The secrets of her past revealed in the words of two Knights of Lycia. Now, to meet her grandfather, Lyn heads west, to Lycia, and to her destiny. A mountain range separates the Sacae Plains from Bern. There are many bandits lurking here, the cruelest of which are the Taliver. They wreak havoc on both Sacae and Bern, and their savagery knows no bounds. On her tenth day away from the plains, Lyn witnesses their atrocities herself.
Finally, the four companions landed in a small, destroyed village to possibly rest a bit. Sion slid off of Sain's horse and then, went to Kent's and helped Lyn dismount.
Lyn took a look around, taking in every detail of the town.
"This place...It's..."
Sain frowned as he interrupted, "The entire area is in ruins. Why doesn't their marquess do anything to help?"
Lyn replied with a mournful face, "Taliver Mountain is home to a gang of vicious, ruthless bandits. No marquess holds power here. My village was near here, on the other side of the mountain. My people were..."
At this moment, Lyn held Sion's hand, to prevent herself from tearing.
"The Taliver bandits came at night. It took only one night. The survivors numbered less than ten, including me. They're soulless beasts. I will never forgive them. Never"
She then let go of Sion's hand.
Sain sympathetically looked at her. "Lyndis..."
Kent remained silent. "…"
Lyn replied, "I am not running away. I will be back...someday, I'll be stronger... I will break their swords beneath me like twigs beneath a stallion's hooves. I will avenge my people. I'll do everything in my power."
Sain beamed, "When the time comes, bring me with you."
Lyn said, "Sain."
Sion smiled at his companions.
"Don't forget me, either.", Kent said.
"Kent..."
"Lyn! You wound me! How dare you forget me?", Sion shouted.
"Oh! You, too Sion? I... You're..."
Lyn wrapped her arms tightly around Sion as he slightly blushed and looked away.
"Thank you", Lyn said.
In the village of Taliver Mountain...
A bandit cornered a petite, young lady with lavender hair and blue eyes, shivering at the sight of the bandit.
"Wait right there, little lady! What are you going to do to apologize? Huh?"
The lady kept shivering. "Uh... I...That is, I..."
Another bandit appeared to the one who cornered her.
"Hey, she's quite a catch, eh, buddy? I bet the boss'd give us a pretty penny for her."
The first bandit spoke.
"Yeah. She roughed me up a bit, so I figure fair's fair. It's no more'n she deserves."
She spoke, "I...I..."
The second bandit interrupted, "What are we gonna do with her flying mule?"
She screamed, "Don't you dare touch her!"
The second bandit smirked, "What? You just watch your mouth, girlie!"
She replied, "Do what you will with me, just... Let her go. Please. I beg of you."
The second bandit left as the first one spoke to her.
"Ha ha ha! Silly twit! Pegasi can only be found in Ilia. They're rare beasts, worth more than you by far! We can sell it for a mountain of gold. Let it go? HA!"
She began to tremble, "No, you can't..."
The bandit yelled out to the other bandits, "C'mon! Let's move!"
A little outside town...
Kent looked out and spoke, "What's this? Be on your guard, Lyndis. There seems to be some sort of commotion over there." He pointed further ahead into town.
Lyn looked ahead and felt her heart skip a beat, "That's... That's a Pegasus. Could it be?"
Lyn ran ahead into town.
Sion shouted after her, "Lyn! Wait! You don't know what's out there!"
Lyn ignored him and kept running.
"Lyn, are you dense! Wait!"
Lyn finally got inside and asked.
"Florina? Is that you, Florina?"
The girl turned to her and beamed. "Ah! Lyn?"
"Florina! What are you doing in a place such as this?"
"Lyn!" Florina ran up to Lyn. "Is it really you? I...I…" Florina then burst into tears.
Lyn then wiped them away.
"Come now, no crying!"
"I'm sorry."
Sion, Kent and Sain finally caught up.
Kent asked, "You are acquaintances?"
"She's my friend. This is Florina, a Pegasus knight in training from Ilia. She's a little uncomfortable around men. Tell me, Florina, what happened here?"
Florina answered, "Well...um... When I heard that you had left... I decided to follow you. Then I saw this village... I flew down to ask if they had news of you. I didn't see these two, and... well..."
Lyn interrupted, "Did your Pegasus land on them?"
Sion shook his head.
Florina sheepishly replied, "Well, I... A little..."
Sion saw a bandit approach Florina and Lyn, and got in the way.
The bandit said, "Aha! You heard her!"
Florina hid behind Lyn.
"She admits her fault! She stepped on my friend, and now she's got to pay!"
Lyn turned to Florina, "Did you apologize, Florina?"
Florina shyly nodded, "Yes. I told them I was sorry many times over. They just wouldn't listen..." She began to cry again.
Lyn comforted her, "Don't cry. It's all right."
"Lyn..." Florina hugged Lyn.
Sion yelled, "She said sorry! Why can't you accept?"
Lyn joined Sion, "Listen, she's obviously sorry. Can't we just let this pass? You don't appear to be injured or anything."
The bandit got closer, and another one joined him.
"No chance. The girl goes with us- by force if need be!"
