General Eagler has been defeated. Lyn and her band ever nearer to Castle Caelin. Within the castle walls, Lyn's bitter enemy, Lundgren, awaits... A man who would kill his own kin for a throne. He is the source of all her troubles. He must be stopped.

Sion opened his eyes as the morning sun crept up upon his face. He yawned and looked up at the sun. All of a sudden, he realized that something was on his chest. Sion took a look and noticed that Lyn's arm was resting on top of him. Sion blushed as he turned over and stared at her.

She must have turned over in her sleep and her arm landed on me... Sion thought to himself. Sion smiled a bit and held her hand with his for a bit before gently sliding it off, and then standing up. Sion looked down and noticed that Lyn had a smile on her face. He smiled too, then when hunting for breakfast. When he came back with a few wild birds, he noticed Nils was up and awake, playing his flute. Sion put down the birds and grabbed Nils by the shoulder.

Nils smiled. "Hi, Sion."

"Hi, Nils. Can you do my a favor?"

"Yes?"

"Do you know the song, Midnight Star?"

"Yes, I do? Would you like me to play for you?"

Sion smiled. As Nils began to play, Sion shut his eyes. He smiled as he listened to the song. He leaned back and smiled. He then opened his eyes as Nils stopped.

"Why did you want me to play?"

"Well, Nils, my mother would always sing it. It was my favorite song. Thank's for playing it."

Nils music had woken up everyone else up. Lyn sat up. "That was beautiful..." She said. The knights woke up and began cooking the wild birds Sion had brought back. As they all ate, Kent spoke to Lyn.

Kent said to Lyn, "Lady Lyndis, you should be able to see Castle Caelin once we pass these mountains."

Lyn smiled, "Grandfather... I'll be with you soon."

"Everything rests on this next battle." Kent said.

Sain grinned, "Lundgren will not be receiving the reinforcements he expected. He'll move against us with everything he has soon."

"Let him come!" Lyn shouted defiantly. "Let them all come! I will not be turned away! I will see my grandfather... I've come too far to let anyone stand in my way."

Lyn turned to Sion. "This is it, Sion. This is our final test." She then turned to everyone; Sain, Kent, Florina, Wil, Dorcas, Serra, Erk, Wallace, Matthew, Rath, Lucius, Nils and Ninian. "My friends, for one last time, lend me your strength!"

Everyone began getting ready, and ran for Castle Caelin.

Sion took a smell of the air as everyone else walked by him. He smelled the fresh scent of upcoming rain. Sion frowned as he looked up at the sky and saw gray clouds slowly start to develop. Lyn nudged him.

"Those clouds look bad. It's going to rain soon. Let's go, Sion." Lyn said. "We should press on while we're still able."

"Move it people! It's going to rain! If it does, stick together, the soil will be horrible for our horses and feet!"

Everyone nodded as they rushed as much as they could. Then Sion stopped a moment and watched the oncoming downpour. It rained for about an hour or so as the mercenaries pressed onwards. Lyn then pointed to the sky.

"Look! The clouds are breaking. This rain should stop soon..." Lyn said.

Sion rolled his eyes. "Yeah, but they're not going to stop soon." Sion pointed to an onslaught of Caelin soldiers rushin their way, lances pointed, axes waving in the air, and swords waggling in the air. Sion grinned. "Now for some fun. I haven't done this in a while..."

"Done what?" Lyn asked. Sion grinned as he tagged Matthew. Matthew got the idea and they both ran to the soldiers. Then Matthew cupped is hands and Sion jumped on them. Sion jumped off his hands and flew into the air, then bounced off of a few of the soldiers knocking them down.

At the end, Sion bowed to Lyn as Matthew followed him. Lyn laughed, then attacked with Kent and Sain as they drove their way through the Caelin soldiers.

They all eventually got to Lundgren waiting for them at the castle gates. He emerged, laden with armor as he yelled out to everyone.

