After defeating the bandits, Lyn continues westward. She and her colleagues stop for the night at a ruined fortress. The Ganelon bandits are in a rage after their brethren fell to Lyn's swords. They race in pursuit of the companions. Their angry footsteps sound closer and closer...

Lyn and everyone pulled at a fortress that appeared to be damaged. Sion dismantled off of Kent's horse and looked up at it. The sun was beginning to set, leaving the surroundings in an orange haze. Ignoring the wind, Sion pushed his hair out of his face and began to look around.

Wil smiled. "Ah, this should suffice! Tonight's bed!"

Sain seemed a little upset, "This mildewy old fortress? Is this the best we can do? Come, Wil! Surely you jest!"

Wil shook his head at Sain. "The bandits keep everything in turmoil around here. No one has time to worry about travelers. And there are rather a lot of us."

Lyn dismounted from Sain's horse to speak to him, undoing her ponytail.

She spoke, "This will be fine."

Sion replied, "Sain, come on. We have no time to be picky! You can just fantasize we are at some fancy palace!"

Lyn giggled, then continued, "Who wants to be stuck inside, anyway? I prefer a place where I can feel the wind blow."

Sion responded, "Like in the plains..."

Florina dismounted from her pegasus and spoke, "As long as I'm at Lyn's side, I'll be fine."

Sain eagerly spoke, approaching Lyn and Florina, bowing.

"And for your protection, your man-at-arms Sain will be here by your side, ladies."

At this moment, Sion began to cough loudly. Everyone laughed, then Kent interrupted.

"Sain, both you and I are to remain awake. We will alternate the watch."

Sain, disappointed, sighed.

"Ah, alas...", he said.

Then, everyone went inside the fortress. Lyn set out blankets, while Sion got tents set and a fire.

All of a sudden, Lyn and Sion heard a voice.

"Your pardon, milady..."

Lyn called back, "Who's there?"

At this moment, a young lady limped up to Lyn and Sion and spoke to them.

"I...forgive my intrusion... My name's Natalie. I'm from a village not far from here."

"Nice to meet you, Natalie." Sion said, and shook her hand as she smiled back. All of a sudden, Natalie winced.

"Ah! Ow..."

Natalie fell, but before she hit the floor, Sion caught her and helped her up. Lyn gasped as she noticed Natalie's leg.

"Are you all right?" Lyn asked. "Hm? Your leg..."

Natalie smiled at Lyn sincerely.

She said, "It's fine. Don't worry. It's from a childhood sickness... I can't travel far on it, but it doesn't trouble me much."

Lyn asked, "What are you doing here all by yourself?"

Natalie answered, "I'm looking for my husband... I heard he was in this area. He said he was going to raise money to have my leg mended. He left the village and hasn't returned. He's a kindhearted man, but I think he might be involved in something dangerous. I got so worried..."

Natalie reached into a pocket in her shirt and pulled out a piece of paper, and began to speak again.

"Here's a sketch of him. It's a poor likeness at best, but... His name is Dorcas. Do you know of him?"

Sion shook his head, and Lyn responded, "I'm sorry. I don't believe I've seen or heard of him."

Natalie hung her head low, "I see..." She then looked back up at Lyn, pulling her brown ponytail to the side.

"If you do meet him, please give him a message. Tell him that Natalie is looking for him."

Lyn said, "I will tell him. I promise."

Sion spoke to her, "Natalie, if you like, you can spend the night with us here. We are travelers, and we wish to stay here and camp the night. We do have extra blankets and food."

Natalie smiled, "That would be nice, thank you."

Sion smiled, then walked off. "Lyn, I'm going to get ready for bed. Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Sion...", Lyn called back to him.

Lyn walked everyone to Natalie and introduced them all to her.

"She is our guest for the night, so please, Sain, Kent, be on full alert."

"Of course, my stunning Lyndis..."

Kent rolled his eyes as Sain and he trotted off to guard the entrance. Lyn then passed out blankets to everyone. Florina huddled next to Lyn around the fire as she fed her pegasus oats.

