Author's Corner:
Another day dawns, another chapter begins. I'd once again like to thank all who reviewed, especially Tetra-Slash, whose insight has been invaluable. I did notice that I tend to waver between viewpoints (after I read the same blinking chapter like 3 times over), and will attempt to change that as soon as possible. I'm flattered by all your compliments and hope this fanfic will actually live up to all of your kind words.
Belay the talk, on with the show!
Hammer of Terrascars – Chapter 3
Mercenaries and Vassals
March 25th, 2 days after meeting the Caelin knights,
I daresay that I'd never have imagined myself in this predicament before. First, I'm a target of assassins, and second, my traveling companion is also a target of a different set of killers. Great, as if I didn't have enough problems of my own to worry about, now I have to deal with the hassles of others as well. Gods, I know you can hear me! Give me back my peaceful life, damn it! Feh, I am not worthy of knowing peace, not until I have paid for my sins in blood. Though I would rest easier should I restore to Lyn what I took away months ago…
"Would you take a look at that?" Sain inquired.
Peering from over Sain's shoulder, Drake shifted uncomfortably behind the saddle while closing his journal.
"Appears to be smoke," Kent replied rather calmly.
"An unnatural amount" Lyn remarked, "A normal campfire doesn't emit so many funnels of flame, and there certainly couldn't be a forest fire due to the lack of people in this area."
"Let's go take a look," Drake suggested, "It's only over the next couple of hills anyways."
Urging their steeds to a slow trot, the two knights and their passengers ascended the rise to feast their eyes upon what lay below. What greeted their eyes was a village razed to the ground, with only the flickering embers from the dying flames giving off the pale wisps floating into the air. Once tall and sturdy houses lay in ruins, only black pillars to testify where they once stood. The surrounding village wall was burned to the ground, leaving the entire area naked before their eyes.
The sight invoked different thoughts from the viewers. Kent and Sain, aghast at the scene before them, were struck dumb at the sheer audacity of such an act long considered impossible in Lycia. Lyn, born in Sacae and daughter of a proud race, was no stranger to pillage of such sort. Despite her calm composure, her eyes reflected the dying flames as her mind replayed the night that her clan was scattered. Yet all of these proved minor compared to Drake's reaction. Standing as if stricken by the sight, Drake could only recall a time not so long ago, when a fierce flame that he had helped to ignite charred innocent victims to ashes. Overwhelmed by the memory, he covered his face was his arm, as if willing the abomination before him to disappear. The others, caught up in their own thoughts, didn't notice his rapidly paling face as he staggered backwards.
It was only when Drake fell on his rump did the soft sound shake the others from their reverie. Turning around, they saw Drake with his face buried behind his hands. Mistaking his reaction for sorrow, Lyn went over to comfort him.
"This situation isn't all that rare in Sacae and the surrounding lands," Lyn explained sadly, "Bandits ransack and loot any unguarded or unwary villages with wild abandon."
"But why doesn't any marquis put a halt to this?" wondered Sain, whose mind still couldn't quite grasp that mere bandits could get away with such an act.
"In Sacae," Lyn replied, "There is no uniform government that rules over a certain portion of the land. The land belongs only to the strong, or any who can back up their words with weapons. The tribal clans don't venture into areas like this so close to the border, so bandits hold sway here. Hence cruelty upon cruelty piles."
Kent and Sain stared at her in disbelief, hoping with all their hearts that what they heard was falsehood. As knights, their sworn duties were to honor their lord and protect the weak. The former they followed to the best of their abilities, but the latter seemed to mock their helplessness in a faraway land.
"Damn it!" Sain ranted, as Kent seemed to devour the smoking village with his eyes.
"These mountains are home to the Taliver Bandits," Lyn continued, "arguably one of the most ruthless and savage band of outlaws in the Sacaen area. In truth, the other clans do not venture here after the Taliver annihilated my tribe, the Lorca, in these parts in only one night. The survivors, including me, you could count on the fingers of two hands…"
If you only knew, Drake thought silently, if you only knew who had a hand in that fall, Lyn. May I forever burn in hell for what I've done.
"They're heartless demons," Lyn choked out, "And I will never forgive them. One day, when I am strong enough, they will all pay for what they've done."
"When yonder day comes," Kent replied, "Count me in."
"And I as well," Sain remarked, his normally cheerful eyes uncommonly serious.