"This is my realm, and you've entered without my permission." Lundgren shouted. "You will not leave these lands alive!"

"I beg to differ!" Sion shouted. "Lyn, now's your time!" Sion screamed out to her. Lyn emerged and glared at Lundgren as it began to rain again.

"So you're the girl claiming kinship with my brother!"

Lyn asked Lundgren, "You'll play this farce to the end, won't you, Lundgren?"

"The royal house of Caelin has no need of a Sacaen mongrel! I'll put an end to this foolishness here and now!"

"To further your own black ambitions, you've harmed my grandfather and the very land you ought to serve. I have neither pity nor mercy for you. Lundgren! Prepare yourself!"

"Whelp!" Lundgren called out to Lyn. He didn't notice Sion was running with the dagger point his way. Lundgren swung an enormous axe, blunt side, knocking Sion down in the chest. Sion hit the floor, gritting his teeth again as Wallace threw a javelin at Lundgren.

Lundgren, preoccupied with Lyn and Sion, didn't notice Wallace's javelin in the sky and screamed as it penetrated his armor and pierced his arm. Kent and Sain both attacked with armorslayers and heavy spears from the side. Lungren, weakened, knelt on all floors as Lyn stood in front of him. She looked down at him for a moment.

"You caused me so much trouble... now it all ends. Your trechery ends right here right now!" Lyn screamed. With those powerful words, Lundgren looked up in horror as Lyn thrust the Mani Katti through him, shattering the armor with its mystical power. Sion stood up and watched as Lundgren began to die.

"That annoying little girl... Nothing but a savage from Sacae... The Caelin throne... should be... mine..." With that, Lundgren perished, and Lyn rushed into the castle with everyone else.

"We've won... At last, I can see my grandfather." Lyn hugged Sion. Sion smiled. "You're finally here, Lyn..." Sion whispered.

A worker at the palace approached, "You are Lady Lyndis, are you not?"

"Who are you?" Lyn asked.

"I am Reismann, the chancellor of the Caelin royal family. I have received word from Kent and Sain when you first met, but then Lundgren discovered the message and imprisoned me. It is my great pleasure to welcome you to your true home."

"Thank you. May I please see my grandfather now?"

"Yes, of course." Reismann sighed. "Do not be shocked by what you see. Lundgren has been poisoning the marquess's meals for some time. His body has been ravaged... He's been bedridden for months."

With this, Lyn took Sion by the hand as they went into the marquess's room.

Lord Hausen spoke from under his covers. "Who is there? I said no visitors. I will see no one."

Lyn hung her head as she looked down at the floor in silence. Sion held her hand tighter for comfort.

The marquess sighed, "What are you doing? Leave me...to die..."

Sion nudged Lyn. Getting the message, Lyn spoke up.

"Um...Pardon me... My name is... I'm Lyndis."

"Eh? Did you say Lyndis? Is that..."

Lord Hausen began to stir as Lyn spoke.

"My father's name was Hassar, chieftain of the Lorca. My mother was... Madelyn. I was raised on the plains."

"... Could it be?" Lord Hausen sat up and looked at Lyn. "Come, come here. Let me see your face."

Lyn approached, kneeling next to Lord Hausen as he placed his hand underneath her chin.

"Oh... Yes... There is no doubt." The marquess gave a heartwarming smile. "You are Madelyn's trueborn child... Uhhh... ahhhh…"

The marquess seemed to be in pain as he struggled to sit further up.

"Grandfather!"

Lord Hausen held Lyn tight to him as Lyn began to tear, crying lightly into his chest.

Lord Hausen emotionally spoke, embracing his granddaughter. "Lundgren told me that my daughter had died. My hair... and you, too. He told me you were dead. Thank you... Thank you for living... Ahhhh... I am blessed..."He held her tight, burying his face into her ponytail.

Lyn quietly spoke to Hausen. "Mother and father were slain last year by brigands. I... I was the only survivor. I lived on, but..."