Lyn then told Florina, "Stay here, I'll be right back."

Florina just nodded her head as she watched Lyn take a blanket at hand and walked down a hallway.

Lyn, turned and saw Sion, sitting on the floor, with his back on the wall, and his head dropped low to his chest. Curious, she walked closer to him.

"Sion?"

Lyn kneeled beside him and leaned in. She heard a constant light breathing and knew he had fallen asleep, despite the fact she couldn't see his eyes. His hair was hiding them. She also noticed he had his cloak poorly wrapped around him.

Smiling, Lyn wrapped the blanket around him, until she accidentally moved him too much and he ended up leaning against her. Blushing, she lay him down on the floor gently and walked back to the fire.

"I'm off to bed now. See you all in the morning!"

Lyn walked past Florina and ruffled her hair as she walked to bed.

Everyone slowly fell asleep, except for the knights outside keeping watch. The wind blew, creating a nice breeze in the warm weather.

Outside in the woods...

A muscular man, hiding behind a tree, stared at the now occupied fortress. He snickered.

"Here they are. We've finally tracked down the band that defeated Migal."

Suddenly, another bandit arrived and spoke to him.

"So they've decided to hole up in this ruined fortress. Perfect. We'll wait 'til it gets dark, and then..."

The other man whacked him in the back of his head and yelled.

"You're an idiot! There are only a few of them, and some of them are women! If we attacked them at night, I'd be a laughingstock! Besides, we might hurt the women by mistake! I will not be so wasteful!"

Cowering, the underling bandit replied, "You're right, Carjiga! You're so smart!"

Totally ignoring him, Carjiga continued, "We'll avenge Migal and get some pretty souvenirs to boot. Who knows, maybe I'll be a leader after all. Ha ha ha!"

Carjiga then called to the rest of the bandits in the woods.

"Let's go! Spread out and encircle the place, you rogues! Let's finish this before it gets too dark to see!"

Carjiga watched as the bandits all surrounded the fortress, all except for one fellow. The one person who didn't move, was tall and very muscular. Very rough looking. Carjiga called out to him.

"Hey, you! You're name's... Dorcas, right?"

Dorcas turned around to face Carjiga and remained silent.

"..."

Carjiga continued, "You haven't done much since you joined us. If those weapons aren't just for show, today's the day to let us know what you can do.

"..." Dorcas just stared at Carjiga.

Carjiga said, "I want you to attack from the back entrance to the east. There's supposed to be a woman inside. I want you to capture her. Do that, and I'll increase your share of the take. If you want gold, you'll get the job done."

With that, Carjiga left, and Dorcas started thinking to himself.

"A bunch of women, huh? It would break Natalie's sweet heart to see me sink so low."

Inside the fortress...

With that, Dorcas began to run towards the back entrance, like he was told to. However, Sain and Kent saw him, and began to run towards Lyn to tell her.

Kent arrived there first, dismounted his horse and shook Lyn awake.

"Lady Lyndis!" He, yelled, waking up almost everyone except for Sion, who was by himself in the back. "Outside the fortress! Bandits!"

Lyn awoke right away, "What did you say?"

Sain then answered, "Persistent bunch, aren't they? What do you think? Shall we go out and face them?"

Lyn looked around for Sion for an answer, but he wasn't here.

Lyn said, "No... Natalie cannot move well."

Natalie hung her head down low, sheepishly as Lyn continued.

"That would put her in danger. Let them come to us. We will fight here, within these walls."

The knights nodded, as Lyn raced to Sion's side and woke him up. Sion opened his eyes, and suddenly realized that he had a blanket on and that he was on the floor, looking up at Lyn.

"Lyn...", he began, but was interrupted.

"No time. You can talk to me later. Bandits came after us, like Migal said before he died."

Lyn helped Sion up as she stared him in the eyes.

"Sion, take over. The command is yours. All we have to do is hold out until they tire and leave."

Sion and Lyn ran to Natalie as Lyn comforted her.

