Once, dragon fought man in a war called the Scouring... Mankind vanquished the dragons thanks to the efforts of eight heroes. These eight mighty generals brought peace to Elibe. The continent was divided into nations, and the people enjoyed an easy prosperity. The hero Hartmut settled in the east and founded Bern, famed for its military might. St. Elimine moved west, and her sacred name flourished among the artisans of Etruria. The horseman Hanon's legacy lived on with the nomads of his beloved plains of Sacae. The birthplace of the knight Barigan is now home to the renowned Knights of Ilia. The berserker Durban's final glory was to create a warrior's clan in the Western Isles. The archsage Athos is said to have retired to the barren wasteland of Nabata. The heirs of the champion Roland themselves have become lords of the Lycian League. Elibe has enjoyed a peace that spans 980 years... How much longer can this peace stand before its foundations begin to crumble?

Deep within the Lycian League lies Pherae, a land that has known no conflict for many generations, but which now finds itself touched by a shadow of unease. Its beloved and benevolent ruler, Lord Elbert, has mysteriously vanished... as have a number of his sworn men, loyal knights who serve at his side. A month has passed without word from the Marquess. Rumors of his death abound. However, the marquess's son believes his father lives, and he has vowed to find him. Marquess Pherae's son, Eliwood: A red-haired youth who will one day become the finest knight in all of Lycia. His long journey begins here. And for others, it will be another journey, of memories and hope.

In a local village of Pherae...

Sion finally arrived in Pherae. He took in a deep breath of air as a slight breeze blew among the grass. He smiled a bit as he saw an inn he could spend the night at. Of course, after 13 days of straight travel without proper meals on foot, you would instantly welcome a bed for the night. Sion, fatigued and hungry, began to walk in the direction of the inn at the local village. As he walked, he noticed that he looked a mess. He had dirt all over his cloak and clothes and his hair was tousled. The only thing that remained energetic were his gleaming light brown eyes.

Eventually, Sion reached the handle of the inn door and staggered in. The innkeeper gasped as she saw Sion fall on the floor. After Sion got back up on his feet, he walked up to the innkeeper and pushed his bangs out of his eyes. He spoke to her.

"Madam, do you have an extra room? Here's some gold. Please let me stay here for the night."

The innkeeper looked him over then nodded. "There's a room down that hallway. Shira, Bella, show him to his room. Also, bring him a nice warm bowl of soup. You can see he's come from a long way."

Sion weakly smiled at her as the two workers showed him his room and shut the door behind him after giving Sion the key. Sion sighed, then took off his cloak, shirt and pants, as to not dirty the bed sheets. He then shut his eyes as he drifted off into a deep sleep. The ladies came back in and took his clothes to wash, and then came back in later and left them folded by his bed.

Several hours went by. Sion lay motionless, breathing at a steady rate in and out. Until he sat up. But he wasn't in bed anymore. He was in thick grass There was a warm breeze.

"Sacae... But, I thought I was in Pherae?" Sion asked out loud.

"No Sion, this is Sacae..." A familiar voice answered him.

"Huh?"

Sion stood up immediately and turned around to face the voice. He felt his heart beat faster as she smiled at him.

"Lyn!" Sion shouted. Lyn nodded, then Sion ran up to her and eveloped her within his arms.

"Sion... has it already been a year? It feels like decades like I last saw you." Lyn asked him.

Sion looked down at the floor. "Yes. But I'm sorry I left. I really wanted to stay wit you at Castle Sacae, but if your grandfather knew of my past, he would surly send me on my way."

"You can tell me..." Lyn said, looking up into Sion's eyes. Sion opened his mouth to finally tell her, but Lyn threw her arms around Sion's neck, knocking him into the tall grass as she kissed him. Sion, unable to deny his feelings for Lyn any longer, caved in, and held the sides of Lyn's head as he kissed her back. After what seemed for eternity, Sion broke away and gasped for air as Lyn inhaled deeply as well. Sion looked up at Lyn then spoke.

"I've been dying to tell you. I never wanted to say this, for I feared it would be a big distraction to us getting to Lord Hausen and for my training. But Lyn, I love you. I've missed you so much. As much as I want to be by your side, I cannot."

Lyn, almost to the brink of crying looked down at Sion.

"Sion, why?"

Sion said, "Remember that battle back when we were retrieving Ninis' Grace from the Black Fang?"

"Yes."

"That man you killed, the Black Fang... they want me dead, and they will stop at nothing now if anyone is with me. If you were with me, they'd kill you too."

"Why do they want to kill you?"

"If I were to tell you that Lyn, you'd be a goner for sure."

"You've been with me for a while, I think you have seen my best work, I am not so weak."

Sion sighed before continuing. "Well, remember that band of fighters I had become the leader of?"

"Yes..." Lyn said suspiciously.