Sion retorted, "Fine! It's your funeral!"
The bandits scattered around the village and recruited.
"C'mon out boys! The men are fair game, but don't put a scratch on the girls!"
All the bandits came out from their homes and spread around the town.
Lyn turned to Sion.
"Sion! We've got to fight back!"
Sion nodded, then looked at Florina, who was still shaking.
"Florina, you're trembling like a leaf in the wind. Toughen up." Sion said, as politely as he could. "This is no time for fear."
"Lyn... I..." Florina started.
Lyn went to Florina again, "You're a Pegasus knight, aren't you? You can fight, can't you?"
Florina quietly answered, "...Yes!"
Lyn spoke to Sion.
"Listen carefully, Sion. We're facing several bandits. They're underlings, but we can't take them too lightly, lest, the accident back home happens again. Let's clear them out."
"It looks like I've taught you well."
"Hm? But we haven't been together for more than 10 days... What could I have learned in such a short time?"
"Well, you seem to be giving orders without a problem."
"Hey!" She laughed and ruffled Sion's hair, then ran to battle. However, she noticed the structure of the town, and noticed its many walls.
"The layout around here might make it difficult to fight. However the same holds true for our foe, too."
Lyn put her hand to the wall, and looked up.
"If we use these walls just so, they may ensure our victory." Lyn said.
Blushing, her whole face a rosy color, she asked Lyn, "Lyn...Who's that?", pointing to Sion.
Lyn, grinning, turned his head to face Sion. "This is Sion, he's still an apprentice, but he's my tactician."
"Oh, I see... Uh...Sion? I'm pleased to meet you." Florina said.
"In the meantime, Sion, you are in charge of everyone. I will go visit the local houses to see if anyone else was harmed by the bandits." Lyn shouted as she ran to the closest cluster of houses she could find.
"Spread and attack! Florina, I suggest you stay as far from the archers as possible!"
At the community...
Lyn shouted, "Is anyone there?"
No one appeared, but she heard a reply, "Leave us alone, you thugs!" "Go away! Go away! We've no more gold for you!"
"No, wait!" Lyn desperately called, "Please, we're not bandits! We want to help the village. Please listen!"
Someone said, "Remain inside, everyone. I'll go see what's happening."
From one of the houses, came a young man, with light brown hair and brown eyes. By the appearance, he was an archer. He had a quiver on his back and his bow to his side. He approached Lyn and looked her over.
"Not bandits, huh? So, who are you?"
"My name is Lyn. My colleagues and I are just traveling through here. We saw some bandits about. We're going to deal with them, but... We need you to go and warn the villagers."
The archer replied, "Hey! Wait!"
He looked down at his feet, before looking back at Lyn's eyes.
"The name's Wil. I'm a traveler of sorts, too. Listen, those villagers have been kind to me. Mind if I fight with you?"
Lyn smiled. "Not at all. We need all the help we can get! Welcome aboard, Wil!"
With that, they both left the community and went back to battle.
"Lyn, I can assist. Look what I can do."
Wil took an arrow from his quiver, and pulled his bow taut. He let go, as his arrow flew clear over the fence, followed by a loud scream.
"I can snipe foes over this fence."
Sion beamed, "A great addition. Much appreciated, what is your name?"
"Wil."
"Thank you, Wil."
"Um...Lyn, I can fly over the walls and attack if you like..."
"Yes! Just don't get hurt, Florina!
"Yes, Lyn!"
About 2 hours later...
Lyn and company were able to wipe out the inferior bandits and finally got to Migal, the leader of the bandits, and the first bandit to capture Florina.
"Draw your swords!" Migar said, "We're not listening to any of your stinking apologies!"
His harsh words turned into a harsh scream when Wil's arrow went into his arm.
Lyn went up to him and spoke, "Hey, listen! There's something I wanted to ask you."
Migar took the arrow from his arrow and scowled.
"Begging for your life so soon, wench?"
Lyn ignored him and asked, "Are you...Taliver bandits?"
Migar went, "Taliver? Those greedy monsters? We're nothing like them! Those fiends will even kill women and children! We're from Ganelon, and we know a little something of honor. We don't harm women, for one thing. Heh heh heh. After all, why kill what you can sell?"
Lyn continued speaking, "If you're not Taliver, then there's no reason for you to die here today. If you would like to tuck your tail and flee, do so now."
Migar fumed, "You...You...No more courtesies! You're going to learn to watch your tongue!"
Lyn then attacked, slicing the Mani Katti into his abdomen. All of a sudden, Florina appeared to fight. She spoke to Migar.
"Um...excuse me…"
Migar went, "Huh? It's you! So, you changed your mind about coming with us, eh?"
Florina went, "Well...no... But...this really is... my fault... Really...So, can we..."
Migar interrupted, "What! C'mon lass, out with it!"
Florins shyly went on, "I'm sorry. Can we...Can we just stop fighting now?"
Migal scoffed, trying to stop his bleeding, "You've got to be kidding. After I've been made to look like a fool? No way!"
Florina got nervous, "Eeek!"
Migal winced, holding his wound, "You're coming with us! I promise you that! Now, if you don't want to get hurt, give yourself up!"
