face flushed as she waved it off, "Don't be silly. You are so capable, Kent."

"Kent!?" the brown-haired knight pouted and dramatically drooped his head.

"Hm? Oh, and so are you, Sain!" the young Sacaean smiled.

"Of course I am!" he laughed.

Kent sighed and moved his shoulder so that Sain stumbled slightly, "The castle awaits..." He motioned for Lyn to go first. She politely nodded and her hair swayed as she walked towards the entrance to the Araphen castle.

Sain elbowed Kent and whispered to him, "You just want to check out her ass, don't you?"

It was impossible to tell where Kent's hairline started and where the blush ended. Sain seemed unfazed and was concentrating on that certain part of Lyn's anatomy himself. The redhead looked about to go berserk when a red flash caught my eyes again. The smiling man from before was moving closer to us as we walked towards the castle.

He noticed me again and waved. Erk noticed what I was looking at and shook his head, "Nosy villagers." Serra perked up, "Oh him? He's cute..." The mage sighed.

"This is terrible!" A man ran up to Wil and grabbed at the front of his clothing, "The castle is burning!!"

Sain turned towards the bothered man as his companion lowered his sword, "What did you say? What's happening?"

"Smoke! From the castle. Hey! What are those men doing?"

The villager and all of the ones currently in the town ran as several armed men came. Some were holding torches yet to be lit, but all of them were being lead by a smug looking swordsman. He was chewing on something and looking Lyn up and down.

"Who are you?" she demanded.

He spit a wad of brown goo out of his mouth and drew his sword, "You! You're Lyndis, aren't you?" His voice was scratchy and loud and his accusation made Lyn back away.

"Ah! What do you--?"

"No questions! Prepare yourself!!!" Without warning, the man charged, sword just inches from Lyn. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion. Lyn seemed to be in shock, for she struggled to pull her sword from its sheath. Florina screamed, Serra gasped, and Kent went for his lance but froze when the man halted and coughed as blood seeped from his chest.

He choked and fell heavily on the ground revealing the cause of his abrupt stop. Lyn gulped and kneeled at the dead man's side, "An arrow? But who--?"

Hoofs were heard as a man stepped out from behind a tree. Upon a beautiful horse of bay, was a rider that was exceptionally handsome. His long dark green hair was pulled back from his face, except for a small veil of bangs, in a scarlet bandanna and a silver ring hung from each of his ears. He was attired in colorful clothing covered with urban designs that matched Lyn's robes.

As I studied the man, I noticed the bow he was holding. It was a definite sign of his heritage, for he was of Sacaean descent. Our own Sacaean leader squinted up at the man, "Who are..?"

The two stared at each other closely as Kent rushed over, "Milady Lyndis! Are you all right?"

She flushed and turned away from the dark man and to the concerned knight, "I'm fine. He...This man saved me."

Kent looked happy that Lyn was safe but was curious of the other man's motives, "May I ask your name?"

His quick, dark eyes took in the two in front of him and then the rest of us. His hands tightened on the reins and he pulled back with an expressionless look at Lyn.

Her own hand flew out, "Wait! Why did you help me?"

"I...thought a Sacaean plainswoman was being attacked." His voice was cold and I could tell that, by the way he spoke, he had heard of Lyn before. Most likely from one of the thugs. "I was mistaken."

Lyn shook her head and held her hands to her chest, "No, you were right! I am from Sacae. I'm Lyn, the daughter of the Lorca chieftain."

He jumped down from his horse and a look of extremely subtle surprise spread across his sharp features. "The Lorca? There were survivors?" he asked with no regard to Lyn's feelings.

"Yes." She wasn't testy with him, but I could tell she wasn't too happy about his tone.

Helooked to the entrance of the castle, and back to the girl, "You should leave at once. A blaze has started in the castle, and it's spreading. Don't be foolish and waste the life I just saved." His eyes were stern while he said this, but Lyn stayed as brave as ever.

She seemed to ignore his last remark as she questioned the man, "You're from the castle? What's happening? How severe is the fire? Is the marquess safe?"