"Well, that clan was the Black Fang. We were soldiers, dedicated to helping the poor from the rich or the more powerful. But then, slowly over the years, I noticed the Fang was becoming corrupted. An odd woman, Sonia, married Brendan, another major leader of the Black Fang. Since Brendan was so soft with her, she slowly wormed her way in, controlling Brendan, and in turn, controlling the Fang. She introduced someone named Nergal. I never saw this Nergal fellow, but he was ordering Sonia to manipulate Brendan. I saw the Fang's noble work slowly become corrupted. People were being killed for no reason. We were only aiding everyone but those in need. Therefore, I left, wanting no part of their evilness. However, the Fang, under Sonia and Nergal's rule, lets no one leave alive. I was in Sacae when someone was sent to assassinate me. That person hit me, aiming for my heart. Luckily, my cloak got in the way and prevented it from hitting it I assume. That's when you found me in the plains."

Lyn just stood there, staring at Sion in awe. Sion continued on.

"But what an odd twist of fate. I swear that arrow brought me to you, and your love."

Lyn grinned and leaned to kiss Sion again. Sion began to lean in, however, he sw a caped figure in black, running toward Lyn with a dagger yielded. He got closer and closer. As he raised his dagger to stab Lyn, Lyn turned around and clashed the Mani Katti with the dagger as

Sion snapped his eyes wide open and jumped out of bed panting. He looked around and noticed a thin, white sheet on his chest.

I'm in bed? Then it must have been a dream... Sion thought to himself. He heard screaming however. Several people. He also heard a gruff sounding voice yell.

"I have an announcement to make! As of now, this village is mine! Groznyi is your new liege! Now, bring every last piece of gold, down to the smallest fleck!"

Sion threw on his clothes, and his cloak and went to the window as he noticed that bandits were plundering the village. He watched as a knight with blue, unruly hair galloped into the town and spoke with a girl with dark blue-green hair. Grinning he looked on and spoke to himself.

"Oh no... looks like yet another long trip for me..." Sion laughed a bit as he jumped through his room window. He joined them and asked.

"Could you make use of a traveling tactician such as myself?"

The knight nodded. "Yes! All the help I can get can help! Jump on!"

Sion leaped behind the knight on his horse, followed by the girl who sat behind Sion. The knight whipped the reigns to his horse and raced out of town.

At Castle Pherae...

A paladin knight with light purple hair galloped out of the castle gate and met Lord Eliwood by the side of the castle and spoke to him.

"Lord Eliwood, we leave on your word."

Eliwood said, "Thank you, Marcus. Let me say my farewells."

Marcus nodded as Eliwood went back inside. He was greeted by a knight named Isadora inside.

"Mother, it's time for us to go."

Eliwood's mother held his hands. "Eliwood... Promise that you will return to me safely. I'm worried about your father, but... If anything were to happen to you..." She looked to the floor. "My heart could not bear that sorrow."

Eliwood hugged her. "I know, Mother. Please do not worry. Father is alive. I know it. I vow that I will find him and return him to your side."

Eliwood's mother, with a worried expression, looked Eliwood in his caprivating, bright blue eyes. "I have your word then."

"Yes, of course." He then turned to Isadora. "I entrust my mother to you while I am away."

Isadora nodded. "I will guard her well."

Eliwood nodded, then kissed his mother on the cheek. After that, he ran off to Marcus again.

"So, Marcus. It looks like it's just the two of us."

Marcus shook his head. "No. Lowen will be traveling with us."

"Oh, Lowen? That's reassuring."

Marcus nodded. "I sent him to the village. He hopes to seek out a few able men who are skilled at arms. Normally, I would not travel with such low numbers to our company, but... I will bow to you on this matter."

"I'm sorry Marcus. I'd rather have my mother with as many knights left to guard her as possible while I am away. If anything were to happen to her..."

"I understand, milord." Marcus growled. "What's keeping Lowen!"

At that moment, Lowen arrived, with his two guests from the village on his horse. Halting in front of Eliwood and Marcus, Lowen's steed kicked up torn grass and dirt from the earth.

"Lord Eliwood! Co-Commander Marcus! I..."

Marcus held Lowen by the shoulders. "Lowen! Calm yourself! A knight must be in control at all times."

Lowen, still unable to control himself. "Bandits are attacking the village!"

"What? Bandits? Here?" Marcus shouted.

Eliwood asked. "Are you sure?"

Lowen nodded. "She can tell you."

With that, the girl slid off of Lowen's steed and began blushing as she spoke to Eliwood.

"Lord Eliwood? I am Rebecca, the daughter of the village magistrate. Those bandits came without warning. They are taking all of our belongings! Please help us!"

Eliwood thought a moment then yelled to Marcus and Lowen.

"We must aid the village!" The knights nodded, then prepared their weapons as Eliwood spoke to Rebecca.

"Stay where you are and hide. Keep out of their sight."He said as he began to walk off. Rebecca pleaded.