The marquess gave a sad smile to his newfound granddaughter. "Lyndis, please forgive a prideful old man. If I had but accepted your parents' love...There would have been no bandits. We would have lived here together in perfect peace."

Lyn spoke again to him. "Grandfather. My parents... My tribe... Our life was one of love and peace. The end was tragic, but... up until the attack, we were truly happy."

Hausen wondrously asked, "Truly? Madelyn had a life of happiness? Knowing that gives me so much joy. Thank you, Lyndis. I can die in peace now..."

Lyn cried out, "No! Grandfather! You mustn't say that!"

Hausen sighed. "There's no avoiding it, Lyndis. I've taken too much poison for far too long. It's too late..."

Lyn shouted slightly in determination. "Be brave, Grandfather! You will recover! Believe me! On the plains, we say that illness fails in the face of a strong heart! I am with you now! You mustn't give up!"

"You're...with me..." Hausen thought aloud.

"Yes. We have so much to talk about. Walks to take, music to listen to. There's so much I want to do with you, so much lost time we can recover!"

Hausen smiled. "That does sound... nice."

Lyn beamed, wiping the tears from her face. "Doesn't it? And once you're well, I'll take you to the plains. I'll show you the endless sky, the oceans of grass... I want you to know the lands that my mother loved so much!"

Hausen thought aloud again. "The lands Madelyn loved... You're right. I still have... quite a bit of living to do."

Lyn said, "You can do it, Grandfather!"

"Lyndis..."

Sion smiled as he watched the touching reunion. It brought back so many memories of his own family when he was a child.

A little while later...

Lyn and Sion were walking out, both with happy faces as they were greeted by everyone outside.

"Lady Lyndis!" Sain shouted. "Do you honestly plan on remaining here? Tell me truly!"

Lyn nodded. "Yes, until my grandfather is well. I can't leave him now. I won't."

Kent reported, "The physician says that Lord Hausen looks like a new man. It's like he was never ill. And it's all thanks to you, milady."

Lyn said, "He's the only family I have left. I want him to live a long life."

At this moment, Florina ran up to Lyn. "Lady Lyndis!"

"What is it, Florina?"

Florina laughed and shouted, "I've been taken into service by House Caelin! From here on, Lyn... I mean, Lady Lyndis...We'll be together always!"

Lyn smiled. "Really? Oh, that pleases me so... but... Please don't call me Lady Lyndis. For you, I'm still just Lyn."

"My pegasus and I fly for your house now. I am your servant. There are rules to follow."

"Florina!" Lyn shouted.

Florina just smiled at her. "I'm happiest when I'm with you. That's more important than how I address you... Please..."

"I suppose I'll just have to get used to it, right? Very well. I understand."

"Oh, thank you! I do love you, Lyn!" Florina threw her arms around her best friend laughing. "Oops! I mean...Lady Lyndis!" She then let go of her as Lyn laughed.

Wil then came up to Lyn. "Lady Lyndis! I've decided to stay, too!"

"Wil? Weren't you planning on returning home?"

"Well, I was, but... I've grown quite fond of Lyndis's Legions, you know... I couldn't possibly leave everyone behind. I'll send word to my family regarding my decision."

"I'm pleased to have you, Wil."

"Thank you, milady."

Sion sighed, knowing he couldn't stay with Lyn. Hoping to make his disappearance, he tried to slip away. He knew he would miss Lyn sorely, and his newfound friends, but he had a goal as well. He stopped when he felt someone grab his arm. He turned around and felt his insides melt a bit. It was Lyn, and she seemed sad.

"Sion... you're leaving, aren't you?"

Sion looked at Lyn for a moment. "Do you want me to stay?"

Lyn immediately turned red and responded. "No, I'm not asking you to stay. It's just..."