When the mysterious rider spoke it was if though he were briefing troops, "The castle is under attack, and the marquess has been accosted. The man who attacked you was probably one of the marauders. As captain of the castle guard, it's my duty to rescue the marquess."

"I see... All right then, we'll help you," Lyn smiled and motioned to the group behind her.

Kent touched Lyn's shoulder, "Milady?"

"Why?" the other man asked.

"These brigands are after me. If they're attacking the castle, it's because of me. So I must help if I can..."

"It sounds like you're involved somehow..." I thought he would decline our help as he climbed back onto his horse but--

"Let's go."

"You'll accept our aid?" By Lyn's response, I guessed she was thinking the same. At the man's sharp nod, Kent quietly walked back towards Sain and the others to tell them the news.

"I am Rath of the Kutolah. Our tribes may be different, but I will not abandon a woman of Sacae."

"Thank you, Rath! A thousand blessings upon you!"

Rath seemed to lighten considerably, "And a thousand curses upon our enemy!"

"Come!" Lyn laughed.

Florina walked to Lyn's side and held her arm as Wil walked up beside me, the two magic users behind him. Kent and Sain led their horses closer to hear Rath as he, himself, issued his horse forth, "Once the marquess is safe, my men can move in." Rath looked around and seemed to be contemplating something, "Perhaps the secret passageway..."

"Secret passageway?" Sain questioned his new comrade.

"An underground tunnel leading to the throne room. There are triggers in the barracks that will open the tunnel."

"Head through there and you can rescue the marquess easily," Wil stated.

Lyn nodded at Wil and turned to the other archer, "And once that is done, can you drive the enemy from the castle?"

"Mmm... If we can release those triggers my men and I can handle the rest. There are three triggers, though. All three need to be released or the entrance won't open."

"But what if the doors to the barracks are locked?" Erk asked.

"We will have to find some way to get in, for that is where the enemy is. If we don't, we're stuck," Rath said in a non helpful way.

"So opening the doors will be our first objective," I pointed out.

"What shall we do, Touya? We don't have any keys with us. Perhaps some of the marauders have keys..." Lyn bit at her lip and surveyed the barracks, worry evident in her voice.

I looked around and took in our surroundings as well. Several homes were littered along beside the barracks, perhaps one of them had some keys or something.

I directed Lyn to the first house near one of the locked barrack doors. We both made our way to the red topped hut and the sneaky man from earlier appeared at the door. Now that I could see him I noticed that he was young, younger than me. His dusty blonde hair was messily pushed to one side and he was wearing a green tank top and tight pants. Across one shoulder was a red cape that seemed to be used as a sash. A dagger hung from a leather belt around his waist along with a cocky grin on his clean-shaven face that seemed to be set in place.

One of his amber eye winked at my wide-eyed look and turned to Lyn, "Hey, you! Can I talk to you?"

"Who are you?"

"I'm Matthew, a specialist in acquisitions of all kinds. Would you like to buy my services?"

Lyn looked stern as she answered, "I have no need for a thief."

She turned then and began to leave but Matthew had other plans. "Really? And how do you plan on opening the barrack doors?" he asked as he chased her.

Her back seemed to tighten as she faced the thief again, "What? How did you know about--?"

"Bullseye!" He pointed at Lyn and walked up closer to her, "Don't be mad. Hire me." He placed his hands on either of her shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes, "For you, I'll even lower my normal rate."

After pushing him back with her bottom lip in-between sparkling teeth, she gave me a questioning look. I shrugged, this was an easy way out anyway...

The Sacaean crossed her arms over her ribs, "Okay. Fine. You're hired."

He laughed and started to do a little jig. "Just one question. Why did you chose to over your services to me?"

Matthew stopped and retied his sash that held several odd looking metal pieces tighter around his shoulder, "Hm? Oh, I was watching the battle from here. Your group looked a lot more fun than the dead guy. Simple, really." He smiled, yet again.

I saw an amused smile start to twitch on Lyn's lips but she shook her head, "You're so odd."

She left and Matthew looked to me. "Time to get to work! So, my good friend," he pushed his chest out and mocked Kent from earlier, "May I ask of your name?"

With a laugh I answered, "I'm Touya, the tactician. I'll be directing you."