"But," Lyn started, "There is no…"
"I believe there is," Kent corrected, "You are the future heir of Caelin. Sain and I are knights of your house, sworn men that will follow you wherever you go. As vassals, we could do no less, in the name of duty and honor."
"We're with you, milady," Sain echoed, "Whether you like it or not."
"Better add me to the list as well."
"Drake? You too?" Lyn asked, though a smile lit her face, "With all of your help, those scoundrels won't stand a chance."
Ay, Drake said silently, add me to the list of evil you shall cut down Lyn, for I deserve no less when the time comes.
Passing along a dense patch of forestry, the travelers found themselves once again before a village. Thankfully, this once appeared to have its walls and houses intact.
"Ah, warm bed, warm food, and female companionship," Sain dreamed, "What else could a man ask for?"
"A clean mind," Lyn remarked, though Sain only beamed at that.
"Chastised by milady herself," Sain replied, "Paradise itself!"
Drake and Kent took the opportunity to smack themselves in the forehead.
"Is he always like that?" Drake wondered despairingly.
"Do I really have to answer that?" Kent asked back.
Just then, a startled cry and a flap of wings interrupted their conversation.
"Did you hear that?" Lyn asked.
"Let's investigate," Sain suggested, "By mine ears, I do believe that was the cry of a damsel in distress."
Lyn rolled her eyes at that while Drake and Kent both let out a sigh.
"Sometimes…" Drake began.
"…I don't believe I know him," Kent finished, utterly depressed at his comrade's behavior.
As the four followed the wooden fence that surrounded the village, they could barely make out an argument that was occurring around the corner. Though they were mostly keeping their voices down, a few faint words from an enraged person could be made out.
"She's a pretty one ain't she?" One voice said, "Bet she'd fetch a good sum."
"She roughed me up quite a bit," another voice agreed, "It's only what she deserves."
"Rats," Kent spoke suddenly, "Hold Sai…"
Whatever he wanted to say, it was obviously too late from the cloud of dust Sain kicked up as he spurred his horse around the corner.
"Halt fiends!" Sain bellowed, "Remove your hands from the lady!"
Two bandits and a young girl looked up from whatever argument they were having and stared at Sain.
"And who the hell are you?" One bandit asked.
"I," came the reply, "Am Sain the Just, defender of the weak and liberator of oppressed wome…"
"Shut up, Sain," Kent interrupted, out of breath from catching up with his partner.
"Aw, Kent," Sain whined, "Don't spoil my entrance!"
"Is that a pegasus?" Lyn interrupted, completely ignoring the knights, "And, are you Florina?"
The orchid haired young girl turned around and let out a sigh of relief, "Lyn!"
"Florina, what are you doing here?" Lyn asked.
"I, I," Florina sobbed, "I came looking for you. I-I landed at this village to ask if they had seen you, but…"
"But she was stupid enough to land on top of Migar!" One of the bandits roared.
Florina let out a small squeal and hid behind Lyn.
"And might I inquire to what you are doing here?" Drake asked carelessly, as if not uninterested in the matter.
"Uh…" The one named Migar started, "We, uh, were, err…"
"I believe I can answer that!" A new voice from the village rang out.
A youth with brown hair and a bow slung over one shoulder advanced towards them. Sporting a quiver of arrows hanging from a belt, he stopped before the bandits.
"Hello, my name is Wil," the archer began, "I'm a traveler of sorts and wandered here to this village. Showing me great hospitality, the village elder informed me that there was a troublesome group of bandits that were harrying this village lately and requested my aid in defending the village," here he stopped and fixed the bandits with knowing look.
If at all possible, the pair of bandits paled even further, though one appeared to be more angry than fearful.
"I don't care about your gibberish," Migar roared, "This girl and her pegasus come with us, by force if necessary!"
"Pardon me from interrupting," Drake remarked calmly, "You have two warriors while we have around half a dozen, counting this Wil here. How do you plan on using force?"
Migar's face turned red, then pale, then finally purple with rage. Reaching out, he grabbed Florina's hand and tried to pull her away from Lyn. He stopped only when he realized there was a sword imbedded in his chest.
"I never favored bandits anyways," Lyn muttered darkly as she tugged the blade free from the corpse, "And I will never suffer one of my friends to fall into your hands!"
