A/N: I am extremely sorry for not being able to update this fanfic until now. As you have seen in the last chapter, I am currently working two jobs and that in general has been taking up most of my free time. When I'm not working, I tend to be wiped out and end up simply sleeping off my own weariness. Anyway, thanks for all the reviews and I hope you continue to enjoy this fanfic.
It looks like I've caused a bit of confusion and thanks to my amatuer mistakes I once again had to rewrite a chapter.
As far as age goes, Renzin is 22 and Lyn is 18 as was her age in the story. I've had to rewrite a couple of parts in chapter two so everything would work out. Particularly the times at which certain events occured.
Chapter 3- The Knights of Lycia
Renzin's POV
The scents of meat and ale filled my ears, while my eyes gazed upon old but sturdy wooden floors. The sounds of lively chating mixed with the clang of silverware against the hard ceramic of plates was almost like music... to a sense. I unstrapped Muramasa albeit reluctantly, but that could have been more or less Muramasa's tampering with my head. Oh well... a small price to pay. Even though it couldn't have been brighter outside, my mind seemed to register the lights dimming slightly, while my muscles began to untense. This was a place to just simply grab a bite to eat... to relax...
Wave upon wave of nostagia graced my senses as I took my seat at a table on the far left near a window. I leaned Muramasa against the wall next to me. I doubted that it would be stolen or anything like that. This pub has a strict policy about weapons. Those that do draw any sort of weapon would immediately be banned from the place entirely. Thrown out... ridiculed beyond all reason... you know something rediculous of that sort. But that didn't matter right now.
"Hello? Can I take your order?"
I turned around to find a waitress with long brown hair pulled into two braids as wells as dark hazel eyes. I was surprised to find her clothing quite modest, for the usual waitress. Most owners tend to display women to attract customers. I guess that wasn't a problem however with this place. The food here was good enough to keep you coming back here for all eternity.
"Yes. I would like some beef lomein along with some wine."
I'm not usually a wine person, but I don't know... It was more of a whim.
"Any particular year?"
"No, whatever you have is fine."
She nodded and walked into the kitchen to give the chefs my order. I just sat there and drowned myself within the idle chat of the people, immersing myself in thought.
It was more of a dance now that you thought about it.
The bodies of five or so corpses littered the mountain range, freshly killed thanks to my blade. The only ones that were left was a guard that had turned tail and fled quite some time ago and a woman who had the bearing of a warrior. It wasn't long before I found myself clashing swords with her. I just barely managed to block the next strike as her blade met my own in a fierce hurricane of blades. The hard rocky terrain of Illia made for excellent footing as we continued this dance of death. What was even more frustrating was that I found myself being pushed back easily. This time she went low trying to get me to lose my balance. I stepped back just in time from what otherwise would be me losing a good portion of my leg only to find myself once again crossing blades with this brilliant swordmaster.
"Are you really so sure of yourself?" She growled as she continued her relentless assault. I didn't have time to retort as another fierce arc came flying at my head. A quick side step and it passes by harmlessly. I counter by thrusting my blade hard which she bats away and with the momentum she generates, twists around to strike my sword arm. I duck away but she does manage to score a small cut on my arm. Biting back a curse, I counter again by aiming low trying trying to trip her in a leg sweep. My leg connects and the next thing she knows, her back hits hard ground and she just seconds away from my blade at her throat. However again she shows me just how determined she is by rolling out of what would be a finishing blow. My katana hit hard ground and somehow I stumbled. Whatever happened, it gave this warrior the time she needed to recover from my sweep and she's back on her feet.
"Why..." I panted. "Why can't any of you leave me the hell alone?"
Her gaze didn't waver as her lips curved to be somewhat like a smirk.
"I was curious. I heard that there was a rogue beserker that found it's way into our mountains." She said. Her smile turned into a frown. "It seems that they were right. But there's something else..."
Losing my patience, I charged at her again. My blade held high. Sword clashed against sword once more, my anger giving me the strength I needed to subdue her. But she still didn't give up. Inspite of my superior strength, she backs off to the side again while withdrawing her blade, to throw off my balance. It didn't work though, I saw her tactic and stopped myself from stumbling. However the woman had backed away enough to keep us both a reasonable distance away from each other. Frankly, this stale mate was really pissing me off!
"What..." I shook my head. "What the hell are you talking about?"
Again, her gaze didn't waver eyeing me with something almost like pity.
"I didn't think there could be such thing as a beserker at your age... How old are you? twelve?"
