Author's Corner:

Hm, now that college is out and summer is in, I find myself deep in the middle of a full-time summer job. Which means, you guessed it, updating just went out the window again. I'll try to find extra time to make sure I can keep up with the chapters.

Phantom Kensai – I'm glad you enjoyed the story so far, and it'll only get better. In regards to the name 'Mark,' I mentioned several chapters back that you'll be seeing this name again, albeit the character is using a false alias to avoid enemies. Last time I checked, Caelin was to the southeast of Laus, so in a roundabout way, Darin fled Laus via Caelin. (OK, I'm using the Elibe map from FE6, in which Caelin is nowhere on the map… Everything is done from memory.)

Lao Who Mai – Well organized maybe, devious perhaps, but if you're claiming this is easy… Well, I'll just have to disabuse you of that notion.

Dude – Some how it just seems odd to say 'dude' to a review, but whatever… Yes, Lyn is back this chapter, and the level of mayhem will subsequently rise again.

Hammer of Terrascars – Chapter 11

Siege of Caelin

"Milady Lyndis," Kent began, "Rushing in and exposing ourselves to the outnumbered foe is hardly the manner we should adopt in mounting a rescue. I beg you to reconsider."

"I agree," Sain added, "I know Marquis Hausen is still in the vile clutches of the Laus soldiers, but if we fall, no one will remain to help him!"

Lyn was exasperated, though she knew her knights spoke well, "I am well aware of that! However, that doesn't change the fact I'm sitting here doing nothing and unable to aid my grandfather!"

"I'm sure Wil is fully capable of gleaning some information from the nearby villages," Kent pointed out, "We must be patient a little longer, milady."

As if hearing their conversation, Wil brushed his way through the forestry and stopped before Lyn and her small group, raggedly drawing in deep breaths. A short while later, Florina landed beside Lyn, signifying that there were no enemies in their immediate surroundings.

"Well?"

"There are several squads of Laus guards scattered around Castle Caelin," Wil said after a moment's pause, "Besides that, Laus has constructed two opposing ballista platforms to fortify their holdings."

"Assuming we take the most direct path," Lyn asked, "How many guards would we most likely face?"

Wil shrugged, "Half a hundred, maybe."

Sain cursed, "We can't even make a bee-line charge for the castle with those ballistae in place!"

"But why is Laus here in the first place?" Lyn wondered, "Caelin has never bothered Laus in the past."

"I believe I can answer that," Kent replied, "I managed to overhear some of the invading soldiers' gossip about a Pherae lord driving them from Castle Laus. By that I'd assume Lord Eliwood has been quite active in his dealings with Laus."

"Eliwood in Laus," Lyn considered, "If we could get word to him…"

"I'll go!" Florina volunteered suddenly, "Since I have Huey, I can easily move over difficult terrain and contact Lord Eliwood."

Kent and Sain looked at one another while Lyn exclaimed, "Florina! It's too dangerous!"

Florina bit her lip, but stared Lyn straight in the eye, "I-I'm a full fledged pegasus knight now, and I need to start performing the duties required of me. I've met Lord Eliwood in the past, and I want to help Lord Hausen too!"

Lyn's eyes softened, "Very well, it's up to you. Be careful, Florina!"

April 6th, on route to Caelin,

With two days of forced march behind us, our force has made good time in entering Caelin's provincial boundaries, but I fear for the focus of the soldiers. Forced march is ideal for getting armies from one location to another, but the exhaustion may be a key factor in deciding the upcoming battle. Nevertheless, morale remains high amongst our crew; well prepared to meet whatever Laus can throw at us. I dare say that our victory at Laus has established our confidence and shattered the enemy's courage, but will that be enough to wrest Castle Caelin from Laus?

"What are you writing?" Cecilia asked.

"Memoirs," Drake replied, "For my retirement."

Cecilia raised an eyebrow, "You're kidding, right? You're too young to worry about retirement plans."

"I'm older than I look," Drake said, "Who knows, someone may be interested in what I've done in the past."

"What could you possibly have done in your thirty years of life that someone would pay money to figure out?" Cecilia asked, incredulous.

"You never know, you never know," Drake said mysteriously, moving ahead in the column. Cecilia stared after his retreating form. He is absolutely shrouded in mystery, Cecilia thought, every time I seem to unearth some link to his history, he scuttles off into a little corner and the trail goes cold again. One day, she vowed, she'd uncover the true face behind the illusive character that called himself Drake of Etruria.

"Caelin!" Matthew announced at the head of the column.

The host came to a stop atop a rising bluff overlooking the valley that slid between the path and Castle Caelin itself. Dotted throughout the valley were various Caelin guard stations manned by Laus soldiers. However, given that the majority of Laus' cavalry and fresh recruits were decimated at the Battle of Laus, the soldiers here were facing the same problem Caelin had: too many holes and too few men to plug them.

