Chapter 7: Siblings Abroad
After leaving Araphen, and not receiving any help at all from the marquess, we continued heading south to Caelin.
The rain that we encountered proved to be useless in it's attempts to stop us as we traveled, by forest, through Lycia. Though it did make the ground slightly muddy which, while not really affecting the horses because of their already slow pace through the trees, affected another 'beast' that was traveling with us.
Serra, who was on the back of Sain's horse, issued her staff into the air as she explained the finer points of a gentlemen. Sain, who was getting too much praise for his already inflated ego, beamed at Kent who rolled his eyes.
"She's like an old woman," Erk's quiet, but clear voice told me, "Always complaining and acting as though she's the only thing in the world worthy." I smiled at the mage walking beside me.
Serra then cleared her voice to get our attention, "As I was saying...Sain here, being the gentleman he is, let me ride with him because if I was to get anything on my robes I'd just---EEEEEKKK! MATTHEW! DON'T THROW MUD AT ME!!!!"
"Kekekekekekeke, score one for the Matt-ster!" the thief yelled excitedly and patted me on the back. "Did you see that, Touya? Got her right in the face. Next time, I aim for the hair...."
"Matthew!"
He stopped in the middle of his plan to give me a look, "Ah...shit. It's Kenty's wife..."
"I heard that! Stop throwing mud, you're upsetting Serra!"
Matthew shook his head as though pained and turned to the girl who was behind Florina on the pegasus, "Well, Lyn, that was the point..." Lyn shot him a death glare. "But, for you, I'll stop."
"For now anyway..." he whispered into my ear as Lyn went back to talking with her friend. With that he winked, waved, and strolled over to Dorcas who didn't look extremely pleased to see him.
I knew that we were pressed for time and the reason Lyn was so moody was because she desperately wanted to meet up with her father, yet she seemed to calm down around Florina. I began to wonder about the two of them. I knew that they used to live together on the plains of Sacae, but was there something else besides a friendship? Girls were just too hard to understand...
Stretching my clothed arms in front of me I studied the remainder of our group, Erk had gone back to looking suspiciously at Matthew and our surroundings while Serra used one of Sain's shirts to wipe the dirt from her face. Our two archers were walking side by side as Rath led his horse behind him. I caught the usually emotionless nomad smiling slightly as Will went on about anything and everything.
"Well lookie what we have here!" an enthusiastic voice called out, pointing towards a clearing in the thick trees. "Seems we've stumbled upon a cozy little village. What will our objective be here, El Capitan?"
Thumbs firmly linked around the tight waistline of his jeans, Matthew turned to me and smiled.
"Hah....what? Me? No, it's Lyn's choice if we stay or not," I then turned to look at her, she flushed as the thief bowed at her.
"Well, where are we, Kent?" she asked as she dropped down to the ground, landing gracefully on two feet, her flimsy robes showing miles of slim, milky white flesh.
As prompt as usual, the redhead answered immediately, "This is Khathelet. If we head due south, we'll pass into Caelin."
"From here, I'd say we're about, oh, ten days' ride to Castle Caelin," Sain added, getting off his horse as well and then turning to help Serra do so. "Assuming that we don't run into any delays, of course," he added over his shoulder.
"Ten days..." Lyn whispered as she hung her head and stared at her clasped hands.
"Lyn, don't worry. We'll make it," a soft voice uttered and I was surprised to see Florina push her frail arms around the Sacaean's taller frame from behind. Lyn gasped and it seemed to be an automatic reaction as her hand closed around one of the arms locked around her waist.
"Th...Thank you," she answered unsteadily, as though her breathing was being hindered somehow. She then turned and drew her friend's hands into her own as she stared down at the girl.
Matthew whistled, Wil flushed as Rath gave him a look, Serra smiled warmly and whispered something to Sain that made the knight also smile at. But Kent had frozen, one leg still in place on the horse, the other on the ground, he gulped and stared.
Erk, who was beside me, looked surprised for a second and then rolled his eyes, "It's about time."
My eyes widened at his comment and I turned to ask him if he knew anything when a voice interrupted me, "Pardon me, but...."
The two girls' moment ended as Lyn looked for the source, her eyes finally coming down upon a small boy of eleven or twelve. His hair was a light turquoise and he had a golden headband hidden behind it. He was bouncing on his feet as though anxious about something, causing his almost sheer white cape to blow around. Though the only thing really out of the ordinary were his bright red eyes.
Lyn quickly composed herself and walked over to the boy that was standing beside Matthew, who had lifted his arm to look at him, "Yes? Can I help you?"
"You and your friends... Are you mercenaries?"
She blinked, "And if we are?"
"Ah!" The boy jumped at Lyn, his tiny hands closing on her wrists, "I need your help!"
Kent, who seemed to have recovered, joined the group, "Milady Lyndis, you mustn't let your guard down. Not even for a child."
"I know," Lyn gave him a rueful smile and turned back to the boy, "Forgive me, but we're in a hurry. Is there someone else you can ask?"
At the question the boy looked behind his shoulder and then began to jump from foot to foot as he looked from me to Erk, "There's no time! Ninian's been... It's my sister! Some men have taken her away!"
"Your sister?" Sain asked, appearing out of no where behind the boy, causing him to jump and turn back towards him and nod vigorously as he continued, "Did you say your sister's been accosted?"
"Sain..." Kent all but growled.
"I'm just trying to get the details straight...."
"That's right! By some cruel, awful men," the boy pointed out. "I don't know what I'll do without Ninian. She's all I have..."
"Milady Lyndis! We must help him!" Sain insisted as he clasped his hands over the boy's shoulders to comfort him.