Migar's companion, thoroughly dismayed at seeing Migar's demise, beat a hasty retreat, disappearing into the forests. While Florina thanked Lyn and Sain loudly praised the sword stroke, Drake bent down to inspect Migar's corpse.
"Wil," Drake asked, "Do you by any chance know what group of bandits you were up against when defending that village?"
"Hm," Wil replied, thinking back, "I don't recall the exact name, but the elder did mention it was a large band that was called, Gan… That's torn it, I don't remember any more."
"It wouldn't be Ganelon, would it?" Drake said coldly.
"That's it! Ganelon!" Wil replied happily, "Wait, how did you know?"
"This," Kent replied, pointing towards the tattoo on Migar's left shoulder, where the word "Ganelon" was roughly inscribed.
"Well at any rate, this village will be quite safe," Drake sighed as he sat back on his haunches.
"What makes you think that?" Kent and Wil asked curiously.
"These bandits are out for blood now, and their target won't be a village they haven't even touched yet," Drake fixed them with a piercing look.
"It'll be us…" Wil realized in horror, "To avenge their own blood."
"Then we better get moving," Lyn said softly, causing Wil to jump in surprise, "I just caught the end of your conversation, and we better get as far from the village as possible."
Near evening, Lyn and her companions found themselves before an abandoned fortress. Possibly manned by Lycian soldiers in the past, the present day fortress was sadly in need of repair, complete with faulty walls, a second courtyard, and a weathered main gate.
"Well, I suppose this will provide tolerable shelter tonight," Wil said.
"This?" Sain managed, "Surely we can do better. And why are you with us anyways?"
"You are headed towards Lycia, correct?" Wil pointed out, "I'm actually a native of Lycia, and a mercenary as well. I spoke with Drake and Lady Lyndis earlier, and signed on as one of Lyndis' Legion."
"Mercenaries and vassals," Drake said softly behind them, "Both will be needed for Lyn to reach Caelin safely. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be inspecting the fortress now."
"I notice that you didn't remark about Florina traveling with us," Wil observed after Drake left.
"That's a different story altogether," Sain declared, "Meek maidens always need a stout sword to defend them and…"
"Give it a rest, Sain," Kent interposed, "You heard as well as the rest of us that Florina said she'd be fine as long as she stayed with Lady Lyndis."
"At any rate," Lyn said out loud, "We best be getting some rest. Though I must say I'm pleased to stay somewhere that I can feel the wind."
Sain couldn't resist the temptation, "Rest well, ladies, your trustworthy Sain will see that none disturb your rest," he dropped to a knee and took Florina's hand for a kiss.
Nearly shrieking in surprise, Florina fled to the relative safety behind Lyn before stammering, "P-please, n-not so close!"
Trying to hide her mirth at Sain's shocked expression, Lyn explained, "I forgot to tell you all that Florina is quite shy towards men, and tends to freeze a little if you come to close. And for the sake of your health, Sain, I advise you not to take advantage of her in any way."
Sain, to everyone's bewilderment, did not come up with any cheeky response, "Yes, milady."
"Though I'm glad you volunteered for guard duty," Kent replied, "Because we'll be alternating the watch tonight."
"Did I miss something?" Drake asked, stepping out of the shadows of the archway, drawing a small squeak of surprise from Florina, "Lyn, I found someone who wishes to speak with you in the fortress." Drake gestured to a young woman he was supporting with his right arm.
"Forgive me for disturbing you," the young woman began, "My name is Natalie, I come from a village nearby."
"Nice to meet you," Lyn replied.
"I am searching for my husband," Natalie went on, "He left the village searching for employment to pay for any medication to heal my leg, rendered lame from a childhood illness. However, I have not heard of Dorcas for days…"
"Could you describe him? Perhaps one of us has seen him," Wil asked.
"Certainly," Natalie replied, "He's tall, broad of shoulder with wide arms capable of bearing great weight. He has thin red hair cropped short, pale skin, and small eyes. He is also very taciturn in his speaking."
"I'm sorry," Lyn answered, "We haven't met anyone of that sort on our journey."
"Is that so?" Natalie said sadly, "If you meet him, please tell him that I'm very worried for his well being."
"Of course," Lyn agreed, "However, would you like to stay with us tonight? Surely you can't get very far with that leg, and bandits do frequent this area."