I sighed though my blade was still held in a threatening manner.
"Look, I honestly don't care what you think. Leave this place or I'll have you join the ranks of your companions." I motioned to the remaining corpses. Weather it was to her benefit or not, she did spare the glance to look at her fallen ally's. I have to admit, I could have been a bit more civilized with the killings. Half severed necks, scattered limbs, gore, pools of blood spilled onto the ground, leaving this part of the mountain feeling tainted. It meant little to me. I was just passing by honestly. If they hadn't got in my way...
Well, things could have been alot less messy.
Whoever she was, she just shook her head. "I am charged by the Marquess of Illia to bring you in. I cannot abandon my mission."
I shrugged.
"It's your loss." I coiled slightly, prepared to strike.
"Really... It's your loss."
I charged at her with a speed few could match. I wanted to end this now and get it over with. I couldn't be wasting my time here all day. Seriously! It's cold! And I can feel it... I'm on to something. There's something important that has to be done here. If I only knew what it was.
Seeing that she would probably lose the next exchange, she backed away and allowed me to strike at her. With her backing away, she still had the strength to repel my momentum as steel clashed against steel once more. The next ten minutes or so was more of the same, each of us moving at a rythm engrained into our minds. You've heard of being one with the environment around you? It was sort of like that.
This was only a distration as I forced her back to a rough cliff side. Ilia has always been a cold mountainous region and rocky terrain was a vast and plentiful. Tactically, it was perfect. Otherwise, it was a travelers personal hell. Though it was a training paradise for the many of the promising pegasus knights of the region.
She knew what I was doing. There was no doubt in my mind she knew what I was doing. Now that I thought about it... this woman may have been the best warrior I have ever seen since that day... I was good with a sword. I had to be! I wasn't allowed to be any less if I was to survive. To be weak was to deserve death. To be weak was to die...
Tears never do anything... They're just all you have left when the whole world decides that your not worth keeping alive. That whoever you know isn't worthy of living either. Mercy was for the weak. That's all life has ever taught me. Is that my life? Does my existance do nothing but cause grief to everyone?
My blade flared brilliantly in my hand as I continued to push back the swordswoman. My blade lashed out at her in flashing arc's. I could see her coiling back. I could see the terror I struck into her heart.
Half of me recoiled in disgust. The other half reveld in what was almost elation.
"That sword..." She said as she continued to struggle under the power of my strikes, one hand on the hilt of her sword. The other near the blades edge.
"DIE!" I yelled as I continued my relentless assaut.
Another five minutes...
I continued to push her back and at last she was at the cliff's edge. If I couldn't score a hit then maybe I could drag her to a place that I wouldn't have too. I stopped for just a moment as I let a smirk reach my face.
"It's over. You're cornered and as far as I've seen so far, you lack the skill to defeat me. Any last words?"
I waited for a few moments to hear what she had to say. I expected to hear begging or some for of shock. Even tears but that's not what I got.
"Who's speaking to me now? You or that sword?"
Me or my sword?...
My sword...
My...
Elimine! What have I done?
It was almost as if her words lifted the haze that I only now just realized. My hands began to shake, my mind numb with complete and utter shock. What am I doing?
"What have I done?" My sword clattered to the ground, forgotten in my hysterics. No sooner had I dropped my sword I was tackled to the ground, her blade at my neck.
She said nothing as she continued to stare at me her gaze piercing even in the shadows of her hair. I was defeated. My sanity was all but destroyed. I was little more then a shell of what I once was. Ever since I drew that blade.
Exposing more of my neck to the cold, I invited her sword.
"Kill me. One swift stroke should do it."
I sat there in thought clearly amazed at how much more different my life was back then. Thirteen years ago, it would have been safe to say that I had nothing to live for. Thirteen years ago, suicide would have been quite appealing. I lost everything. I suffered and in turn made others suffer. I killed the innocent as well as the guilty. Thirteen years ago, their lives meant nothing to me. They were simply there, living with those that I would consider monsters for human beings and inturn deserved to share their lot in life... and death.
I was foolish... No matter how I look at it, that is the only conclusion I can think of. Because of me, so many died. People that didn't have to die. Futures I destroyed in a moments anger.
How I wish I could take it back.
And then there was Lyn. In a moments passion I had decided to allow her to travel with me but I hadn't thought of the consequences of that decision. She wanted to travel with me to avenge her family and her clan. It was clear that I was going to have to train her in the ways of the sword but other then that it would be quite awhile before she would get the chance to avenge her family. From the sound of it, that incident six months ago was caused be the Taliver Bandits. True, I fought and killed a good portion of them but six months is a long time. They could very well have replaced all of thier dead by now. Possibly even double their numbers. But why kill an entire clan?