"Nonsense! We haven't the time, Sain!" the redhead yelled. "If the marquess is as ill as we've heard, we must proceed!"
"Kent, I... I want to help this child."
Kent stopped and turned, wide-eyed, towards Lyn, "Milady?"
"I'm worried about my grandfather, of course. But this! I cannot stand by and let a child be taken from her home!" Lyn spoke courageously, her face stern.
"I see..." the redhead muttered, his face covered in a light blush.
"I'm sorry, Kent."
He shook his head and gave Lyn a genuine smile that shot sparks up my spine, (Did he ever smile like that?) "I am your loyal retainer. You owe me no apologies. You must do as your heart dictates, milady. I will follow you, no matter where it may lead."
"Thank you," Lyn smiled back.
"Hah! Such a noble speech! Ever the true knight, that one!" Sain laughed as Kent went to tell the others, "Ah, well. You're in luck, laddie! Let's go get your sister!"
After patting the boy on the shoulder he went to join Kent. Lyn then kneeled down in front of the boy, "So what is your name?"
"Nils."
"Well Nils, will you lead us to the men who've done this?"
"Uh huh. They were really tough, so be careful."
"Leave them to us. We're pretty tough ourselves. Right, Touya?"
"I sure do think so," I laughed as the boy looked to me, his eyes shimmering with hope.
Almost on cue, three men appeared. One was cloaked in black, the others were in normal battle attire and holding various weapons. Nils jumped and turned to look at them. He gulped hard and moved back behind Matthew, clutching at his sash.
"Ah! Oh no..." he muttered.
"Heh heh heh... Found him!" The cloaked man sneered. "C'mon, it's back to Nergal wit' you. Quiet now," he mockingly cooed as he made an attempt to reach for the boy, but the thief stepped in front of him.
"No!" the tiny boy screamed, "Let Ninian go!"
"We ain't supposed ta kill you, but we sure as hell can't rough you up!
His hand shot past the thief and latched onto the boy's wrist. With one sharp tug Nils went lurching forwards. Matthew, who was surprised by the man's quick actions, drew his sword with equal speed and it clashed with the man's arm.
"Ow... Who do you think you are?" the man shot him a nasty look and rubbed at his bleeding appendage. Lyn then stood in front of the two.
"Let the boy's sister go," she looked at the man levelly.
"You think you're some sort of hero, little missy? What a shame, 'cause you gonna die for something that don't concern you."
"Ah, you think so, do you? Do we look so meek? I think you are in for a terrible shock!" our leader shot forth.
"Hn, stupid, all of ya. You'll regret those words, just ya wait," he started to walk backwards. "Take 'em down, boys!" he then yelled. Several other goons rushed down to greet us as his hands went into the air and a giant ball of glowing dark light appeared from them.
Lyn gasped, "A shaman--"
"Stay back!" someone yelled.
The owner of the voice ran in front of Lyn. She had long blonde hair that flowed endlessly around her slim frame that was hidden behind a silky blue robe. Her eyes glowed as she began to chant and a look of horror spread across our adversary's face as an equally large orb of light came soaring at him from the mysterious person.
The mage turned and smiled, which was when I discovered that she was really a--
"Why, could a face so beautiful even exist!"
The mage recoiled as Sain, who, yet again, popped out of no where, and extended one hand out and smiled, "Such a beautiful flower, nay, a crystal, a gem, a jewel! Oh the names that could be bestowed upon someone as lovely as you!"
"How about 'man'?" Matthew asked as he leaned on my shoulder.
"Eh?" Sain turned to see his companions. Serra was blushing and holding a hand over her mouth while Kent shook his head. The others just looked extremely amused, with the exception of Wil, who was laughing so hard that he had buried his head into Rath's shoulder, and Nils, who was staring openly at the monk as though transfixed.
A wide-eyed Sain turned back to the mage who had clasped his lips together in an attempt to not laugh as he nodded his head. Matthew barked with laughter and pushed the speechless cavalier aside, "Please excuse my friend, he's well, stupid."
The mysterious man gave a tiny laugh as Lyn walked forward, hand extended, after the thief had marched the blushing knight away, "Thank you for your help."
"Oh, of course, milady--"
"Lyndis."
"Milady Lyndis," he bowed his head and extended his arms out which gave us a better view of the many designs on his clothing.
"Your robes... They look like religious vestiary. Are you an Elimine bishop?"
A look of appreciation spread across the young man's face, "Yes... Well, no. I'm only an acolyte, an Elimine monk, to be specific. My name is Lucius."
"I thank you for stepping in, but what business do you have with us?"
"I was at the inn when this child came seeking help," he held out a smooth hand as Nils wandered over to them. "The innkeeper was afraid to get involved. He was...unpleasant."
Nils, besides the light blush on his cheeks, looked normal as he answered, "I wasn't afraid of him! I'm used to being treated that way."
Kent frowned and dragged him back over to the group for introductions as Lyn watched. "That's awful," she said once he was out of earshot.
"May I lend my services? I truly wish to help the boy. If only a little."
The young Sacaean's cheeks were flushed as she nodded, causing tendrils of emerald hair to fall around her shoulders, "Of course."
"Thank you very much. The blessings of St. Elimine be upon you," Lucius gave her a smile and bowed his head slightly.
"All right, let's get this party started," Matthew smirked as he put his arm around Lucius's shoulders. "Welcome aboard, mate. This is Touya, he will be your 'guide' on your way through the battlefield."
Lucius bowed slightly at me and I returned the greeting. "It's all you, man," the thief grinned and I clasped my hands together as I surveyed the area.
"Right. Okay, there isn't many of them so I want a few of you to sit this one out...."