"You are most kind," Natalie thanked Lyn, "I hope I won't be too much of a burden."
Crouched behind a tree atop a hill, another unbidden visitor was observing the group that had taken refuge in the abandoned fort. After making a quick headcount, he rushed down the hill to where his leader and the rest of the gang were located.
"It's them alright," the grunt reported, "They be the ones who did poor Migal in. Couple of women and roughly the same number of men."
"Perfect," his leader, a rough bandit named Carjiga murmured, "We'll slay the men and take the womenfolk as slaves. Perhaps they'll fetch us a better price than the last batch."
Hefting his ax, Carjiga considered his options. This wasn't the first time he had staged a raid on this fort, and he had foolishly charged all of his forces through the front last time, only to yield disastrous results. Remembering the side entrance, he grimaced slightly. The western entrance was narrow and run down, and he didn't need to sacrifice any good ax man for a meat shield. Speaking of meat shields…
"Where's Dorcas?" Carjiga barked out, "Get him here, I have a work for him."
Dorcas shuffled his way to the front of the pack with a bored expression on his face. Tall and broad, he claimed he was a skilled warrior, but that had yet to be tested. The men probably won't complain if the Silent One, as they had dubbed him, was killed in combat anyways.
"You be Dorcas?" Carjiga grunted, "You haven't done much with us since joining with the Ganelos. Today, you'll go around the western entrance and nab a few of the women. Do it and I'll increase your share twofold."
"…" Dorcas merely nodded, before turning and headed towards the entrance.
"Err, twofold?"
"Shut up, you idiot!" Carjiga slapped the nosy bandit, "Of course he gets twofold, right mates? We have to reward those who stick their necks out too far for the gang, eh?"
"Ah, you're so smart boss," the bandit crowed while rubbing the back of his head.
Meanwhile, Lyn's group was gathered around a blazing campfire installed within the inner courtyard. Wil was sitting with his back to the wall, whittling away at a new arrow. Natalie and Florina were both sound asleep, though Florina's pegasus seemed to be enjoying the warmth of the flame Lyn occasionally prodded with a fresh stick. Tossing the twig into the flames, Lyn arose and stretched before leaving the shelter for a walk.
Passing between the rotten double doors that separated the inner courtyard from the outer walls, Lyn almost stepped on Sain. The said knight was crouched with his back against the outer wall, though the dim light rendered his green armor nearly invisible to sight. Shaken from his nap by Lyn's footsteps, Sain gripped his sword tightly, relaxing only after recognizing Lyn.
"Kent's standing guard at the main gate," he said sleepily, "And Drake said he'd relieve me for a bit on the west side…"
Yawning, Sain turned slightly before tilting his head, as if listening to something. Straining her own hearing, Lyn could faintly pick out soft tune fluttering in the wind from the west.
"Must be Drake," Sain mumbled before his head dipped lower to his chest, "Almost sounds like a lullaby my mother used to sing…"
Following the path to the right, Lyn turned the corner to find Drake perched atop a broken embankment, with something held lightly before his mouth in one hand. Venturing closer, Lyn perceived that Drake was playing a reed flute, which was simply a blade of grass bent slightly pressed lightly to your lips. Abruptly, the music stopped as Drake lowered his hand.
"Good evening, Lyn," he greeted without turning around.
"How did you know it was me?" Lyn asked as she sat down next to him.
"You have the softest footfall," Drake explained dispassionately, as if the matter held no consequence to him, "Kent and Sain clank around in armor, Wil's arrows knock against one another in wind, Natalie should be asleep, and Florina wouldn't approach me by herself."
"Hmph," Lyn grumbled, "You should teach me your observation skills, and maybe a little of that tune as well."
"Where I was born, every child could play that before they reached their fourth summer."
"Etruria huh?" Lyn asked, only to have Drake grimace.
"Let's not talk about that," he said, "Too many memories that shouldn't be awakened, and too many ghosts that should've been buried," his tone changed slightly, "Do you think we should make a slight detour tomorrow?"
"Detour?" Lyn queried, "Oh, you mean for Natalie?"
At that, a bush a few dozen feet ahead of them rustled violently.
"That was no wind," Lyn said softly, drawing her sword.
"Peace," a voice called out as a large man emerged from his cover, "I mean you no harm. I just overheard you say the name Natalie?"
"Come out of the shadows to where we can see you," Lyn called out.
