To Be Alone
Hello everyone. Apparently I have fans now which I am very happy for. Thank you for all your reviews! It's a record I got 6 reviews!
Matthew: reviewer responses!
No name: thank you, I'm so glad you like it! Oh and he he…yeah, for some reason I thought Sain had green hair. It must have been the light. Yes, Priscilla and Raven married is amusingly sick. Anyway, thank you for your reviews!
Cardoran: wow! Thank you so much for your kind words! I'll be sure to finish the fic!
Kenshkrix: thanks for your review. I tend to ask people what they want but I must admit that even if nobody wanted me to finish or something, I'd still write what I want… I'm glad you are curious, that was my intent, to keep people guessing.
Chaos2489: yes, it's about time. It's your own fault you got so behind with the chapters :P
Kouichi Kimura 4 eva: Thanks for the review ling! ;)
Chapter 8: Kinship's Bond.
Erk's POV
Well, I cannot say I am not surprised at Lady Priscilla's sudden desire to be around me. I am rather happy actually. It's strange though, why would she all of a sudden wish to have me around after avoiding me for awhile now? Well I suppose I shouldn't question it. Why she embraced me like she did I'll never know unless I ask her, which I don't intend to do. Other people around the camp are looking at me strangely now as well. It's like they know something but they are keeping it to themselves. I don't really like that, I mean if they know something they should at least tell me if it has to do with me that is. If it doesn't I don't really care. Let them have their secrets it'll do them no good on the battlefield.
The battlefield. Is that all I think of these days? Honestly, it's like I've become some sort of battle crazed lunatic. I believe having Lord Hector around is the reason for that. He is always saying how we have to fight with strength and defeat our enemies. Of course after Lord Hector says something like that either Lady Lyndis or Lord Eliwood say something about having honour and not acting like Hector. It is rather confusing actually. So in the end most people are fighting hard but giving people the opportunity to surrender, which of course we have learned, never happens. Sometimes it seems hopeless. When one looks out across the plain and sees at least forty people waiting to fight against one's allies that only number about 14 it is quite difficult to be positive about the whole thing.
On the way to our next destination, Ostia, whom do we find on the way? Well, it is none other than Marquess Ostia himself. The Marquess Ostia, Lord Uther is Lord Hector's elder brother. I must say the resemblance is there though Lord Uther has many more scars than Lord Hector. They both have the same colour hair however, and though Lord Uther tries to hide it they both have a taste for battle or so it seems.
That is the first time I realize that we have a new recruit. By the looks of it another thief. This man, Legault is his name (or so I've heard), has long kind of purplish hair. It is similar to Lord Pent's. He also has a long scar that runs down the left side of his face, over his eye. In other words he looks much more menacing than Matthew does. I have yet to meet him; I haven't been acquainted with Florina's sister… Fiora either. There will be plenty of time to meet new people after our task is done I remind myself.
As it is with all things that go on with "Eliwood's Elite" the young bard Nils suddenly falls ill. As someone tries to move him his sister the dancer Ninian tells him or her to stop. I only heard the yell truthfully; Canas would probably tell me later if he had seen exactly what had happened. Nobody knows why we can't move the boy but now because of an impending battle we are trapped here. So everybody gathers his or her arms including me. Mark says it is a bit risky for me to come along because there are many enemies that use swords, axes and such but I suppose he only agrees to allow me to fight because he needs someone to stay with Nils.
From my spot on the battlefield I can see that we have yet another recruit. An employ of Pherae it seems. I can only hear small snippets of the Lord's conversation but I find out the woman's name is Isadora and she does indeed work for Pherae as a paladin. I can also hear everything that is happening in the battle. The clash of weapons, the screams of wounded or dying men, everything. Sometimes it is disturbing especially when you are unable to see anything.
I look up and see a knight making his way towards the room I am in. I think back to my training.
Now remember Erk, knights are strong attackers and have excellent defense but they have two weaknesses, Armorslayers and you. The mage. So anytime a knight confronts you use your strongest magic then back off. There is no need to be a hero so don't get too close.
I realize I have a fire tome, which is stronger than the thunder tome I am currently using. If only I was strong enough to use Elfire… now is not the time for hesitation. I mutter the spell and use it on the knight. He grunts in pain but refuses to back off. If I don't get out of here, I'm as good as dead but I can't leave Nils lying unprotected. Is it all over? Am I going to die?
I see the huge man advance and throw a large lance it is aimed at me. I take a breath and calculate the time in which impact would occur. Now. Now is the time to get out of the way. But I can't I'm frozen in place. I am resigned to my fate, if I must die then so be it. I'm sorry Lord Pent… I guess I'm not a worthy student after all… all at once I know I can move. I still have time; I duck just as the lance is about to hit me. I retaliate with another spell. The knight is still able to move but just barely. If he attacks me again I should be able to kill him provided that he misses me.