The battle had gone, for the most part, great. No casualties (on our side anyway) and we still had enough manpower to reach some of the more hidden huts of the town, which was exactly what our healer was doing.
"Excuse me! Is anyone home?" Serra tapped her foot against the ground, when no one answered she huffed. "An empty house... How dull!"
She left through the oak door and shot me a look, "Empty."
I nodded but heard some rustling inside and once Serra's pink pigtails were enough distance away I crept towards the house and for sure I heard a rough voice, "I though she would find me for sure."
I approached the door apprehensively, "Hello?"
"Eliwood?" The same person from before asked, "Blast it, why are you so late, ba--"
A tall muscled man with short blue hair swung the door open with enough force to knock a horse down, "Oh...Can I help you?"
"You know Serra?" His face froze in horror and I eyed him suspiciously as he tried to look behind me, "She's gone."
"Ugh.. She's been working for my brother in Bern. St. Elimine...I thought she had come to see me or something."
"No, we're merely traveling mercenaries," I informed him as he gave me a sheepish smile.
"Ah, well good luck," he said halfheartedly as he started to close the door.
"Yeah--" He slammed the door shut causing a roof tile to fall inches from me, "--thanks."
The leader of the rogues had decided to inhabit the castle of the land. Heintx was his name and he was a shaman, or dark magic wielder, and he didn't look to happy to see us defending Nils.
"And who are you supposed to be? Playing heroes in some foolish knightly romance? You may think you're helping the children, but you're only rushing to your doom!" he spat angrily.
"No, your wrong!" Florina yelled as she positioned her javelin, "You can't go around doing this to defenseless children!"
"We'll just see..." Heintx sneered as he raised his hands to attack. Lyn took that moment to walk towards the fight.
"Florina!! Watch out!" she screamed as the man sent a large blast at the orchid-haired girl. It hit here square in the chest, yet she stayed on her pegasus.
"Lyn, what's wrong?" she asked as she turned, showing that she was barely hurt. Her armor had been specially designed to reflect most weak magic attacks so it would rebound some of the force of a large one as well.
The Sacaean girl was clutching her chest and heaving, yet she sighed in relieve at the realization that her friend was all right, "No-Nothing."
Florina gave her a look and, with a nod, returned to battle. She was joined seconds later by Lucius, who aimed one strong blast of white light at the 'boss.'
He fell, clutching his staff on his way down, and groaned in pain, "You were only...striking at air... You are...too late. The girl is already--"
"NINIAN!" Nils screamed as he ran at the man, "NO! Nin...Ninian!" Lyn grabbed the boy's cape as he tried to run towards the battle. As soon as her arms were around him he broke down causing Lyn to fall behind him.
Serra gasped and Matthew had his hand over his mouth and was trying to look unconcerned as Lucius went inside to search the castle.
"It's hopeless, she's not there..." Nils croaked from his spot on the ground between Lyn's thighs.
Hooves were heard as the two cavaliers approached the group. "Milady Lyndis! A villager spotted a group of men riding south..." Kent trailed off as he saw the distraught boy.
"His dear sister...They've got to have her," Sain said weakly.
"Nils."
He sniffed as Lyn tried to comfort him by rubbing his back.
"Nils, we have to give chase," Lucius kneeled in front of the two and softly touched the boys wet face.
"But..she.. What if they've already..." his lips trembled as he trailed off.
"Are you looking for this girl here?"
A man with glowing read hair and bright blue eyes was the one that had spoken. He was holding a girl cloaked in elegant sheer robes in his thin armored arms. Her hair was a shade lighter than Nils' and if her eyes were open they would probably have been red as well. Nils gasped as he the sight and, after knocking Lucius back, ran to the pair and embraced the girl.
"Ninian! Ninian!" he latched into her arm and stared into her quite beautiful face.
"She'll be fine. She's just lost consciousness," the man spoke in a quiet and calm voice, not unlike Erk's usual tone.
"Who are you?" Lyn asked once she was at Nil's side.
"I'm Eliwood, of Pherae. My father is the marquess."
"Woah...his son. Kind of looks like the marquess himself, minus about a thousand years, mind you."
"Sain..." A thud was heard and then a whine from the knight.
Eliwood seemed to have not heard them for he continued, "She was with a band of ruffians. She seemed upset She look in need of rescuing... Was I wrong to involve myself?"
He was looking at us and with our weapons drawn we probably didn't look to inviting. Lyn lowered her sword quickly and shook her head, "No, you saved her life. Thank you. My name is Lyn. I'm from Sacae. I'm um...Marquess Caelin's granddaughter."
"Marquess Caelin?" he asked with a quirked brow.
"Let me explain..."
"And that's my story. It's not an easy tale to believe, I know..." Lyn looked at the young man through her long bangs.
Eliwood shook his head, "No, I do believe you."
"What?"
"At first glance, all I saw was a daughter of a plains folk. Now I can see it, though. You have your grandfather's eyes."
The Sacaean blushed, "Do you know my grandfather?"
"The marquess, Lord Hausen, is my father's good friend," he explained. "I also know that the people of Sacae tell no lies. It's true, isn't it?"
"Yes... Thank you. I would not have expected a Lycian noble to be so courteous to a Sacaean nomad."
Eliwood leaned back against the column he had been sitting at, "I'm glad you think so highly of us."
"Ah, that's not what I--"
"Yes, Lyndis, I know," Eliwood laughed as Lyn huffed.
"You seemed to be in trouble. May I be of assistance?"
"Thank you for the kind offer, but this is my problem and I shall deal with it," she said as she stood up.
Eliwood stood as well and brushed himself off, "I see. Well, I'll be in the area a few days longer if you need anything. I'm staying with my lo--a friend of mine." He coughed and turned his head, although I could still see a light blush on his cheeks.