The man obeyed, venturing forth from beneath the trees to where the moonlight cascaded over him. At his appearance, Drake sucked in a breath and began appraising him up and down.
"Tall, broad of shoulder with arms of great strength," he began slowly before Lyn caught on.
"Thin, cropped red hair, pale skin and small eyes," Lyn finished, "You wouldn't happen to be Dorcas would you?"
The man paused, "How do you know my name?" he asked slowly.
"We just met your wife in these ruins but a few candlemarks ago," Drake replied, baiting him.
"Natalie?" Dorcas' eyes widened, "You met Natalie here?"
Seeing there was no doubt in his identity, Lyn sheathed her sword, "Yes, she was actually out here searching for you and is currently staying with us."
"I thank you for taking care of her," tucking a large hand ax back into his belt, Dorcas replied, "I'd like to see her as soon as possible."
"Of course," Lyn said, "Follow me."
"Hold," Drake held up a hand, "Are they coming tonight?" At this he pointed towards Dorcas' shoulder, where faded charcoal marks roughly spelled out the engraving "Ganelon."
Dorcas gazed at the man before him with certain surprise, though his face rarely betrayed any emotion whatsoever. Nodding slightly, he turned and followed Lyn to where Natalie was staying.
The hapless bandits were completely unaware that the outnumbered group within was armed to the teeth and itching for a fight. Armed with Dorcas' prior warning about an imminent raid, all thoughts of sleep were banished from the defender's minds. While Kent and Sain waited behind the battered main gates, Wil was scrambling up to one of the rickety guard towers above them to provide covering fire. After a hasty council with Drake, Lyn and Florina would sneak out the western entrance to ambush the bandits from the rear. Dorcas would remain in the inner courtyard with Natalie, and would provide support in the event that Kent and Sain were overwhelmed.
Sain scoffed when Drake suggested that, "These fools will learn the strength and valor of Caelin knights are unmatched in all of Elibe!"
"Wouldn't Lady Lyndis and Florina be in danger striking at the enemy alone?" Kent wondered instead.
"You may rest easy on that point," Drake answered, "Lyn pointed out, and I concur, that bandits usually function with the leader hiding in the back, usually alone or with a light escort. Infamous for their idiocy, if we cut off the head of the snake, the entire beast will die." Though I suspect that Lyn is intentionally making this strike a personal matter between her and the bandits.
"At any rate," Sain interrupted, "Florina can get Lady Lyndis out of there in a hurry if there are more than they can handle."
"That would only be necessary if the two of you don't cause a big enough ruckus," Drake observed drolly, "Then again, two cavalrymen in the midst of ax wielding bandits usually draws a crowd of its own. Wil has the two of you covered from atop, so sing out if you need cover when retreating."
"Retreat?" Sain thundered, "We shall never retreat fro…"
"Peace Sain," Kent said while thwacking the butt of his lance lightly on his comrade's head, "By your leave, Drake, we're moving out."
Outside before the front gate, the other bandits were fidgeting nervously. Carjiga had been confident that the pickings would be easy, but the utter silence was unnerving them all.
"Hey, boss," one of them whispered, "What happened to Dorcas and the others?"
"Shut up!" Carjiga snapped impatiently, "They're sure taking their time to go around the sides. If they take any longer, we'll just charge up the middle and smash everything!"
Two minutes roll by.
"Bah, forget those fools!" Carjiga roared, "We'll decrease their portion of the loot later. Char… Ugh…"
As he was the only bandit shouting at the top of his lungs, Carjiga conveniently painted himself as a bright target for Wil. Notching an arrow, Wil let fly the shot, and was rewarded by the bandit's scream of pain.
Carjiga shuffled back, "Forward, you lazy filth! I want that bastard who shot me alive!"
Before the armed bandits reached the front gates, the rotten double doors banged open by themselves. Astonished, the lead bandit stopped and peered into the darkness, trying to discern whatever was happening before the sound of pounding hooves reached his ears.
Charging out of the darkness and silhouetted by the fading moonlight, the two mounted cavaliers must have appeared to be some unearthly phantoms to the superstitious brigands. Fear overwhelming their senses for a few brief seconds, they were unable to challenge the mounted charge. Rudely overturning an astonished bandit with his steed, Sain's sword swept out and claimed the life of another before Kent was upon them. Reinvigorated by the death rattle of one of their comrades, the bandits threw themselves into battle with terrible war cries upon their lips. Wil peppered anyone below him who was not mounted with a deadly hail of arrows. Though outnumbered nearly ten to one, Sain and Kent stood fast against the horde due to their stout horses and sable armor.