Something just didn't add up. As far as I know, the Sacaen tribes haven't been at war with anyone in over a decade, and bandits don't kill unless the person or persons in general are rich enough. Sacae is known for good harvests but a gold mine?
I doubted it. Something else is happening and I can't put my finger on it. Whatever it is, Lyn's involved in it. Even if it's unintentional.
Not only that but this is a major side track with dealing with the Black Fang! But what else was there to do? If I said no the poor girl would have been heart broken with the shame of letting her family down if only a fraction of her story is true. I believed her of course. There was no reason for her to be lying.
Rubbing my temples and feeling the headache that was developing, I was half tempted to just lay my head down on the table. Why can't anything just be simple for a change.
"Sir, your order."
In my reminiscing I didn't notice the waitress return with my noodles as well as the wine I had ordered. She placed it on the table without a second thought and left me to my meal. The scent of it alone was enough to make my mouth water. Beef and noodles covered in soy sauce, mushrooms, and other assorted vegetables that I failed to identify. It didn't matter. It was the taste you cared about anyway.
Usually one would order bacon and eggs for breakfast. I'll just say that I'm wierd that way. Taking the chopsticks that were given to me by the waitress, I twirled the noodles and beef expertly, waiting for that taste of heaven.
-
Kent's POV
Being a knight is hard work. Just the mentality requires a steadfast heart and a will of iron. To be a true knight, one must be well versed in the laws of the land and uphold integrity and honor. You must set an example for others to follow. You must never falter. Not once or everything you once stood for could collapse into ruin.
Courage and Bravery go hand and hand but one must also be cautious. Knights must lead the way to victory and bravely face defeat. To fight for ones country is a dream to some and a terror to others but ultimately, the goal is peace. One must fight to maintain that peace and sometimes the price for peace may be to high.
But now I find myself conflicted, for within my land there is unrest. Why must brothers do evil unto eachother? Why do people lust for power or status? Why is it that war always beckons around the corner. In all the twenty five years in my life I have yet to find an answer, I grow weary as those frail walls of peace slowly decay once more and the horns of battle are sound.
But this is a war of a different nature. How can a country stand divided? When even the heart is torn in two?
"Lift my soul! Let me stare into the eyes of such radiant beauty!"
And why does one's companion have to be such a lout?
Almost grudgingly I let my thoughts escape me, turning my attention to my partner Sain who had found himself another reason to be distracted from our mission.
"The red lips of the pale goddess. Hair of the dawn. Please grace me with your delicate touch."
Ah I get it. That's why he asked to borrow one of my poetry books. I have to admit the woman was quite lovely. Eyes of blue and long golden hair cascaded down her back and over a light blue robe of delicately woven fabric. Strange, I believe I've seen robes like this before.
However the woman looked quite startled as Sain continued to harmonize.
"Guide me through the dark chasms of my heart, and let me see the light again."
My companion abruptly stopped as soon as the woman's fist made impact on his face. I resisted the urge to draw my sword instead opting to get Sain back onto his feat from the heap he was before.
"Don't. Ever. Do. That. Again!" The girl stormed off.
"Master Lucius?"
"Come Waren we must go." A man in a cloak walked off with the one in blue robes.
Shock overcame my anger at that moment as in mid lift I dropped Sain back onto the floor again. The voice of the woman was not of a woman at all.
But of a male.
"Who was...?" I started but before I could get anything else out...
"Ugh..." Sain moaned rubbing his cheek where the punch landed.
"Are you alright Sain?" I asked. Just thinking back at what just happened...
I supressed the urge to laugh.
"Y-yes. Though I'll probably think twice next time I decide to pick up anymore ladies."
"Somehow I doubt it." I laughed.
"No really I..." This time Sain stopped in mid sentence as his attention seemed to be focused on something else yet again.
Or... someone.
Just great. Oh why did I have to be assigned such an incompetent partner?
-
Lyn's POV
Bulgar has always been a magnificent city. The blue skies only added to the overall cheerful mood with the constant chatter of the townspeople. Buildings of both stone and wood extended as far as the eye could see. Merchant's littered the streets selling their wares for more then tripple of what they were actually worth but those were the tricks of the trade. Anyone foolish enough to buy something for triple the normal price more likely then not deserved being conned. Most merchants were decent enough if only in hopes that the same customers would visit there stall again. If you wanted to mingle with the people and enjoyed the out doors life then Bulgar was the place to be. Every now and then you would even see Sacaen tribes selling furs, or other assorted furniture and the like.