Friend, huh?
"Eliwood...thank you," Lyn seemed to have not noticed his red cheeks and smiled as she issued her hand out. Eliwood took it with a smile.
"Ninian! You're awake!"
I turned to see the girl from before stir, long lashes revealed stunning scarlet eyes as she was hugged by her brother.
"Thank the gods!"
Her voice was quiet, so quiet that I almost couldn't hear her, "Nils? It is really you? Oh, you're safe!" Ninian wrapped long, thin arms around her brother's small frame and nuzzled into his neck as he nodded enthusiastically.
He helped her off a stone bench she had been resting on as Lyn and I approached her side. "Uh huh. These people helped me," Nils continued happily.
"Who are they?"
The weight of an arm appeared on my shoulder and I didn't have to turn to know that it was Matthew.
"Uh..." Nils turned to us and bit at his lip.
Our leader took he initiative and stepped forward, "I'm Lyn. I'm glad you're feeling better."
"Milady Lyn... Thank you. I'm called Ninian. My brother, Nils, and I are traveling performers," the girl explained as she wrapped one arm around her brother's shoulders for support.
"Both of you?" Lyn looked mildly interested, " I know that your brother's a musician. How about you, Ninian?"
During the battle Nils had volunteered to help. He couldn't use a weapon, but he had the ability to play the flute which was so invigorating that it seemed to lift our spirits. This allowed us to press on faster.
"I...I dance."
The thief beside me whistled and I elbowed him hard in the side and gave him a warning look as the girl turned cloudy eyes on him. He jumped and gulped. "Did you feel that?" he whispered into my ear as she turned back to Lyn.
"Feel what?"
"That...eerie feeling." He shook his head, "She's not normal. She...shouldn't..."
"Be here," Erk said from my other side.
Matthew nodded, "Yeah...not here."
I was about to ask what they were talking about but a glint of metal and a strong force knocked me into Erk.
"What was that my blossom? Oh my... did you say that you are a dancer?"
"Sain... Later, please," Lyn ground out.
"Um, yeah. Of course," he turned and was greeted by a death glare from Kent, who had followed the man's earlier path between Matthew and I.
"A dancer? Your clothes don't look like those of a dancer," Lyn pointed out as Sain was dragged off by his companion.
Nils shook his head, "Ninian dances to honor life. It's special... Sacred."
"A sacred dance? What does that mean?"
Ninian turned her eyes to floor, "I... The dance I perform when we travel is just a normal dance. My other dance, though... When they caught me. I twisted my ankle. I cannot dance to aid you... I'm sorry."
Lyn still looked confused but quickly hid it as the girl looked back at her, "Please don't worry. We're just happy to see that you're out of harm's way."
Ninian stared, "...Thank you."
"But I am concerned about your leg. You can't travel on it alone..."
Nils adjusted the arm he had around his sister's waist, "I've an idea. Would it be too much to ask that we travel with you?"
"I can't allow that! It's far too dangerous. We're being hunted. We never know when we're going to be attacked, she stomped her foot with every detail but Nils look as determined as ever.
The small boy incessantly pressed on though, "We wouldn't be a hindrance. We could even help you. Right, Ninian?"
She stared back at the ground as she answered, "Yes. We might be able to repay our debt using... our special talents." Nils nodded.
"Special abilities?"
"When something poses a threat to us, we can sense its approach," the girl explained.
Lyn's eyes lit up, "Truly? That's amazing!"
"What'd I say," Erk whispered. Matthew frowned.
"You mean what I said."
"Whatever," Erk replied. "Still, they aren't normal. We shouldn't allow them with us."
"We can't stop them, though," I interjected. "It's Lyn's decision."
Red caught my eyes as flushing Kent and a ruffled Sain walked back from behind us and to the trio.
Lyn turned, "What do you think, Kent?"
"I think leaving them here would cause Lady Lyndis more worry than having them travel with us." Kent's eyes met Matthew's who huffed lightly in return.
"Sain? Oh never mind, I know what your answer is," she rolled her eyes as he began to open his mouth. "Do you really wish to travel with us?"
"Of course!" the boy smiled as Ninian lifted her eyes back to Lyn.
"You have our gratitude, milady," she brushed her hair back and gasped.
"What's wrong, Nin'?"
"My...my ring," she replied weakly.
Lyn cocked her head to the side, "Your ring?"
"Not Nini's Grace?" the boy stared at his sibling as she nodded,
"The very one."
Nils balled his tiny fists up and scowled, "They stole it? Those curs!!!"
Lyn look genuinely concerned at his reaction, "Was it valuable?"
Eyes downcast again, the light haired girl shook her head, "It was a keepsake from our departed mother."
As though it were coming from one person Nils continued his sister's story, "It was blessed by the spirit of Ninis. There's no other like it in the world. And now we have lost it to those villains. There's nothing we can do..."
He began to lead his sister away as Ninian agreed, "You're right..."
Lyn's face looked solemn as she turned back to me, "Can I talk to you, Touya?"
The mage and thief surrounding me left without a word and I noticed that the young sword wielder looked nervous, "You heard all of that, right? What do you think? I'd really love to retrieve Ninian's ring for her. But if Nils is right, then those thieves might prove to be too strong for us. What should we do? "
"You should do what your heart tells you to."
"Ah, Touya," she smiled and threw her arms around my neck. I invited the touch warmly and she had a mock-serious expression on her face when she drew back.
"Sain, Kent, prepare the horses! We have to make pursuit!"
"As you wish!" Sain saluted and rushed to tell the others.
Author's Note: Sorry for the long update period. My apologies. Thanks for reading!