Carjiga sneered at the sight before him while his guard danced with glee. Though the knights fought like demons, they'd be overwhelmed eventually. Fortune favored him presently, for as he lifted his head, he found a pegasus knight charging full tilt at him. Rolling aside, Carjiga drew his ax while barely averting the keen lance. His companion was not so lucky, catching the full brunt of the attack and dropping stone dead. From the pegasus' back leapt a swordswoman with a drawn blade whose blazing eyes were fixated upon him.
"Are you of the Taliver?" The swordswoman asked him.
"Taliver?" Carjiga asked aghast, "We are Ganelon, with more honor than any of those Taliver savages."
"Consider yourself lucky then," Lyn replied, "I will spare your lives if you get your miserable band out of my sight."
"T-that does it," Carjiga frothed from the mouth, "Die woman!"
Trembling with rage, he charged forward and landed a furious blow upon… the ground? Lyn, learning from her previous battles with untrained bandits, had sidestepped the blow before delivering a fatal slash upon Carjiga's unprotected back.
"You did well," a voice said behind her.
"Drake!" Lyn half turned out of surprise, "Don't sneak up to me like that."
"You were a little too concentrated on your duel to notice me," he replied, "Though Kent and Sain could use a little help. You and Florina fit to charge the bandits from the rear as planned?"
"O-of, of c-course," Florina stammered, not looking Drake in the eye. She and Lyn charged towards the bandits encircling the knights. Moments later, from the roars of surprise and rage, the bandits evidently noticed that they were under attack from two fronts and their mighty leader wasn't there to lead them.
"Now, what should I do with you?" Drake said to Carjiga's prone form.
The figure stirred slightly, proving that he wasn't quite dead yet. Turning the body over with his foot, Drake placed his boot upon the bandit's neck and slightly pushed. Eyes bulging, the bandit regained consciousness, gasping for air.
"M-mercy," Carjiga begged, "P-please, please let me live."
"Mercy I may grant," came the response, "That would depend on your truthfulness. Were you of the Taliver?"
"N-no… Ugh!"
"You lie!" The boot ground down as Drake softly continued, "You were there, weren't you? Half a year ago, you accepted the gift on the eve of the Lorca's destruction, did you not?"
"Who… Who the hell… Are you?" Carjiga's eyes widened again, out of pure terror, "N-no, you can't be!"
"Yes," came the merciless reply, as the boot crushed the windpipe, "I am he…"
Behind him, the surviving bandits were scattering to the four winds, fleeing from the merciless swords and lances that had utterly defeated them in battle.
Dawn found a tired but victorious group of warriors assembled before the fortress. Despite the late brawl the previous evening, Drake had been adamant about continuing the journey.
"Araphen, a province of Lycia, lies but a few days journey from here," he explained, "The faster we reach Lycia, the faster we get these nosy bandits off our backs."
"Though we are then under the watchful eyes of a new foe," Lyn sighed, "Lundgren and his cronies…"
"Fear not, milady," Sain cried, "Your invincible Sain will guard you ever step of the way!"
"Sain!" Kent admonished curtly.
Throwing her hands up, Lyn was just about to give up Sain as a hopeless cause when she caught the eye of Natalie and Dorcas.
"I'll be taking Natalie back to the village," Dorcas said slowly, "But I'll catch up with your group in Araphen."
"Catch up?" Lyn asked, "Surely you should be staying in the village."
"Well," Natalie said, "Dorcas and I agree that we owe you a sincere debt, Lady Lyndis. Since Dorcas still needs to earn money, well, he…"
"I was hoping I could come along as one of your mercenaries," Dorcas picked up, "We do owe you after all."
"Please watch over my husband," Natalie finished.
"We'll gladly accept him as one of the us," Lyn replied, "Then we shall see you in Araphen in a few days."
There, another few members added to the party. I apologize if I'm going a little out of order here, but I didn't want to follow the game script exactly and have a fight over every single person joining the army. I'll be incorporating much of two chapters in Lyn's Story into one chapter, though that will stop once I finish her story. Review if you have the time!