You could find anything here from swords and spears to expensive jewelry to dogs and cats which were rare among the Sacaen plains. All and all you could easily find yourself overwhelmed in it's splendor. That and the fact that I had no clue where I was.
I admit that I don't visit Bulgar as much as I should. I did so when I was little. When Papa would carry me on his back all the way. When Momma would laugh when he accidently tripped and we ended up in a pile of tangled limbs. The good'ol days.
Those days will never come again. Anger, sadness and regret began to well up inside of me. My family. My hopes and my dreams. All of that was taken in a mans soul purpose for greed.
"I swear... I'll find them and make them pay!"
I was about to walk off again but then...
"Please wait o beautious one!"
I turned around to find a man with light brown hair with matching eyes who wore dark green armor. In his right hand he held a partisan style spear, the tip of it designed to pierce through the toughest of armor. He held the expression of a man that had just left a tavern though not without leaving some coin for a drink or two. The goofy smile he wore contrasted with the developing bruise on his cheek. All and all, he looked like a knight who had a bit too much last night and didn't quite come out on top of things.
"Could you favor me with your name or better yet, your company?" He continued.
I scoffed. I'm not much for pickup lines especially from drunkards.
"Where do you come from sir knight that you speak to strangers so freely?" I asked, though it probably wasn't necessary. The emblem on his shoulder pad was evidence enough.
"I thought you'd never ask!" he said as his smirk grew even wider. "I am from Lycia!" He spoke again as he pounded on his chest plate with his fist in pride. "From the Caelin canton, home of men of passion and fire!"
I wasn't very impressed.
"Isn't that home of callow oaf's with loose tounges?"
I saw him wince but the smile never faded.
"You're even lovely when you're cruel."
I really didn't have time for this. I needed to find Renzin. He's late.
"I honestly have nothing more to say."
And then I walked away. "Hey wait!" I heard the man say but I ignored it and continued to walk away.
-
Mean while...
"You know what to do right."
"Of course. You don't have to spell it out for me."
"Explain it to me just in case."
"(Sigh) Wait until she's alone and kill her right?"
"I guess that's what it amounts to."
"See? Nothin to worry about."
"And what if that boy shows up?"
"My men are more then ready to take on a few whelps."
"Don't underestimate them. He took on that last bunch with ease."
"I won't be so foolish as that runt Batta was."
"Just make sure that you finish the job."
"You have my fee?"
"Here's 5,000 now. You'll get the rest once the job is done."
"Fine. But you better have it ready once I return.
-
Lyn's POV continued
Ever since my encounter with that knight, my mood had soured though it wasn't the man's fault. No, the reason my mood was as it is was because of the continued absence of a particular tactician. Where was he? It was easily three hours past the time Melody said that he'd return. Skimming from stall to stall my efforts of searching for Renzin where quickly becoming for naught. What was worse was the fact that we haven't bought any new supplies as of yet and if we were going to do the amount of traveling that I think we are, then that would have to be something we should pay attention to.
Melody said that he was getting something to eat but he should have been finished with that a long time ago. Finally giving up, I decided that for the time being that the weapons merchant could have something interesting. My sword was quite worn thanks to constantly hunting on my own. I remember passing it by only a few minutes ago. Backtracking tends to happen alot in marketplaces. Oh well. The crowds were just as large as they were this morning but somehow I managed to slip though until I found the correct stall.
This stall had just about everything. Swords, Axes, Spears, Daggers, Staff's. I expected no less. You could find just about anything in this town.
"Ah welcome Mi'lady"
The merchant was unremarkable in appearance looking almost the same as any other merchant. There was some slight differances but otherwise nothing out of the ordinary.
"You have any good swords?" I asked.
The merchant laughed.
"I wouldn't be a very good salesman if I didn't."
Turning around, he took one of the blades that he placed on display on a stone wall behind his stall. It was a curved scimitar with several divit's on the blade's edge to give it a much more intimidating look. The blade itself had a wide edge, designed to deflect the strongest blows. The merchant placed it in my hand, a light smile forming.
The weight ranked somewhere between middle and great swords and the curve edge left me a bit unbalanced. No this wasn't the right blade for me.
"I think I'll need something a bit lighter." I said handing the blade back to the merchant.
"I see." He took another blade on the wall. "How about this." He handed the sword to me agian.