After leaving Araphen, and not receiving any help at all from the marquess, we continued heading south to Caelin.
The rain that we encountered proved to be useless in it's attempts to stop us as we traveled, by forest, through Lycia. Though it did make the ground slightly muddy which, while not really affecting the horses because of their already slow pace through the trees, affected another 'beast' that was traveling with us.
Serra, who was on the back of Sain's horse, issued her staff into the air as she explained the finer points of a gentlemen. Sain, who was getting too much praise for his already inflated ego, beamed at Kent who rolled his eyes.
"She's like an old woman," Erk's quiet, but clear voice told me, "Always complaining and acting as though she's the only thing in the world worthy." I smiled at the mage walking beside me.
Serra then cleared her voice to get our attention, "As I was saying...Sain here, being the gentleman he is, let me ride with him because if I was to get anything on my robes I'd just---EEEEEKKK! MATTHEW! DON'T THROW MUD AT ME!!!!"
"Kekekekekekeke, score one for the Matt-ster!" the thief yelled excitedly and patted me on the back. "Did you see that, Touya? Got her right in the face. Next time, I aim for the hair...."
"Matthew!"
He stopped in the middle of his plan to give me a look, "Ah...shit. It's Kenty's wife..."
"I heard that! Stop throwing mud, you're upsetting Serra!"
Matthew shook his head as though pained and turned to the girl who was behind Florina on the pegasus, "Well, Lyn, that was the point..." Lyn shot him a death glare. "But, for you, I'll stop."
"For now anyway..." he whispered into my ear as Lyn went back to talking with her friend. With that he winked, waved, and strolled over to Dorcas who didn't look extremely pleased to see him.
I knew that we were pressed for time and the reason Lyn was so moody was because she desperately wanted to meet up with her father, yet she seemed to calm down around Florina. I began to wonder about the two of them. I knew that they used to live together on the plains of Sacae, but was there something else besides a friendship? Girls were just too hard to understand...
Stretching my clothed arms in front of me I studied the remainder of our group, Erk had gone back to looking suspiciously at Matthew and our surroundings while Serra used one of Sain's shirts to wipe the dirt from her face. Our two archers were walking side by side as Rath led his horse behind him. I caught the usually emotionless nomad smiling slightly as Will went on about anything and everything.
"Well lookie what we have here!" an enthusiastic voice called out, pointing towards a clearing in the thick trees. "Seems we've stumbled upon a cozy little village. What will our objective be here, El Capitan?"
Thumbs firmly linked around the tight waistline of his jeans, Matthew turned to me and smiled.
"Hah....what? Me? No, it's Lyn's choice if we stay or not," I then turned to look at her, she flushed as the thief bowed at her.
"Well, where are we, Kent?" she asked as she dropped down to the ground, landing gracefully on two feet, her flimsy robes showing miles of slim, milky white flesh.
As prompt as usual, the redhead answered immediately, "This is Khathelet. If we head due south, we'll pass into Caelin."
"From here, I'd say we're about, oh, ten days' ride to Castle Caelin," Sain added, getting off his horse as well and then turning to help Serra do so. "Assuming that we don't run into any delays, of course," he added over his shoulder.
"Ten days..." Lyn whispered as she hung her head and stared at her clasped hands.
"Lyn, don't worry. We'll make it," a soft voice uttered and I was surprised to see Florina push her frail arms around the Sacaean's taller frame from behind. Lyn gasped and it seemed to be an automatic reaction as her hand closed around one of the arms locked around her waist.
"Th...Thank you," she answered unsteadily, as though her breathing was being hindered somehow. She then turned and drew her friend's hands into her own as she stared down at the girl.
Matthew whistled, Wil flushed as Rath gave him a look, Serra smiled warmly and whispered something to Sain that made the knight also smile at. But Kent had frozen, one leg still in place on the horse, the other on the ground, he gulped and stared.
Erk, who was beside me, looked surprised for a second and then rolled his eyes, "It's about time."
My eyes widened at his comment and I turned to ask him if he knew anything when a voice interrupted me, "Pardon me, but...."
The two girls' moment ended as Lyn looked for the source, her eyes finally coming down upon a small boy of eleven or twelve. His hair was a light turquoise and he had a golden headband hidden behind it. He was bouncing on his feet as though anxious about something, causing his almost sheer white cape to blow around. Though the only thing really out of the ordinary were his bright red eyes.
Lyn quickly composed herself and walked over to the boy that was standing beside Matthew, who had lifted his arm to look at him, "Yes? Can I help you?"
"You and your friends... Are you mercenaries?"
She blinked, "And if we are?"
"Ah!" The boy jumped at Lyn, his tiny hands closing on her wrists, "I need your help!"
Kent, who seemed to have recovered, joined the group, "Milady Lyndis, you mustn't let your guard down. Not even for a child."
"I know," Lyn gave him a rueful smile and turned back to the boy, "Forgive me, but we're in a hurry. Is there someone else you can ask?"
At the question the boy looked behind his shoulder and then began to jump from foot to foot as he looked from me to Erk, "There's no time! Ninian's been... It's my sister! Some men have taken her away!"
"Your sister?" Sain asked, appearing out of no where behind the boy, causing him to jump and turn back towards him and nod vigorously as he continued, "Did you say your sister's been accosted?"
"Sain..." Kent all but growled.
"I'm just trying to get the details straight...."
"That's right! By some cruel, awful men," the boy pointed out. "I don't know what I'll do without Ninian. She's all I have..."
"Milady Lyndis! We must help him!" Sain insisted as he clasped his hands over the boy's shoulders to comfort him.