We walked out of the house together and the thief patted my back, "So, where to Mr.Bossman?"

"The barrack door closest to us needs to be opened, can you do that?"

He bowed, "Can I do that? Well of course!" With one last cocky grin he moved to the door and fished out a lock pick. With a couple quick turns he kicked the door open and gave me a thumbs-up. On the other side was a blue tile big enough for three men to stand on.

Rath moved his horse up next to me, "That's what a trigger looks like. You just have to stand on it for a little while and it will give." I nodded and instructed him to do just that.

"This will leave two more, I'm counting on you--"

"Touya."

"Touya... Don't let me down," he moved his horse and waited on the trigger. After a few seconds a stone wall below and right or the first trigger opened, revealing a stone passageway with a scarlet chest and a lance wielding solider who was guarding a locked door.

With a heavy sigh I examined the remainder of the barracks. They wound down and around. Upon further inspection I noticed another solider in front of another locked door. But before we could get over to him we'd have to defeat two mercenaries.

"Wil and Erk will take the first man. Florina, you and Sain go towards the second one. Serra, you can visit any villages and see if they have any advice. The rest of you, come to the inside of the barracks."

Our ground archer hid in some trees behind the swordsman and with one pull, hit the man directly in the back while Erk ran ahead of him and caused a great fireball to consume the injured man.

At the same time Florina mounted her pegasus and flew towards the man just as Sain charged him with his lance. Sain's attack worked in weakening the man, but not defeating him so Florina delivered the last blow with a javelin.

With the current field clear of enemies, Serra strutted up to a nearby house. An older man with a face that seemed to be stuck in anger addressed the young cleric, "We can't do business with all this fighting in town. You're mercenaries, right? Can't you do something about this?"

"Well, it's just that we can't get the barracks open," Serra pouted.

"Hn. Thieves could. I don't like 'em, mind you. But they would do the job, but here--" the man dug around in his pocket and pulled out a small key. "Here it is. This is it. One door key. They'll open any door for ya."

He pushed the jagged piece of metal into Serra's gloved hand, "Here! No charge. Now you get those thugs, you here?"

"Don't worry, sir. We will!" she waved cheerfully as she left.

Once the young pink-haired girl exited the house Matthew caught my attention, "Hey! If my eyes don't deceive me, that's a chest! Say, Touya--!"

"No."

"You haven't even heard what I was going to say!"

With a sigh I turned to the thief, "All right, what?"

"Since we came all this way, what say we help ourselves?" Matthew winked.

"Hm. Let me think. No. Okay. Serra, Erk, and Wil, you'll go to the soldier down there. If there's a trigger just wait on it."

"Oh, come on! Don't be such a bore!" Matthew walked over to me and began to bounce around while holding onto my arm, "If you want to win, you've got to use every means at your disposal. That's an ironclad rule!" He then used a different method. Mock-innocence fell over his face and he began to draw figure eights on my arm, "Yeah, I know stealing's bad. I'm well aware of that."

I smirked, "Really?" A blast told me that the others had successfully defeated the adversary.

He ignored me and put his hands on my shoulders, "We're saving the marquess, right? Let's just call this an advance on our reward, okay?"

I tried to protest, even if he did have a point, "But it's just..."

"Listen Touya, battles aren't won by virtue and glory alone. You of all people should know that. No one's going to miss a couple of chests. Relax."

"Dorcas, could you get the soldier? And Matthew, go ahead."

"You know your...oh, what? All right, Touya! Hurrah! Treasure time! Treasure time! I've got the treasure!" he sang as he danced to the chest and popped it open. "Hey! This is an angelic robe. This is good for those on the less...robust side. Like me, for instance. But I don't think that this is my color..."

"Really? I think you'd look absolutely stunning." At his annoyed look I laughed, "All right. I'm sending a pegasus knight over to you, give it to her," I advised as Florina moved up behind the young man.

"Oh, a pegasus. Oh oh. And an even prettier knight," he smiled as he raised the robe in his arms up to her. Florina flushed and took it. It was a nice silvery blue and looked like liquid in her delicate arms. "I..I can have this?"

I nodded and she blushed even darker as Lyn came up, "It'll look great on you!"