This blade was alot better. The sword itself had a straight edge that only curved sharply at the end. It was more of a katana then it was a long sword but it suited the same purpose. The hilt was rather plain but the leather wrapping made it rather easy to handle. A quick practice slice and I knew immediately that this sword was perfect for me.
"I'll take it."
I drew my own sword and handed it to the merchant.
"It's rather worn but how much will you take it for?"
After examining the blade, he placed it back down on the counter.
"I'll give you 250 for your sword. 700 hundred for the blade you're buying so in total that'll be 450 gold."
I nodded and went for my pouch. Giving enough coin to the merchant, I nodded my thanks and turned around.
And Renzin was right behind me. Startled my hand went to my new sword but stopped as I recognized him.
"R-RENZIN?"
Renzin to his benefit seemed to be completely at ease.
"Mournin Lyn... or is that good afternoon?"
"Where the hell were you? I searched everywhere."
He winced slightly then held out a large leather bag with a strap to it. "Getting supplies and other tactician stuff. I see you got a new sword."
Your not changing the subject on me!
"Seriously! I was worried."
Renzin let out a sigh, his face downcast.
"I'm sorry Lyn. I'll be alot more considerate next time. I was in more of a 'get it done now' mood then having to regret it later."
That... makes sense.
"Alright." I smiled. "I forgive you this once. Next time you do something like this though I'm coming with you."
"Deal." we both shook hands. His smile matched mine though I was surprised to find something else. A tinge of sorrow. It wasn't quite his smile. It was his eyes. He was holding something back and it hurt him.
Whatever it was, it faded quickly. "Oh by the way." He continued. "Do you have any idea as to our next destination."
I thought about it for a minute before I drew a blank.
"Umm... Well I do want to visit a shrine near by here."
He arched an eyebrow. "Any particular reason?"
"To pray for good fortune. It's an old Sacaen custom."
"I see. And after that?"
I honestly didn't know where to start. Either I simply traveled with Renzin to where ever he was going or we try to find leads on whoever destroyed my clan. Six months is a long time though and unfortunately, it's more then enough time for people to forget. I shrugged ane he sighed exasperated.
"That's what I thought. Alright, then if you don't mind I suggest we return to the scene of the crime."
"The scene of the crime?" I asked. That means...
"Yes. We should return to the ruins of your village. We might be able to find some clues there."
I felt sort of conflicted about that. That place held alot of bad memories for me as well as good ones. To be going back so soon... I don't think I'm ready. But If Renzin is right and there is something there then I'll be that much closer to getting my revenge. Sometimes I hate my life.
"Alright." I said a bit reluctantly.
"Good. Let's head back to the inn real quick to say our goodbyes and get your horse."
-
Sain's POV
It was safe to say I wasn't having a good day. Punched and dumped and all within an hours time. I don't get it. Why am I so unsuccessful with women. I don't think I look unattractive... I smell good... I even have the pretty boy hair cut! So what was missing?
"Sain..."
I was a knight so status wouldn't be much of an issue. I was a decent fighter. I went out of my way to learn poetry. I flirt constantly...
"Sain."
Chick's dig horses... I treat women like goddesses. I even wear the shining armor ensemble! So what was so bloody wrong?
"SAIN!"
Biting back a yelp I turned back to my boon companion who was once again angry about something as usual. Honestly why couldn't he just get a grip?
"Yes Kent?"
The red head scoffed. "Why must you always be so distracted with women? Remember Lord Hausen has given us a very important mission! We must hurry and find the lady Lyndis."
This again?
"Trying to locate one lone girl, especially one that doesn't want to be found is like trying to find a needle in a hay stack. I wouldn't get so tied up in a knot over this. She won't be found unless she wants to be found. I say enjoy it while you can."
"How can you take such an easy going point of view on this? You can't possibly realize how critical this mission is!"
"I know what's at stake but being all frustrated about it now won't make any difference. "
"You'd be surprise how much effort pays off Sain."
"And you're going out on a limb."
"Excuse me! Could you move your horse? They're in the way."
Wait that voice sounded just like... I turned around to find my angel return on a horse of white. Saddled behind her was a man in a dark cloak who had somewhat of a confused expression on his face but I ignored it.
It was Kent that responded first. "O... Of course!"
"Thank you." She replied. "You atleast seem decent enough."
As she turned to leave the town gates Kent seemed to want to stop her for something. Wait a minute... He isn't trying to...
"Excuse me... but I feel like we've met before."
She turned around looking a bit stardled.