"Nonsense! We haven't the time, Sain!" the redhead yelled. "If the marquess is as ill as we've heard, we must proceed!"
"Kent, I... I want to help this child."
Kent stopped and turned, wide-eyed, towards Lyn, "Milady?"
"I'm worried about my grandfather, of course. But this! I cannot stand by and let a child be taken from her home!" Lyn spoke courageously, her face stern.
"I see..." the redhead muttered, his face covered in a light blush.
"I'm sorry, Kent."
He shook his head and gave Lyn a genuine smile that shot sparks up my spine, (Did he ever smile like that?) "I am your loyal retainer. You owe me no apologies. You must do as your heart dictates, milady. I will follow you, no matter where it may lead."
"Thank you," Lyn smiled back.
"Hah! Such a noble speech! Ever the true knight, that one!" Sain laughed as Kent went to tell the others, "Ah, well. You're in luck, laddie! Let's go get your sister!"
After patting the boy on the shoulder he went to join Kent. Lyn then kneeled down in front of the boy, "So what is your name?"
"Nils."
"Well Nils, will you lead us to the men who've done this?"
"Uh huh. They were really tough, so be careful."
"Leave them to us. We're pretty tough ourselves. Right, Touya?"
"I sure do think so," I laughed as the boy looked to me, his eyes shimmering with hope.
Almost on cue, three men appeared. One was cloaked in black, the others were in normal battle attire and holding various weapons. Nils jumped and turned to look at them. He gulped hard and moved back behind Matthew, clutching at his sash.
"Ah! Oh no..." he muttered.
"Heh heh heh... Found him!" The cloaked man sneered. "C'mon, it's back to Nergal wit' you. Quiet now," he mockingly cooed as he made an attempt to reach for the boy, but the thief stepped in front of him.
"No!" the tiny boy screamed, "Let Ninian go!"
"We ain't supposed ta kill you, but we sure as hell can't rough you up!
His hand shot past the thief and latched onto the boy's wrist. With one sharp tug Nils went lurching forwards. Matthew, who was surprised by the man's quick actions, drew his sword with equal speed and it clashed with the man's arm.
"Ow... Who do you think you are?" the man shot him a nasty look and rubbed at his bleeding appendage. Lyn then stood in front of the two.
"Let the boy's sister go," she looked at the man levelly.
"You think you're some sort of hero, little missy? What a shame, 'cause you gonna die for something that don't concern you."
"Ah, you think so, do you? Do we look so meek? I think you are in for a terrible shock!" our leader shot forth.
"Hn, stupid, all of ya. You'll regret those words, just ya wait," he started to walk backwards. "Take 'em down, boys!" he then yelled. Several other goons rushed down to greet us as his hands went into the air and a giant ball of glowing dark light appeared from them.
Lyn gasped, "A shaman--"
"Stay back!" someone yelled.
The owner of the voice ran in front of Lyn. She had long blonde hair that flowed endlessly around her slim frame that was hidden behind a silky blue robe. Her eyes glowed as she began to chant and a look of horror spread across our adversary's face as an equally large orb of light came soaring at him from the mysterious person.
The mage turned and smiled, which was when I discovered that she was really a--
"Why, could a face so beautiful even exist!"
The mage recoiled as Sain, who, yet again, popped out of no where, and extended one hand out and smiled, "Such a beautiful flower, nay, a crystal, a gem, a jewel! Oh the names that could be bestowed upon someone as lovely as you!"
"How about 'man'?" Matthew asked as he leaned on my shoulder.
"Eh?" Sain turned to see his companions. Serra was blushing and holding a hand over her mouth while Kent shook his head. The others just looked extremely amused, with the exception of Wil, who was laughing so hard that he had buried his head into Rath's shoulder, and Nils, who was staring openly at the monk as though transfixed.
A wide-eyed Sain turned back to the mage who had clasped his lips together in an attempt to not laugh as he nodded his head. Matthew barked with laughter and pushed the speechless cavalier aside, "Please excuse my friend, he's well, stupid."
The mysterious man gave a tiny laugh as Lyn walked forward, hand extended, after the thief had marched the blushing knight away, "Thank you for your help."
"Oh, of course, milady--"
"Lyndis."
"Milady Lyndis," he bowed his head and extended his arms out which gave us a better view of the many designs on his clothing.
"Your robes... They look like religious vestiary. Are you an Elimine bishop?"
A look of appreciation spread across the young man's face, "Yes... Well, no. I'm only an acolyte, an Elimine monk, to be specific. My name is Lucius."
"I thank you for stepping in, but what business do you have with us?"
"I was at the inn when this child came seeking help," he held out a smooth hand as Nils wandered over to them. "The innkeeper was afraid to get involved. He was...unpleasant."
Nils, besides the light blush on his cheeks, looked normal as he answered, "I wasn't afraid of him! I'm used to being treated that way."
Kent frowned and dragged him back over to the group for introductions as Lyn watched. "That's awful," she said once he was out of earshot.
"May I lend my services? I truly wish to help the boy. If only a little."
The young Sacaean's cheeks were flushed as she nodded, causing tendrils of emerald hair to fall around her shoulders, "Of course."
"Thank you very much. The blessings of St. Elimine be upon you," Lucius gave her a smile and bowed his head slightly.
"All right, let's get this party started," Matthew smirked as he put his arm around Lucius's shoulders. "Welcome aboard, mate. This is Touya, he will be your 'guide' on your way through the battlefield."
Lucius bowed slightly at me and I returned the greeting. "It's all you, man," the thief grinned and I clasped my hands together as I surveyed the area.
"Right. Okay, there isn't many of them so I want a few of you to sit this one out...."