Florina refused, and threw her slim lance into Migal's chest.
Mugal muttered, "Ugh...You'll live to regret this... MY brothers...The Ganelon bandits will not let this stand..."
Migal died, and Florina removed her slim lance and just stared.
Lyn went up to Florina.
"That's finally taken care of."
"Lyn!", Florina went.
"Florina...Why did you follow me? It's so dangerous."
Florima looked at the floor, a little embarrassed and ashamed. "Do you remember the knighting ceremony of the Pegasus Knights of Ilia?"
"Yes, you join a band of freelance soldiers to further your training. Is that what brought you here, Florina?"
She nodded, "Uh-huh. I wanted to talk to you before I set out. But when I went to Sacae, I heard that you had left with some stranger, and..."
"You were worried for me? Thank you, but I'm more worried about you." Lyn answered.
"Me?"
"Listen," Lyn began, "most mercenaries are men, right? Bands of men? I can't imagine you being at all comfortable around them."
"I know, I know." Florina said, "It's just...I've always dreamt of being a pegasus knight. I imiagined I would just...work it out. Somehow. After today, I'm not so sure. Maybe I should just...give up..." Florina began to cry.
"Florina... Don't cry..."
Sain boomed, "Yes! There;s no reason to give up your dream!"
"Hm?" Lyn said.
"Oh no..." Sion shook his head, burying his face in one hand. "Here we go again..."
Sain rushed up to Florina and spoke.
"Lovely Florina! I have the most brilliant idea!
"Sain!" Kent began, but Sain ignored him.
Sain continued, "You should come with us! With the addition of Wil here, we're a fine group of soldiers, and freelance to boot!"
Wil interrupted, "Wait, did you just include me?"
Sain smiled, "Of course! We are destined to meet here! It's fate! Come now, Lyndis's band of mercenaries is as good a training group as you will find anywhere!"
Kent said, "Sain...This is no joking matter!"
Florina, confused, went to Lyn.
"Lyndis? Um, Lyn? Mercenaries?"
Lyn said, "I can give you details later. This is all a bit rushed. However, Sain is right. Will you come with us, Florina?"
Florina gave a small smile, "Travel with you, Lyn? Truly? I would be so...so happy!"
Sain shouted again, "Fantastic! Beauteous Florina! I am a knight of Caelin. My name is Sain..."
"Some pickup line there, Sain..." Sion commented.
"Eeek!" Florina screamed as she flew behind Lyn.
"Stay back!" Florina yelled, "Don't get so close."
"Ah... Beautiful, and yet so modest!" Sain sighed.
Kent went up to Lyn. "I beg your forgiveness. Calling us mercenaries..."
Lyn shook her head. "No, I approve. We can't leave Florina on her own. She requires special attention, though. Can I count on you?"
Kent smiled, "Yes! You have but to ask."
Wil walked up to Lyn and tapped her shoulder. Lyn turned around, as he spoke.
"So... Is it really all right if I travel with you?"
Lyn laughed. "Oh, yes. Of course! If you're willing, Wil."
"Actually, I'm very grateful. Truth be told, all of my money was stolen, and I'm... at a bit of a crossroads. I would be honored to count myself as one of Lyndis's Legion!"
Lyn giggled. "'Lyndis's Legion'?" She turned to Sion, "This is getting stranger with every day, Sion."
Sion just shrugged as he stared at Lyn.
"This is all better, more practice for me. I don't mid at all, Lyn. I'm sure, my parents would be proud."
Sion looked to the sky and noticed it was getting late.
"Kent, Sain. Could you please set up camp? After we are done, I have a surprise for all of us."
Kent and Sain then set up the tents as everyone became acquainted with each other. Finally Kent and Sain finished and they all gathered around a campfire as Sion grinned.
"I hope you knights have some cups on hand, because I have a treat."
Sion pulled out a bottle of red wine he had in his satchel. He poured a cup for everyone as they all spoke, mostly Sain.
After drinking his share, Sion walked over a little away from camp and lay down in the grass to look at the stars. Lyn noticed, and lay down beside him.
"Sion, what's wrong?"
"Hm? Oh, nothing's wrong Lyn. I'm just remembering things."
"Oh..."
Sion was thinking abut his father.
"I just want to know if he is happy. That's all."
"I'm sure he is, now stop worrying." Lyn let out a big yawn, and turned around to face Sion. "I am sure if you are happy... then your father and mother are happy for you." Lyn held his hand.
Sion sighed, then spoke. "I guess you're right. Lyn, is that how you feel about your parents?"
There was no answer.
"Lyn?"
Sion turned his head and noticed that Lyn had fallen asleep. Shaking his head, he stood up with Lyn in his arms, and carried her back to the camp and laid her down. He found a blanket and put it over her, then went back to where he was before, and listened as the rest of "Lyndis's Legion" fell asleep. Only after he knew everyone was asleep, he shut his eyes and fell asleep himself.
With Lyn's group growing larger and larger, will Sion be ale to successfully command them in upcoming battles and save them? Will Florina be able to tolerate men now that she's with Lyn? Keep reading for the next chapter, In Occupation's Shadow.