"Pardon?"
He wasn't gonna get away with this.
"No fair Kent! I saw her first."
The girls startled expression turned into an angry frown.
"Tsk. It seems there are no good men among Lycia's knights."
"Lyn?" The man from behind asked. Looking confused to no ends.
"Come Renzin! I've run out of patience!" A light kick to the side and her horse begins to gallop away... Another lost opportunity. Kent however looked like he was ready to pop a vein.
"Sain you lout!"
Uh oh.
"What? You mean you weren't trying to..."
"I'm NOT you!"
"I... I'm sorry Kent."
My companion began to rub his forhead in frustration before facing me again.
"Come, we must follow them. I suspect that she may be our mission." Taking the reigns of his steed, he charged through the gates in my angels direction. The mission? You mean she...
The resemblance. Oh how could I have not noticed.
"Hey wait for me!" I charged after the lot of them.
-
Renzin's POV
And so we were off and I once again found myself holding onto Lyn for dear life as she picked up speed. In all honesty I was kinda afraid of horses. Expecially falling off of one when they're going at top speed. Getting my head splattered... every bone in my body shattered. I cringed. Imagination these days was not being very friendly with me. I assumed we were heading off to the shrine but Lyn was in such a mood that I didn't have the guts to ask her.
A pulse from Muramasa!
Those familiar sensations begin to course within me telling me that danger is nearby. It actually starts as a shiver down my spine and turns into a warm and rather tense vibration around my entire body. Then it turns cold again to produce a rather uncomfortable feeling.
"Slow down a minute Lyn."
"Huh?" she asked clearly confused.
"Something isn't right." That was an understatement. If Muramasa is pulsing like it is, then something big is about to happen. She looked like she was going to say something but thought the better of it and slowed to a stop. I dismounted quickly with some relief I might add. I don't think I'll ever get used to horses. It's strange though since I'm a bit afraid of horses but I'm perfectly fine riding a pegasus. Whatever! Now was not a time to be worrying over such things.
Taking a look around, the sun was beginning to set over Bulgar's taller buildings casting large shadows over the plains. The forests were ahead but normally you'd hear some signs of wildlife.
I drew Muramasa something was definitely wrong.
"Renzin?" Lyn called out to me as she dismounted, her hand going to her blade.
"Be on your guard Lyn! Someone's here!"
That's when Lyn came close to me drawing her blade covering my back as well as me covering hers.
"You don't think it's those knights do you?" She asked.
"Not if they wanted to keep their title's" I said. "Knight's have a code of honor they must uphold at all times. They never harm the innocent, regardless if they're lecherous or not. No, whoever it is, they're out for blood!"
Suddenly out of nowhere, a large shadow leapt above us though I did catch a glint of light.
An Axe! Lyn!
"Renzin?" Lyn called out. I didn't reply instead pushing Lyn out of the way while I brought Muramasa up high. Lyn fell to the ground hard. I wish there was another option but it was either this or her head. She turned around just in time to witness my blade clashing with an insanely large axe.
"Renzin!"
Muramasa was designed for quick, swift strokes. Not heavy combat and I found my self losing this struggle. True, Muramasa was virtually indestructable but I wasn't built for this kind of combat. Some people are just naturally strong and utilize that strength to the fullest extent. I didn't have that luxury. No, I wasn't weak by any means but compared to this guy, I found myself quickly hard pressed. This isn't any good. I'll have to break away.
I strafed right and toward Lyn, letting the axe swing harmlessly past.
Now!
While the man tried to recover from his swing, I had time to score a hit on his arm. The man bit back a curse as steel met flesh. He backed away from Lyn and I, a look of pure hatred in his eyes. Though I was weary, this gave me time to check on Lyn. She was still partially stunned from the fall but otherwise she was fine.
"You okay?" I asked offering a hand.
"Y-yeah." She took it and quickly got back on her feat.
Now that I had time to get a good look at our attacker, I took the liberties. The man was a giant! Greying hair and an unshaven face did little to obscure the image. Bulging muscles nearly made the shirt he wore rip right off. A large scar covered his right eye that made it all but impossible to see through it. He wore dark grey pants smeared with blood and large menacing boots. In general he looked like a guy you didn't want to mess with under any circumstances.
"Very perceptive brat. Most of my victims don't even realize I'm here until it's too late."
"Who are you and what do you want?" I replied. I didn't have time for games. He ignored me and addressed Lyn instead.
"So you are Lyndis? Such a waste. Such a awful waste. Oh well. Time to die darlin!"