"Wait! Please, let me help you. I hunt every day with a bow and arrow. I am experienced at arching!"

Eliwood sighed then smiled at her. "OK, but please, be careful."

"Yes, milord." Rebecca said.

Lowen interfered. "One more thing, this young man has offered to assist us in our plight. A traveling tactician who was staying at the inn."

"A tactician?" Sion asked.

"Yes, milord. This is Sion."

With that, Sion jumped off the horse and grinned.

"Remember me, Lord Eliwood?"

"Sion!"

Lowen looked perplexed. "Do you know this person, milord?"

Eliwood nodded. I met him during the trouble at Caelin last year. If I remember correctly, he was a fantastic military advisor. If not for him, Marquess Caelin and his granddaughter, Lyndis may not have survived Lundgren's attacks." He turned to Sion.

"What brings you to Pherae, my friend?"

"Well, I was still trying to become a master tactician."

"Still wandering about training?"

Sion nodded.

"A worthy pursuit." He shook Sion's hand firmly. "Let's give thanks to providence for our chance reunion. Please, if you don't mind, can you help us clear the town of bandits?"

"Of course. It's my favorite pastime." Sion laughed. As Sion, Eliwood, and their companions left for the village, Dorcas and someone else stepped out of the village. Dorcas's friend laughed. "Hah! Look! It's like that knight said! It's Lord Eliwood!"

"So it seems, Bartre." Docas said.

Bartre looked on curiously. "What's he doing?" He stuck his neck out further. "Ooo... him and some skinny brown-headed guy are taking on the bandits! Knights are helping too it seems. Protecting innocents? A lordly thing to do, isn't it?"

Dorcas rolled his eyes. "You talk too much. The lordling needs our help."

"Have no fear, Bartre the Brave is here!" With that, Bartre jumped out and hacked into the flesh of the local bandits, waiting for Eliwood to arrive.

"What is this, a pack of children coming to play? You think you can challenge me?" The bandit leader shouted, but then panicked as soon as he saw Marcus and Lowen.

"What? Pherean knights? But that's impossible!" Eliwood, making little work of the underling, killed him swiftly with his rapier.

"I thought my luck... was finally turning around..." He fell lifeless to the cobblestone road as Eliwood cleaned his rapier.

Sion smiled. "You didn't even need my assistance. Nicely done."

A small, plump man who was thinning on the top of his head came to greet their saviors. "You would be Lord Eliwood?"

Eliwood nodded.

"Thank you ever so much for saving our village."

"Think nothing of it. It's the least I could do."

"Ah, the people of Laus know no such protection, for Lord Darin is preparing for war. He ignores all complaints of thieves and bandits."

Eliwood became startled, worries coming to his head. "Are you sure."

"I would not lie, milord. My brother just moved here from Laus. His home was torched. All the people of Laus know that they could go to war at any given day."

Marcus pulled Eliwood to the side. "If this is true, the situation is a grave one. If Marquess Laus is going to war... his target is probably another Lycian territory. Maybe it's related to Lord Elbert's dissapperance."

Sion asked. "Marquess Pherae has gone missing?"

Lowen nodded.

Eliwood thought a moment, "Marcus, it seems a tenuous connection, but it's a good start as any. Let us travel to Laus." He turned to Sion. "Thank you for your guidance, Sion."

Sion bowed. "Milord, it is my duty as a tactician to advise and aid."

"Where are you bound next?" Eliwood asked Sion. Sion remained silent. "If you have no destination, I would appreciate it if you would join our travels. We are trying to find my father. That is our purpose. I warn you, I know not where this will lead..."

After much thinking Sion answered.

"I will join you, milord."

"Splendid! I pray we give you no cause to regret your decision."

The plump man scolded Rebecca as she tried to follow.

"Where do you think you're going, young lady?"

"I wish to accompany Lord Eliwood..."

"He's riding into danger. Don't be silly."

"That's exactly the reason I want to go. We owe him our lives. I must repay him. I can be of service."

"But..."

"Also, I may find my brother. You have your responsibilities. Let me offer my help! I need to do this!"

"You're just as stubborn as your mother was. Only if Eliwood agrees, you may go."

Rebecca beamed. "Oh father, thank you! Thank you!"

Rebecca gave him a big hug, filled with glee. She then rushed off to Eliwood.

Blushing for a reason she could not understand, Rebecca looked up at Eliwood.

"My father gave me permission to join you, milord. I owe you my life. Please let me join you."

Eliwood smiled. "Welcome aboard, Rebecca."

Rebecca smiled, then jumped on Lowen's horse after he invited her to join his mount. Sion and Eliwood joined Marcus as they all rode off in the sunset to Laus. Sion shut his eyes and smiled. He remembered the adventure he had last year, riding with the Caelin knights, Kent and Sain, thw wind blowing in his hair at a rushing speed always made him feel content at heart.