"Hah...Th-Thank you, Touya.."

The sound of running hoofs broke into the moment as Sain came rushing up, there's a trigger and it should activate--" Yet another stone wall moved back and revealed an archer and a knight. The knight was blocking the last trigger. "Florina, the archer. Rath and Kent, attack the knight from a distance. Dorcas, finish him up."

"What about me?" Matthew spoke up from behind me.

"Ugh, um... Go see what's behind that door."

"Maybe more treasure. Muwah."

Sain raised an eyebrow at him as our nomad, Rath, approached the knight after Florina defeated the archer in two hits of her lance, "Bah. Lyndis, and her cadre. When did you arrive? No matter. I shall deal with you."

"Who's that guy?" the brown-haired cavalier asked as he dropped down from his horse and watched as Kent hit the enemy with his javelin.

"Oh, his name is Matthew. He's our um..resident thief," I flushed as Sain nodded and looked around the pegasus's wings as Dorcas approached the man with an iron axe. The knight's steel lance was no match and he was defeated quickly.

He fell and gasped, "Gah! Lord Lundgren..." Matthew came back with a sword and a grin as Serra and the others returned. But the cleric had something of her own to say,

"I feel something... I feel it!!! Someone's staring at me! It must be some poor fool who's smitten with me. Alas, my beauty has rendered him speechless. Ah...I'm so cute it's almost criminal!"

I gave her a weird look and was about to say something when I heard Matthew mutter, "What in the world is that woman doing here? I cannot let HER find the passageway.."

I patted Matthew on the back, "Relax we already have." He glared in her direction before handing me the sword and stalking off. "Anyway. Lyn, would you like to do the honors of hitting the last trigger?"

She nodded and walked over to it, "So this is the last one. We should be good to go." I gasped as the trigger clicked and yet another stone wall moved out from behind Lyn, "Here it is, Touya! The hidden passageway! Rath, we'll let you take it from here."

Once we were able to rescue the marquess, all of the enemies were driven out. Marquess Araphen then wanted a word with Rath so he asked Lyn if she would come. She did and she brought Sain, Kent, Florina, Wil, and I with her.

"Ah, it's Rath! You've done well. What a performance!" He was a thin man with slicked back blonde hair and a scowl. It was difficult to tell when he clapped if it was real or merely sarcasm.

"Sir... If you have praise, it should be given to this group," the nomad nudged Lyn in the shoulder and she stepped forth.

"Hm? Who are you?"

"My name is Lyndis. I'm pleased you're well," she bowed and the marquess smugly stepped back.

"Oh... It's you. You're Marquess Caelin's-- Leave us, Rath. I would speak to this girl."

"..." Rath left without a word but by the look he gave my I could tell that something was wrong.

"Now... Lady Lyndis. Do you know the identity of those responsible for this uproar?"

"I believe it to be the work of my granduncle, Lundgren," Lyn said carefully.

The marquess gave her a nasty smile, "That's exactly right. Which means my castle has been damaged in your family's petty inheritance dispute."

Lyn looked like she was just slapped in the face, "My-My apologies..." Kent stayed calm but I could tell he wanted to defend her, but Sain showed his anger.

"When I heard that Lady Madelyn's daughter was in trouble. I thought to lend my assistance..." Lyn looked up hopefully as he continued, "I find I've changed my mind. I withdraw my offer..."

The usually restrained knight snapped and Sain was at his side, "Marquess Araphen! You have me your word, my lord!" Lyn's eyes were unreadable as she looked up to Kent and Sain.

The marquess looked slightly taken aback, "...Your name is Kent, is it not? Well, Kent. You failed to inform me of one most vital detail!"

"What...What do you mean, sir?" The knight asked as Sain calmed down.

"This girl does resemble Lady Madelyn, but... I didn't expect to see her so tainted with the blood of Sacae," he spat.

"What?!?" Lyn demanded. Why would he insult the Sacaeans when he has one employed to him?, I wondered.

Marquess Araphen's smile grew with ever word, "Don't you feel the marquess of Caelin would be troubled to meet this... nomadic mongrel?"