The battle had gone, for the most part, great. No casualties (on our side anyway) and we still had enough manpower to reach some of the more hidden huts of the town, which was exactly what our healer was doing.
"Excuse me! Is anyone home?" Serra tapped her foot against the ground, when no one answered she huffed. "An empty house... How dull!"
She left through the oak door and shot me a look, "Empty."
I nodded but heard some rustling inside and once Serra's pink pigtails were enough distance away I crept towards the house and for sure I heard a rough voice, "I though she would find me for sure."
I approached the door apprehensively, "Hello?"
"Eliwood?" The same person from before asked, "Blast it, why are you so late, ba--"
A tall muscled man with short blue hair swung the door open with enough force to knock a horse down, "Oh...Can I help you?"
"You know Serra?" His face froze in horror and I eyed him suspiciously as he tried to look behind me, "She's gone."
"Ugh.. She's been working for my brother in Bern. St. Elimine...I thought she had come to see me or something."
"No, we're merely traveling mercenaries," I informed him as he gave me a sheepish smile.
"Ah, well good luck," he said halfheartedly as he started to close the door.
"Yeah--" He slammed the door shut causing a roof tile to fall inches from me, "--thanks."
The leader of the rogues had decided to inhabit the castle of the land. Heintx was his name and he was a shaman, or dark magic wielder, and he didn't look to happy to see us defending Nils.
"And who are you supposed to be? Playing heroes in some foolish knightly romance? You may think you're helping the children, but you're only rushing to your doom!" he spat angrily.
"No, your wrong!" Florina yelled as she positioned her javelin, "You can't go around doing this to defenseless children!"
"We'll just see..." Heintx sneered as he raised his hands to attack. Lyn took that moment to walk towards the fight.
"Florina!! Watch out!" she screamed as the man sent a large blast at the orchid-haired girl. It hit here square in the chest, yet she stayed on her pegasus.
"Lyn, what's wrong?" she asked as she turned, showing that she was barely hurt. Her armor had been specially designed to reflect most weak magic attacks so it would rebound some of the force of a large one as well.
The Sacaean girl was clutching her chest and heaving, yet she sighed in relieve at the realization that her friend was all right, "No-Nothing."
Florina gave her a look and, with a nod, returned to battle. She was joined seconds later by Lucius, who aimed one strong blast of white light at the 'boss.'
He fell, clutching his staff on his way down, and groaned in pain, "You were only...striking at air... You are...too late. The girl is already--"
"NINIAN!" Nils screamed as he ran at the man, "NO! Nin...Ninian!" Lyn grabbed the boy's cape as he tried to run towards the battle. As soon as her arms were around him he broke down causing Lyn to fall behind him.
Serra gasped and Matthew had his hand over his mouth and was trying to look unconcerned as Lucius went inside to search the castle.
"It's hopeless, she's not there..." Nils croaked from his spot on the ground between Lyn's thighs.
Hooves were heard as the two cavaliers approached the group. "Milady Lyndis! A villager spotted a group of men riding south..." Kent trailed off as he saw the distraught boy.
"His dear sister...They've got to have her," Sain said weakly.
"Nils."
He sniffed as Lyn tried to comfort him by rubbing his back.
"Nils, we have to give chase," Lucius kneeled in front of the two and softly touched the boys wet face.
"But..she.. What if they've already..." his lips trembled as he trailed off.
"Are you looking for this girl here?"
A man with glowing read hair and bright blue eyes was the one that had spoken. He was holding a girl cloaked in elegant sheer robes in his thin armored arms. Her hair was a shade lighter than Nils' and if her eyes were open they would probably have been red as well. Nils gasped as he the sight and, after knocking Lucius back, ran to the pair and embraced the girl.
"Ninian! Ninian!" he latched into her arm and stared into her quite beautiful face.
"She'll be fine. She's just lost consciousness," the man spoke in a quiet and calm voice, not unlike Erk's usual tone.
"Who are you?" Lyn asked once she was at Nil's side.
"I'm Eliwood, of Pherae. My father is the marquess."
"Woah...his son. Kind of looks like the marquess himself, minus about a thousand years, mind you."
"Sain..." A thud was heard and then a whine from the knight.
Eliwood seemed to have not heard them for he continued, "She was with a band of ruffians. She seemed upset She look in need of rescuing... Was I wrong to involve myself?"
He was looking at us and with our weapons drawn we probably didn't look to inviting. Lyn lowered her sword quickly and shook her head, "No, you saved her life. Thank you. My name is Lyn. I'm from Sacae. I'm um...Marquess Caelin's granddaughter."
"Marquess Caelin?" he asked with a quirked brow.
"Let me explain..."
"And that's my story. It's not an easy tale to believe, I know..." Lyn looked at the young man through her long bangs.
Eliwood shook his head, "No, I do believe you."
"What?"
"At first glance, all I saw was a daughter of a plains folk. Now I can see it, though. You have your grandfather's eyes."
The Sacaean blushed, "Do you know my grandfather?"
"The marquess, Lord Hausen, is my father's good friend," he explained. "I also know that the people of Sacae tell no lies. It's true, isn't it?"
"Yes... Thank you. I would not have expected a Lycian noble to be so courteous to a Sacaean nomad."
Eliwood leaned back against the column he had been sitting at, "I'm glad you think so highly of us."
"Ah, that's not what I--"
"Yes, Lyndis, I know," Eliwood laughed as Lyn huffed.
"You seemed to be in trouble. May I be of assistance?"
"Thank you for the kind offer, but this is my problem and I shall deal with it," she said as she stood up.
Eliwood stood as well and brushed himself off, "I see. Well, I'll be in the area a few days longer if you need anything. I'm staying with my lo--a friend of mine." He coughed and turned his head, although I could still see a light blush on his cheeks.