I took a step forward in front of Lyn. He wasn't going to get a hand on her if I had anything to say about it.
"You'll die before I ever let that happen!" I yelled. Then I smirked. "Besides if it's only just you then I don't think I have anything to worry about."
The man seemed to smirk at that.
"Oh trust me. I could take you on any day of the week. However I'm feeling generous. Give us the girl and all your money and you'll leave here with your life!"
I really hate cliche's.
"Sorry. Ain't gonna happen."
The man shrugged. "Very well then." Taking two fingers in his mouth, he gave a high pitched whistle. Lyn seemed to get rather jumpy. She held her blade infront of her in a tight defensive position. Her legs extended a little further to give her more leverage. I twitched slightly. I wasn't much for high pitched sounds either. Immediately as if from nowhere bandits emmerged from the forests and shadows and before we knew it, Lyn and I were complete surrounded. Their numbers easily counted fifteen. Possibly twenty. I didn't like this one bit.
"Lyn stay close to me!" I yelled.
"Alright!" She took a few steps closer, her eyes wary of all the axe's that could be meant for her. Perhaps the worst part of that matter was they very well might be. I didn't see much of a way out of this. Not any way that would get atleast one of us killed. And they seemed quite eager to get their hands on Lyn.
The bandit's continued to close the distance between themselves and Lyn and I. In all honesty, the only way I saw out of this was to clear a path so Lyn could escape. Then I could...
"Lyn, when you see the oppurtunity get out of here. Leave these idiots to me."
"But you can't possibly take these guys on your own. You need my help."
"Please just-"
I was cut off as I saw two of the bandit's get run through from behind. One with a sword. The other by a pike. As the bandit's fell I immediately recognized the fighters as the knights at the entrance of Bulgar. Perhaps there was some legitimacy to Lyn's claims afterall. Their intervention alone managed to scatter the bandit's enough for Lyn and I to get out of harms way.
"Attacking a lone girl? Cowards the lot of them!" The one in green cried out.
"And what am I? Chop liver?" I retorted. For some odd reason, the green one seemed to irritate the hell out of me.a
"Er... yeah sort of."
I rolled my eyes.
"Alright, cut the humor. What are YOU doing here?" Lyn soured. It seemed the knights interference although saved our lives, Lyn didn't seem all that grateful.
"We saw that you might be in need of our assistance. It is a Knight's duty to protect the innocent at all costs. Even if this isn't our country." The one in red piped in.
"Stay out of this. This is my fight!" Lyn countered, her face going slightly red at the idea that she may owe her life to these knights.
"But... We can't just stay here and do nothing..." Green spoke up once more.
"I agree Lyn. You may not like it but I don't see any way out of this..."
"I think I have a solution." Red spoke then he pointed to me. "You're a tactician are you not? If we agree to fight under your command then will you let us assist you?"
"Yes. Renzin and I will lead." Lyn answered for me.
"Good. My name is Kent. My companion is Sain. Let's fight well."
"Agreed."
I turned to the direction of the thieves. Half of them seemed to remain where they were. I caught a few of them withdrawing deeper into the forest. The big guy was nowhere to be found. The brigands who remained at the clearing began charging at us. Axes held high. It was time's like these that I hated being a tactician. Between trying to fight and trying to guide others, one easily became distracted. And I was not one to be placed under preassure. Ironic that tacticians have to go through it all the time.
"Everyone Let's go!"
Each one of us raised our swords except Sain who only had a spear and we met their charged. It was Sain that made first contact with the brigands thrusting out his spear in hopes of impaling his foe and quickly ending it. His hopes were in vain as the bandit ducked quickly out of the way and countering with his axe managing to score a light gash on his left leg. The bandit would have continued his assault had Kent not scared the man off. The red armored knight seemed to have managed to fell his target quickly and proceeded to help his knight companion. Lyn strafed left of his target, avoiding the strike and tagging a hit to the man's side. I took my knife out and threw it at my adversary. It struck deep into his gut. Stunned the bandit fell back and I followed through with a quick slash to the mans neck. Blood splattered all over my cloak as my blade struck an artery.
Deep in the vast corners of my mind, I smirked. I hadn't had a kill that good in a while. Pulling out my knife from the corpse I took a brief look a Lyn. It seems she had come out on top of her fight but not without her share of cuts and bruises. Leaving the remainder of the nearby bandits to the knights, I ran up to Lyn to administer another vulnary. Seeing me approach, she lowered her guard and began to knelt down, the weight of her injuries beginning to tax her. Pulling the cork out with my teeth, I quickly pour the healing potion onto the more serious injuries involving a decent gash to the side, a nasty bruise on her cheek and a thin cut down her left thigh. Relieved to find the injuries healing quickly, I helped the plainswoman back up.