Sain spoke up this time, "You--!" He ran at him and Kent quickly grabbed ahold of his shoulders, using his height to his advantage.

"Sain! Hold!" He turned the smaller knight and begged with his eyes for him to stay calm. "My apologies, my lord marquess."

"Hm.. Your man is poorly disciplined. Might I suggest finding a better pet?" the marquess taunted.

Sain looked ready to draw his weapon and kill but because of Kent, he stayed put. "Marquess Araphen! Please... If you would grace us with your aid..."

"...I hear Marquess Caelin is ill and abed. I question whether he will survive to meet this girl. In which case, his brother, Lundgren, will claim his title. And I certainly wish to avoid trouble with the coming marquess."

"You scheming.." Sain scowled.

"Sain," Kent said weakly, as though he didn't care.

"I understand," Lyn's voice caused Sain and Kent to step back. "Kent, Sain, we take our leave at once."

"Milady Lyndis! We--"

"I am proud of the Sacae blood that runs through my veins. I will NOT accept aid from one who disparages my heritage." Lyn turned, her hair swaying, and walked out of the room, Florina and Wil in close pursuit. Sain stuck his tongue out at the marquess and Kent didn't even scold him.

"That was well done, milady! The marquess is a lout! Don't worry about anything. We're all here for you! Isn't that so, Kent?" Sain laughed and hit his companion on the back.

"I beg your forgiveness," the knight bowed his head.

"Why are you apologizing, Kent?" Lyn asked as Florina rested her head on her shoulder.

"I've been so concerned with seeing you to Caelin. I failed to take your feelings into account," Kent admitted while looking at his feet.

"Is that it? Trouble yourself no more. You have put my safety above all else. I have seen that. Hold your head up and be proud."

Sain smiled a genuine smile and wrapped an arm around Kent's shoulders as he looked up, "Milady Lyndis..."

"The marquess of Araphen... He said my grandfather was ill. We must hurry to Caelin..." Lyn decided.

The redhead knight stepped forth from Sain's half embrace, "As we approach Caelin, Lundgren's obstacles will be more difficult to overcome. However, I've vowed to see you through to the end, milady!"

"I'll be counting on you, Kent."

"I'm with you, too!"

"Thank you, Sain."

"Don't forget me, Lyn."

"Touya... Thank you for always being at my side. It's because of all of you that I..." A single crystal tear fell from her eye, but she brushed it away, "I will persevere! They will never break my spirit!"

"Lyn.." An unknown voice said from somewhere behind us.

"Huh? Rath! What is it? What are you--?"

"I overheard the marquess talking to himself."

"See Kent. I told you he was a nut."

"Lyn of the Lorca... Proud daughter of the Sacae... I would join you. I would add my strength to yours," as Rath spoke Lyn flushed.

"Wha...Really?"

"And this... I want you to take it." He pushed a medium sized bag into her hands and it clinked like--

"Gold!!!"

Matthew ran forth, leaving dust and a blank faced Erk behind in his haste. He tried to grab it but Lyn handed it back to Rath, "It's too much. I can't accept it."

The nomad had been looking over my shoulder and when he turned he looked surprised at Lyn's response. He pulled his hands out of Lyn's reach and refused to take it, "I have no need for it. And if it will help you..."

"But.."

Matthew was looking impatient as the two Sacaeans spoke and began to hum something that sounded a lot like 'Treasure time! Treasure time! I've got the treasure!'

"I cannot take back something once offered," he walked off behind me and towards Wil who gave him a small smile.

"Rath... I thank you."

"WOOH! GOLD!" Matthew yelled as Lyn handed him the bag. "Holy Elimine, there's got to be over 5000 coins in here!"

Lyn sighed and sat under a tree to watch the sunset. Florina followed and curled up by her side. Erk walked over to Matthew to examine the bag while Serra yelled something about knowing the thief. Rath was leaning over Wil as the flushed archer showed him his different arrow heads.

Dorcas had gone to pay a messenger to send word about the gold to his wife and Kent was scolding Sain about watching his tongue in front of royalty no matter how they treated 'wildflowers.'

I, myself, walked over to the horses and pulled some food out of Sain's satchel. It was going to be a long way to Caelin....