"Are you alright Erk?" Canas asks, " I must say that that was a close call."
"I'm fine…"
The next attack from the knight hits me dead on. I hit him with a spell before nearly falling over. A deep wound in my side makes it obvious that I am not quite as good at dodging as I should be. I pull a vulnerary out of my satchel and rub it on the wound. It helps a bit but of course not enough. It always seems that whenever one gets into real trouble the healer is never there but when there is a minor scrape to be mended they are there in record time. Mark finally spots me doubled over holding my side. I hear the clattering of hooves and when I look up Lady Priscilla is riding towards me. She rides over and dismounts.
"Erk. Are you alright?"
"Of course Lady Priscilla," I answer hoarsely.
She frowns and murmurs a spell. I feel the wound begin to close then finally disappear completely.
"Thank you Lady Priscilla."
"Don't thank me Erk. I am only doing my job. What kind of troubadour would I be if I ignored my wounded allies?" she answers and as quickly as she appeared she is gone.
I continue to fight with renewed vigor. Finally the battle ends. Luckily Nils seems to have recovered after the short rest so we head onward. Apparently we are to travel to Bern. There is word from Ostia's spies that Nergal has traveled to Bern, according to the man Legault that is where the Headquarters of the Black Fang is situated. I know that before we travel to Bern we must pass through the Nabata desert to meet a "Living Legend". It will no doubt be a difficult journey due to the heat. I have never been to the desert but I have read of its high temperatures and it is supposed to be rather treacherous. However, I know that Lord Pent has been seen traveling to Nabata. Perhaps we will meet up with he and Lady Louise. I hate to admit it but I miss them a lot. Naturally I would never tell anyone but Lord Pent and Lady Louise that I missed them. I sigh. Perhaps we will be reunited. Lord Pent is my tutor, I suppose I can only train so long without his guidance.
It is such a long road to Nabata, then after that we must continue to walk through the desert itself. Serra of course complains loudly as usual. It seems Lords Eliwood and Hector are feeling better. They are out of their quarters (tents) and walking about speaking to the group. Personally I prefer to speak with Lady Lyndis. Lord Eliwood is always very nice and polite but truthfully I have nothing to say to him. Lord Hector is just violent and intimidating, I am grateful for his ability to make Serra be quiet however. Lady Lyndis is always nice but I feel more loyal to her than the other Lords. Perhaps it is because I have traveled with her before. I look to my right and see that Canas has fallen in step with me, his nose is, as always, in a large book. I am reading as I walk but not as intently as the shaman does. I decide to return to my studies. I am currently reading up on the Nabata desert and I have another book on the military region of Bern.
Seeing as I am wrapped up in my book and lack the ability to walk in a straight line while doing so I soon fall into the ditch at the side of the road.
"Oof! Oh…" I mutter to myself.
I pick myself up and dust my clothes off. I search around for my book in the ditch. I murmur to myself about coordination. I have to learn to walk and read at the same time. I hear soft giggling behind me and turn around. It was Lady Priscilla. She's laughing. She's never done that before in my presence. It makes me happy that she's happy. I smile slightly, tentatively actually. Smiling is not something that comes that naturally to me I'm afraid.
"E-Erk…you're so funny. Oh, I'm sorry, I shouldn't laugh, I know," Priscilla says blushing bright red.
"Lady Priscilla, that's alright. I suppose my lack of coordination is quite humorous…"
I think back to the day in Badon, our embrace. I know I have to tell her about my feelings but now is not the time. I don't want to ruin her happiness. What if she doesn't feel the same? Will I be able to deal with the rejection?
"Here's your book…you dropped it when you fell…are you alright?" she asks her blush deepening.
"Oh…I had almost forgotten…thank you Lady Priscilla…"
"Priscilla!" a harsh voice yells loudly.
I would recognize that voice anywhere. Raven. Lady Priscilla's brother. She wasn't supposed to tell me that they were siblings but I had noticed her strange behaviour around him. I immediately raise my guard. I must admit that I am fearful for my life when I am around Raven.
"R-Raven… what is it?" Priscilla asks, her voice shaking.
"Priscilla…"
He doesn't have to say anything, I know that's my cue to get out of there and fast. Lady Priscilla looks at me, she seems sorry about all of the threats to my life. Well, perhaps life is a bit extreme but most definitely my health. I thank Lady Priscilla again for her concern then slink away. I can hear them whispering quite loudly while in the ditch but I am unable to make out their words. As if he senses he is needed the thief Matthew is at my side.