"Rest easy, Natalie." She said, "No one will harm you!"

Lyn yelled out to all of her companions, "Listen, everyone! Fight with caution!"

Sion looked around and made a quick analysis, then yelled.

"There are two entrances, and I think there is a possibility they can break through those cracks in the wall towards the west. Lyn, I want you to go to the eastern entrance, the knights will take care of the front. Wil will go to the cracks and take down anyone he can before they break the wall."

Lyn nodded, then she ran off to the eastern entrance. Sion ran beside her.

"Mind if I join you, milady?"

Lyn smiled, "Not at all!" She drew the Mani Katti from her sheath, then waited for the opponent.

Sion, noticing a robust man with an axe approaching nudged Lyn and whispered in her ear.

"He looks familiar, somehow..."

"Wait...Sion! That man over there...Doesn't he resemble the picture of Natalie's husband?"

Sion nodded.

"I'll go speak with him!", Lyn shouted!

Lyn ran out, but then froze, as Dorcas threw a hand axe at her. Sion, fearing it may hit her, tackled Lyn out of the way and landed on top of her.

Lyn, stunned, just stared as the axe flew above Sion's head. She blushed, staring up at his face. Sion blushed as well, then looked away and got off of her.

Sion just said, "Lyn, please. Be more careful next time."

Lyn smiled and got up.

"Thanks." She whispered. She then ran up to Dorcas and yelled.

"You! Tell me, are you Dorcas?"

Dorcas stunned, asked Lyn "How do you know my name?"

"Natalie told me. What are you doing with these rogues?"

Ashamed, Dorcas answered, "I need money..."

"That may be, but... joining up with mercenaries?"

Dorcas sighed. "It's the only way to earn money in these parts. I'll do anything..."

He hung his head, "Even this."

Lyn asked, "For gold? Anything? Would you hurt your wife? Natalie is here! We're protecting her within this fortress!"

"What! Natalie's... She's here?"

"She was so worried that she came looking for you. Think, Dorcas! Would your actions please your wife?"

Dorcas, remaining silent, shook his head. "You're right."

Lyn asked, "Well?"

"I understand. I can't do this. I'm done with these bandits. Here and now."

"Really?"

"Yes... And I would repay you for your kindness toward Natalie. Allow me to fight for you."

Sion smiled as he let Dorcas enter the fortress to speak with Natalie briefly, as everyone else continued fighting.

Outside the fortress...

Carjiga, noticing his bandits falling to Lyndis's Legion, called out.

"What are you waiting for? She's just a child! A girl! Grr! Get more men up here now!"

With that, more bandits from the woods began to surround the fortress. Carjiga, too busy barking out orders, did not realize that Lyn and Sion had snuck out and were creeping up on him, leaving Florina to guard the eastern entrance.

Inside the fortress...

After killing other bandits that tried getting in, Dorcas finally reached his beloved Natalie.

"Natalie!"

"Is it you?", Natalie asked.

"Natalie!" Dorcas wrapped Natalie in his arms. "Are you all right? What were you thinking, coming out all this way?"

"I was worried about you. Please, don't let my leg trouble you anymore. You mustn't put yourself in such danger. Please!" She urged.

"I'm sorry. I must have been out of my head. I didn't realize... That girl Lyn made me open my eyes."

"Lyndis brought you here?"

Dorcas nodded as he let Natalie go. "I'll explain later. We've got to drive back these bandits first. Listen, stay put. Don't move from here."

"All right. As long as I know you're here, I know I'm safe."

With that, Natalie kissed Dorcas briefly on the lips before he ran back outside to help Lyn. He made himself very useful with his hand axe, cutting through flesh like paper.

About an hour later, Sain and Kent finished cutting down bandit after bandit and Wil retrieved all the fired arrows. Florina cleaned her lance and Sion was looking after Lyn. Lyn finally caught up with Carjiga.

Worried, Carjiga yelled to a bandit.

"Urgh! How? Why are they so tough? You! Bring more men here right away!"