Friend, huh?
"Eliwood...thank you," Lyn seemed to have not noticed his red cheeks and smiled as she issued her hand out. Eliwood took it with a smile.
"Ninian! You're awake!"
I turned to see the girl from before stir, long lashes revealed stunning scarlet eyes as she was hugged by her brother.
"Thank the gods!"
Her voice was quiet, so quiet that I almost couldn't hear her, "Nils? It is really you? Oh, you're safe!" Ninian wrapped long, thin arms around her brother's small frame and nuzzled into his neck as he nodded enthusiastically.
He helped her off a stone bench she had been resting on as Lyn and I approached her side. "Uh huh. These people helped me," Nils continued happily.
"Who are they?"
The weight of an arm appeared on my shoulder and I didn't have to turn to know that it was Matthew.
"Uh..." Nils turned to us and bit at his lip.
Our leader took he initiative and stepped forward, "I'm Lyn. I'm glad you're feeling better."
"Milady Lyn... Thank you. I'm called Ninian. My brother, Nils, and I are traveling performers," the girl explained as she wrapped one arm around her brother's shoulders for support.
"Both of you?" Lyn looked mildly interested, " I know that your brother's a musician. How about you, Ninian?"
During the battle Nils had volunteered to help. He couldn't use a weapon, but he had the ability to play the flute which was so invigorating that it seemed to lift our spirits. This allowed us to press on faster.
"I...I dance."
The thief beside me whistled and I elbowed him hard in the side and gave him a warning look as the girl turned cloudy eyes on him. He jumped and gulped. "Did you feel that?" he whispered into my ear as she turned back to Lyn.
"Feel what?"
"That...eerie feeling." He shook his head, "She's not normal. She...shouldn't..."
"Be here," Erk said from my other side.
Matthew nodded, "Yeah...not here."
I was about to ask what they were talking about but a glint of metal and a strong force knocked me into Erk.
"What was that my blossom? Oh my... did you say that you are a dancer?"
"Sain... Later, please," Lyn ground out.
"Um, yeah. Of course," he turned and was greeted by a death glare from Kent, who had followed the man's earlier path between Matthew and I.
"A dancer? Your clothes don't look like those of a dancer," Lyn pointed out as Sain was dragged off by his companion.
Nils shook his head, "Ninian dances to honor life. It's special... Sacred."
"A sacred dance? What does that mean?"
Ninian turned her eyes to floor, "I... The dance I perform when we travel is just a normal dance. My other dance, though... When they caught me. I twisted my ankle. I cannot dance to aid you... I'm sorry."
Lyn still looked confused but quickly hid it as the girl looked back at her, "Please don't worry. We're just happy to see that you're out of harm's way."
Ninian stared, "...Thank you."
"But I am concerned about your leg. You can't travel on it alone..."
Nils adjusted the arm he had around his sister's waist, "I've an idea. Would it be too much to ask that we travel with you?"
"I can't allow that! It's far too dangerous. We're being hunted. We never know when we're going to be attacked, she stomped her foot with every detail but Nils look as determined as ever.
The small boy incessantly pressed on though, "We wouldn't be a hindrance. We could even help you. Right, Ninian?"
She stared back at the ground as she answered, "Yes. We might be able to repay our debt using... our special talents." Nils nodded.
"Special abilities?"
"When something poses a threat to us, we can sense its approach," the girl explained.
Lyn's eyes lit up, "Truly? That's amazing!"
"What'd I say," Erk whispered. Matthew frowned.
"You mean what I said."
"Whatever," Erk replied. "Still, they aren't normal. We shouldn't allow them with us."
"We can't stop them, though," I interjected. "It's Lyn's decision."
Red caught my eyes as flushing Kent and a ruffled Sain walked back from behind us and to the trio.
Lyn turned, "What do you think, Kent?"
"I think leaving them here would cause Lady Lyndis more worry than having them travel with us." Kent's eyes met Matthew's who huffed lightly in return.
"Sain? Oh never mind, I know what your answer is," she rolled her eyes as he began to open his mouth. "Do you really wish to travel with us?"
"Of course!" the boy smiled as Ninian lifted her eyes back to Lyn.
"You have our gratitude, milady," she brushed her hair back and gasped.
"What's wrong, Nin'?"
"My...my ring," she replied weakly.
Lyn cocked her head to the side, "Your ring?"
"Not Nini's Grace?" the boy stared at his sibling as she nodded,
"The very one."
Nils balled his tiny fists up and scowled, "They stole it? Those curs!!!"
Lyn look genuinely concerned at his reaction, "Was it valuable?"
Eyes downcast again, the light haired girl shook her head, "It was a keepsake from our departed mother."
As though it were coming from one person Nils continued his sister's story, "It was blessed by the spirit of Ninis. There's no other like it in the world. And now we have lost it to those villains. There's nothing we can do..."
He began to lead his sister away as Ninian agreed, "You're right..."
Lyn's face looked solemn as she turned back to me, "Can I talk to you, Touya?"
The mage and thief surrounding me left without a word and I noticed that the young sword wielder looked nervous, "You heard all of that, right? What do you think? I'd really love to retrieve Ninian's ring for her. But if Nils is right, then those thieves might prove to be too strong for us. What should we do? "
"You should do what your heart tells you to."
"Ah, Touya," she smiled and threw her arms around my neck. I invited the touch warmly and she had a mock-serious expression on her face when she drew back.
"Sain, Kent, prepare the horses! We have to make pursuit!"
"As you wish!" Sain saluted and rushed to tell the others.
Author's Note: Sorry for the long update period. My apologies. Thanks for reading!