"Well then Erk. It seems you have gotten yourself into quite a predicament now haven't you? Never fear I am here. Now, what will it be, would you like me to listen in on their conversation? Please say I can!"
I have a feeling he is very eager to eavesdrop and also he wants something in return. However, I will not be tricked like the myrmidon…Guy. I suppose it makes little difference whether I give my consent for him to listen in, he will no doubt do it anyway but not divulge any information to me.
"I'm sure you would just listen in anyway Matthew," I say whilst trying to hear the conversation myself.
"Well of course I would! I am a spy after all! Naturally, there is a price for my…services. "
He says it as if I didn't know he was a spy, honestly. He only tells everyone he meets. That is a lie of course, he doesn't tell everyone, just the people who knows will pay him to spy on other people. Apparently he has pegged me as one of his victims…patrons…
"That is quite alright Matthew. I am not in need of your services at this time," I reply in what I hope is a firm voice.
He sighs and shrugs almost nonchalantly. I then think to check my pockets. Of course he has already taken half of my gold and run off. It doesn't matter I suppose. All the money in "Eliwood's Elite" goes to swords and such so really Matthew is gaining nothing from stealing my gold unless he did it purely for the fun of it, then…I am certain he is content.
I give up on trying to hear Lady Priscilla and her brother's conversation. It is neither an excellent quality for a scholar to have nor is it polite to do so even if one just happens to hear shouting while walking down a street. I return to my book and nearly fall again two times before I give up on that too. What can I say? I am a quitter sometimes.
We finally reach Nabata desert a few days later. It is, like I have read, very, very hot. I am suddenly grateful for Lady Louise's wardrobe choice. Everybody else seems to miserable, I am as well but probably not as much as everyone else like Sirs Kent and Sain and Lord Eliwood. All are wearing attire quite inappropriate for the climate. Perhaps they should have read up on the desert beforehand.
A moment that will forever be remembered is when Lord Hector the seemingly brusque man picked up the bard Nils and lifted him onto his shoulders. I admit that I would not be so eager to be lifted onto Lord Hector's shoulders either so I suppose I cannot laugh at the Nils' face.
"Ah! I'm going to fall! I'm going to fall!"
Yes, that was quite humourous indeed. Lady Lyndis laughed for along time. It seemed like she'd never stop. I could see Matthew laughing loudly a distance away from Lord Hector. I suppose he didn't want to be around his Lord when he got finished his charity work.
I spotted Lady Priscilla riding along sedately and was going to ask her if she was all right but as if out of no where her brother appeared and gave me a scowl. Needless to say I didn't advance any further. Would I ever get a chance to tell Lady Priscilla my feelings? Maybe I should just give up now with all my limbs still attached.
Before long we run into two odd looking men. They certainly seem…close… for brothers. They both have the same strip of hair standing on end and they are both rather robust looking. I know this will no doubt be a difficult battle, the sand will hinder our movements. Not to mention the high temperatures.
The battle begins fairly quickly seeing as we refuse to leave the desert and the two brothers don't seem to like us in their "territory". It's so hot out I feel like I'll die. I know I can't die before we finish the battle, of course not at all would be preferable but perhaps that's not in the cards as they say.
I fall many times because of the constantly shifting sands and I keep thinking I see enemies when there are none in my vicinity. I am paired with Sir Kent this battle. He is polite but really doesn't say much.
"It is quite hot out isn't? I hope Lady Lyndis is doing well," says the red haired cavalier nervously.
"…I knew that it was going to be hot…but this is a bit ridiculous…"
After that we don't say anything and return to looking out for enemies. I think I see someone coming out of the swirling sands but perhaps it is only a mirage. But I think Sir Kent sees it as well.
"Do you see that? It looks like a man," Kent murmurs. He is talking to me but it seems like he is half speaking to himself as well.
"Yes… I see it…" I try seeing more but I can't. The only thing I know is that it is an anima magic user. I want to call out and see if it is Lord Pent but if it isn't that would just make more work for Sir Kent and I.
"Shall we go see then? We don't need an enemy escaping and hurting Lords Eliwood or Hector or Lady Lyndis," Kent says still staring straight ahead.
"…You're right. That would be a nasty surprise for them."
So we advance towards the shape. It starts to sharpen as we get closer. I can tell it is a sage, an advanced magic user. Just from his stance and the small clear moments I get to see him better I know it is my teacher Lord Pent. I wonder where Lady Louise is; usually the two of them are inseparable. I feel my stomach tighten. I hope nothing is wrong with Lady Louise…
"Lord Pent?" I call. If he doesn't remember my voice then we may be in some trouble, he may attack us and then Sir Kent would be in danger; cavaliers don't have that much resistance to magic.