After that Lyn engaged in combat with Carjiga, as they clashed axe with sword. Lyn landed some good attacks, but Carjiga managed to get Lyn on the stomach. In pain, Lyn fell to the floor, and dropped her sword.

"Heh heh. So, now what little miss?"

Lyn just looked up at him, holding her stomach.

"Now this!"

Carjiga looked up and saw Sion above him, his dagger drawn. Unable to react, he stood still as Sion stabbed him in between his neck and shoulder.

"Argh... This isn't... Not me..."

Carjiga then fell lifeless on the floor. Sion quickly removed his dagger from Carjiga's corpse.

"Lost your guard, Lyn?"

Lyn nodded sheepishly, then winced as she held her stomach.

'Hang on."

Sion kneeled down beside her, and pulled out an elixir bottle. Sion then poured it on Lyn's stomach and they both watched as it began to mend.

"Feeling better?"

Lyn nodded. She then screamed slightly as Sion picked her up and carried her back inside the fortress. He then put Lyn back on her feet and watched through a crack as the bandits began to flee. Smiling as the knights and everyone else returned inside, Sion welcomed everyone.

Lyn said, "The enemy's fled... Sion! We've won!"

Sion smiled. "Of course we did, you silly girl!" He ruffled Lyn's hair.

Natalie threw her arms around Dorcas.

"I'm so sorry, Natalie." Dorcas held her back, kissing the top of her head.

Lyn walked toward them.

"All's well that ends well. Right, Natalie?"

Nighttime slowly crept upon the travelers. Sion and Dorcas and Natalie talked for a bit. Then, Dorcas spoke to Lyn.

"Our village is close. I'll take Natalie home and return tomorrow."

"Hm? Why can't we just say our farewells today?" Lyn asked.

Dorcas replied, "Well, I... I spoke with Sion. I... I've been invited to join your group."

Lyn said, "But we're going to Lycia..."

Dorcas answered back, "I have to go somewhere to earn money. If you think I'll be of use, I'd like to fight for you. You helped my wife... I owe you."

Lyn smiled, "Dorcas..."

Natalie smiled back at Lyn. "Please, Lyn. We are both in agreement on this. Watch over my husband."

Lyn nodded, and watched as Dorcas and Natalie left for their village.

Lyn and Sion walked inside to join everyone else. Lyn walked up to Kent.

"Things have finally calmed down." She sighed.

Kent concerned, said, "We'll continue taking turns keeping watch. Please rest easily."

She asked, "Is that all right? Are you sure? Sain?"

Sain answered her back. "Oh! Er, yes! Of course!"

Lyn spoke seriously now.

"Let me warn you... If bandits sneak up on you, they'll cut you down without mercy. Do you understand that?"

Sain boasted, "What, do you doubt my bravery? Am I not a knight? There's no need to worry! Right, Kent?"

Kent said, "If there's anything suspicious, we'll take care of it. Rest assured."

Lyn smiled, "Really? Well, good night then."

Sion and Lyn walked off.

"Let's go." Kent said to Sain, then he galloped off to the entrance.

Sain laughed to himself, "Ha! No one ever trusts me..." Then he followed.

Lyn looked out a crumbled window, sighing as the moonlight shone on her face.

"Lyn..." Sion said.

Lyn turned around to face him.

Sion spoke. "You really worried me out there. Please be more careful..."

He froze.

"Yes?" Asked, Lyn.

"I... You're my first trainee. I don't want you hurt."

"Oh, well I was a bit clumsy. I let my guard down." She replied.

"Well, goodnight, milady."

"Goodnight." Lyn said as she watched Sion walk down the hallway, not sleeping close to the fire as everyone else did. He wrapped his cloak around him and lay down. She couldn't help but smile as she stared at him.

"You're so different..." She whispered.

She dropped a blanket on him, then went to go sleep by everyone else.

With more attempts on their lives, Lyn presses onward. A new member, Dorcas, joins the legion, and also, one more person Sion is responsible for. What will happen next in this wild turn of events? Find out in the next chapter, Beyond the Borders.