Lyn looked at the floor. "I'll miss you." She sighed before continuing. "When I found you unconscious on the plains... I had no idea we would be together for so long. You've helped us so much, and I'm sure you've learned all you can from us."

"No, Lyn. I still have much more to go. I have yet to be a professional tactician. My father's soul won't rest easy unless I follow his steps."

"You'll do just fine on your own. I have the utmost fait that you'll be a master tactician, Sion. That's from someone who's seen your work!"

Lyn threw herself into his arms as the slight wind from the far plains blew their way. They held each other tightly as the breeze comforted them.

She whispered into his ear. "Well then, take care... I... I hope to see you again. I'm sure that I will someday..."

Sion, feeling emotions indescribable for him. He wanted to be with Lyn, however, his goal and her goal conflicted. He spoke soothingly in her ear.

"I hope I will Lyn. I truly hope I will. From the bottom of my heart." Sion leaned over and kissed Lyn lightly on her right cheek.

Sion let go of her and sighed, then waved to her as he ran off. Lyn began to smile a bit, in sadness for his leaving, and happiness for himself fulfilling his dream.

Lyn stood upon the hill she stood and sat, and watched as Sion slowly disappeared into the sunset...

Epilogue...

Kent, Knight of Lycia - For his bravery in fulfilling his command, Kent is named Knight Commander of Caelin. It is a high honor for one so young, but no one denies his worth.

Sain, Knight of Lycia - Sain has earned the honor of being named subcommander of the Caelin knights. Despite his promotion, he still scoffs at authority and woos the village girls. He is much loved by the citizenry.

Florina, Pegasus Knight of Ilia - Florina has arranged to stay in Caelin. She spends her every waking hour in rigorous training, hoping to become invaluable to Lyn. Her fear of men has lessened, but... only slightly.

Wil, Archer of Pherae - With his cheery outlook and his happy-go-lucky demeanor, Wil has become quite dear the Marquess Caelin's household. Kent is teaching him manners befitting a sworn man of Castle Caelin.

Dorcas, Fighter of Bern - Once Lyn's true heritage is recognized in Caelin, Dorcas returns to his home in Bern. There, he cares for his wife and makes a good living as a mercenary, fighting the local bandits.

Serra, Cleric of Ostia - Ultimately, Erk succeeds in seeing Serra safely to Ostia. While her behavior is irritating at best, she is sorely missed. Her ascerbic tongue has become legendary.

Erk, the Wandering Mage - His contract with Serra complete, Erk sets off for Etruria. His time as a mercenary is just part of his training, and he is glad to see it end. He has since returned to his mentor.

Rath, the Sacaen Nomad - In the celebration following Lyn's return to Caelin, Rath slips out unseen. Whether he has returned to Sacae or has continued to work as a mercenary, no one knows.

Matthew, the Enigmatic Thief - Matthew vanishes after the final battle and his whereabouts remain a mystery.

Nils, the Mysterious Musician - Nils and his sister, Ninian take their leave of Castle Caelin after a few days. He may well be traveling the land, mastering his musical skills somewhere.

Lucius, the Traveling Monk - Lucius studies in Caelin for a time, but he departs after receiving summons to another land. He has since been seen traveling with a hard-eyed mercenary.

Wallace, the Caelin General - For Wallace, Lyn's struggle only whets his appetite for battle. He sets off in search for a cause worthy of his blade. He lacks any sense of direction, so it may be years before he returns.

Sion, the Tactician - Sion leaves Lyn to continue his training. He plans on traveling throughout Lycia. Lyn refuses to say good-bye, believing in her heart that she will see him again.

Lyn, the Swordfighter from Sacae - Lyn now lives with her grandfather as Lady Lyndis of Castle Caelin. Under her loving care, Lord Hausen recovers, and now the two of them go for many walks in the Caelin gardens

On clear, dry nights, Lyn can be seen high atop a hill near the castle. Perhaps she is remembering the home of her youth, the plains of Sacae.

Or perhaps, thinking of someone else.