The man turns and looks straight at me from afar. "Erk? What in Elimine's name are you doing in the Nabata desert?"
He walks over and now I know it is truly he. His silvery purple hair whips around from the force of the wind. I have been having some difficulty with my hair as well seeing as it is quite long. Every time I tried to read or say something I either got hair in my face or a chunk of hair in my mouth. Lord Pent immediately begins scolding me, right in front of Sir Kent who pretends not to notice.
"ERK! What have I told you about the Nabata desert?"
"That it is dangerous and I should exercise caution if I should ever enter it," I reply feeling my face grow hot from embarrassment.
"You shouldn't go to Nabata is what I told you! Do you know the danger you have put yourself in? Do you know how worried Louise and I would be if you just disappeared?" Lord Pent says. He doesn't seem cross however.
"I'm sorry Lord Pent… I know I shouldn't have come to Nabata but I am traveling with Lord Eliwood of Pherae and Lord Hector of Ostia and Lady Lyndis of Caelin in search of Nergal…"
He freezes and just stares at me. Now, I think he is angry with me.
"Erk… how do you ever manage to get yourself into such messes?"
"I-I'm sorry Lord Pent…but I gave my word and you also told me to not go back on my word…did you not? I'm sorry if you are angry with me but I must be responsible. I must keep my promise," I answer relatively quietly.
Lord Pent sighs. I know that he said that and he knows that he did so I do believe that I have won. "…Yes…I did say that. You are right of course. I suppose you aren't my star pupil for nothing…however I don't like the idea of you traveling around in such dangerous places…but…it is part of your training I suppose."
I don't say anything. I get embarrassed when he tells other people that I am his student…his only student really. He probably wasn't angry… worried perhaps. I suppose that was my fault though. Actually now I feel kind of guilty. What would happen if I died and Lord Pent and Lady Louise were never informed? Well nothing would happen I suppose, they wouldn't know I was dead. But, enough of my morbid thoughts, I am not dead and I should thank Elimine for that.
Sir Kent is still waiting and I don't look at him as Lord Pent introduces himself.
After all is said and done in regards to the battle the group travels to a part of the desert in which Lord Athos lives. I am quite enthusiastic to meet the sage; he is one of the most famous mages in existence, a living legend.
Lord Athos is an old man and his appearance reflects that. He has long grey hair that reaches long down his back and of course he is rather wrinkly. That doesn't seem to bother anybody, not even Serra whom is usually so vocal about her opinions and set in her ideas. I am listening to Lord Athos speak so I don't realize that Lady Priscilla is right next to me.
"He's amazing isn't he?" she finally says.
I jump in surprise but manage to answer her question after a reasonable amount of time. "Yes, he is. I've read that he can use all sorts of magic, not just anima."
She nods and doesn't say anything more as to not seem impolite.
Lord Athos speaks of how we must go to Bern and defeat the Black Fang. To say I am not a bit worried about facing the Black Fang would be a lie. I am in fact very nervous as to how my magic will work. But I suppose now that I have Lord Pent around I can resume my training with him. That is if he and Lady Louise choose to stay that is.
Later that night Lady Louise came to the tent I share with Canas. She of course had to go through her whole ritual of hugging me and saying how much I've grown though I haven't gotten any taller since she saw me last. Then naturally Canas had to come back to the tent just as all of this was going on.
"Ah… why hello Erk. I see you are busy, I'll come back later then?"
That embarrassed me to no end of course but before I could say anything Lady Louise was already introducing herself. For the sake of being polite she always says. Then after that well, let's just say Canas was more reluctant to leave. I suppose it's not everyday one meets the wife of a Marquess that is in charge of magic.
"Yes, my Lord Pent was traveling to Nabata so I couldn't just let him go all alone! Besides, Erk was gone out training so I really had no company at all, so we packed up and I went to Nabata along with Lord Pent."
Oh dear. I fear Lady Louise is quite the talker so I don't think I will be getting to bed anytime soon. That doesn't bother me really, Lady Louise is like a mother to me and has always cared for me so I can't just leave her. That would not be polite at all. Besides, it is my tent.
As predicted Lady Louise talked to Canas until Lord Pent came to inquire after her whereabouts. After that I fell asleep rather quickly so I didn't really hear anything Lord Pent said to me though I know I probably should have tried to stay awake to hear what he had to say. Well, truthfully I heard him say my name but that was it. I hope he's not angry with me falling asleep on him…
Well, that's it for that chapter! I'm sorry that I took so long to update! I really was both busy and tired. I just couldn't find the time. Besides, I'm not the only one that uses the computer! Regardless I have gotten to one of the last chapters. Probably only one more for Priscilla then one more for Erk and then that's it. So anyway
Matthew: Read and Review!