"Thanks Renzin." She smiled at me and I couldn't help but find something familiar within it.
"No problem." I smiled back but then looked toward the knights to see how they were faring. Kent seemed to be waiting for further orders watching the remaining bringands wearily, while Sain continued to coddle his injured leg.
It would do no good to have an injured knight continue to fight in such a manner. I took out another vulnary and handed it to Lyn. "Kent and I will go on ahead. Could you please treat Sain's injury?"
"Huh?" Lyn turned to Sain who hadn't been paying attention to the conversation at all. Still however the blood continued to flow down his leg and drip onto the ground.
"Alright I guess." She replied. I nodded to her before saddling behind Kent and holding onto his shoulder pad.
"Let's go Kent."
He nodded and with a light kick to the sides of his steed we galloped further into the forest, leaving Lyn and Sain behind.
-
Kent's POV
If we had any hopes of defeating them before they called for reinforcements then we had to do this fast. That injury that Sain had sustained had cost us valuable time we needed and it all could have been prevented had he used his brain as well as a sword. But no, he had to be a show off as always and now we're paying for it.
Rushing deeper into the forest, I admit I found it considerably more difficult to navigate through. The trees grew in closer together while the bushes were free to grow wildly. It made for rather inconveniant terrain though it was still good for defensive tactics. Renzin must have known about this or else he'd probably be on foot.
"There! Kent turn right." Renzin called out behind me. I turned my head and spotted three more brigands. He's got a good eye. I immediately charged after them. As soon as I got close to one of them, Renzin literally vaulted off my horse and tackled one of the bandits to the ground effectively knocking him out. Drawing his blade, he went on to slay the next one that came at him out of anger. That left me to deal with the last one. Drawing my sword once more, I urged my steed into a charge. A wide swing from my blade and the man falls in a heap in his own pull of blood. That's when I found two more bandit's closing in on me from my left. In situations like these when you're trying to turn around effectively with your steed so that you could use your sword arm and yet aren't able to, the only alternative was to switch hands and hope your adversary wasn't overly skilled. Fortunately, I was competent with a blade regardless of which hand I used. I took out another one quickly while Renzin decapitated the last one.
"Phew." The tactician exhaled. Though I was surprised to see that he wasn't nearly as winded as I thought him to be. With a knowing smirk, he addressed me. "Right, let's take out the leader." He said before dashing further into the forest, his blade held high.
Looking behind me, Sain and Lyn had finally caught up on their respective horses. "Renzin went on ahead." I told the girl when she gave me a questioning look. She nodded and immediately charged after him, leaving nothing more than a cloud of dust. Sain and I exchanged glances before following her.
We were well out of the forest by the time we found Renzin again. The tactician lept away as the heavy axe struck hard ground leaving several cracks on the surface. Inspite of the vast difference in size, the tactician seemed to hold his own quite well. Another fierce strike from the giant made Renzin leap away while the giant gained some ground. Lyn stood back a considerable distance with a worried expression on her face in contrast to Renzin's determined one.
That was when Renzin charged at the giant, his blade flashing in a great arc. The giant screamed in pain as his mid section was cut into deeply. Renzin smirked as the man stumbled back cursing loudly.
"Damn it all! It was supposed to be a lone girl!" He spat and charged at Renzin with a hatred that few could rival. The axe came down hard once again smashing through hard rock but still failed to find it's target. In order to avoid the blow, Renzin actually dived foward and under the mans legs to appear at his back side. Another flash of his blade and the tactician literally cut all the way through both legs under the knee.
The man screamed once more in complete agony as he fell to the ground no longer with feet to support himself. That was the last I saw of him though. I couldn't bare to look another second as Renzin mercilessly went about severing the mans arms and finally the head. Blood splattered all around. Renzin being at the center of it all.
Somewhere in that haze I heard my companion vomit.
Next Chapter: The Brother Sister Blades
A/N: And thus ends an insanely large chapter. Man you have no idea how many all nighters I pulled on this thing. Must... sleep...
Oh who am I kidding?
The beheading thing actually wasn't added to this until the very last minute. You know. Just for kicks. It also gave you a good idea of Renzin's mental state in times of battle. Explanations in the next chapter so stay tuned.
Hopefully the next chapter won't take nearly as long.