"Rider overhead!" Rebecca shouted, "Approaching our position!"

"Hostile?" Erk asked, readying a spell tome.

"I don't think so," Matthew interrupted, "Laus appears to be firing arrows trying to bring that one down. I'd say an ally at best or an innocent at the least."

"Who could it be?" Cecilia wondered.

Drake took a long glance upwards, "Lord Hector? Stretch out your hands please."

"Like this?" Hector obeyed.

"Good, now be prepared to catch someone."

"What?

A slight scream rang out and someone fell from the high flying pegasus. Adhering to Drake's estimation, said falling person fell right into the hands of Hector. Sputtering with surprise and grunting from exertion, Hector almost dropped his unexpected bundle, but found himself unable to tear his gaze from her brilliant eyes.

"Err…" They both started before the orchid haired girl blushed furiously.

"Good now set Florina down and prepare to catch the next one," Drake commanded.

Gingerly setting Florina on her feet, Hector looked upwards, "What the heck, another girl falling from the sky? Oh, crap…"

Thud! One worried pegasus landed squarely on Hector's back, knocking the blue-haired lord flat on his face. Looking inquisitively about, Huey found Florina standing with her mouth open and happily pranced over, stamping all over Hector's armor. Said lord raised his head and spat out a mouthful of grass and winced, "Drake, I'm going to kill you!"

"Yeah, yeah, later," Drake waved dismissively, "Now what brings you here, Florina?"

Florina seemed to recollect herself, "Drake? Is it really you? Is Lord Eliwood with you? Lyn! She needs..."

As Eliwood approached, he found Drake with a hand over Florina's mouth, "Stop. Breathe. Speak slowly."

"Lyn and a few others managed to get out of the castle," Florina said, "Laus has captured the castle and we are unable to reach the castle gates with the ballista in place."

Cecilia frowned, "With the ballista in place, our group will be a large target moving towards Castle Caelin. However, this Lyn is probably on her way to the castle right now, and if we waste time sacking the ballista platforms…"

"Lyn will be overwhelmed by Laus forces," Eliwood said grimly.

"Oh, no," Florina gasped, "I'm too late… Lyn!"

"So who the hell is Lyn?" Hector asked grumpily.

"The noble lady of Caelin," Eliwood replied, "Drake aided her during the inheritance dispute last year."

"And how do you know about that?" Hector asked pointedly.

"Uh…"

"Long story," Drake said, "Tell me, Florina, does old Brandon the Miller still make his weekly shipments to the castle?"

"He used to," Florina replied, "He has refused to bring his wares to the invaders, though. How did you know about Brandon?"

"He was a veritable fountain of information during the Caelin campaign last year," Drake replied, "Now listen, I need to speak with him as soon as possible. Cecilia, could you…"

"Handle the ballista?" Cecilia finished, "It'll be my pleasure. I'll see you at Castle Caelin."

Lyn and Wil remained concealed behind two broad oak trees near the castle gate while Kent and Sain hid their mounts in the undergrowth. So far, Lyn and her companions had managed to ambush a few Laus patrol groups, leaving a trail of fallen foes in their wake. However, their time was limited, given that another patrol could walk along any moment and raise the alarm.

"We must find a way into the castle," Wil muttered, "But the only feasible path is directly through the main gate."

The main gate of Castle Caelin was built in the typical fashion of Elibe's castles. Just inside the portcullis, a heavy wheel directed the stout drawbridge while a chain held down by a switch hook operated the portcullis itself. Currently, the drawbridge was down and the portcullis upraised, leaving a clear path into the castle. The catch was that a dozen Laus soldiers were in attendance, including several armored knights.

"If we made a dash for it," Sain said, "We might make it into the castle…"

"But we'd never make it back out alive," Kent observed, "We simply don't have the numbers to hold off such a foe. Hello, what's that?"

A large ox drawn wagon was approaching castle, slowly meandering up the beaten path. Animal skins covered the cargo from human eyes, but there was no mistaking the old man that was directing his team of oxen.

"That's old Brandon the Miller!" Wil whispered.

"The Laus soldiers must have threatened his family to force him to supply the castle," Lyn said gritting her teeth, "Cowards, I shall make them pay for harming my people."

Bauker, the knight commanding the exterior defenses, sauntered smugly up to the old miller, who stopped the wagon in front of the drawbridge. Standing before the old man, Bauker sneered at him, "Not so brave now, are we? Just have to hold a sword to your cute little granddaughter, and you'll do anything we say."

Brandon's face did not betray even a sliver of fear, but instead colored in anger, "Damnable curs, in my youth I could single-handedly smite down the lot of you. Now out of my way, I have to deliver your supplies."

"By all means," Bauker smirked, "Over the drawbridge with you!"

Cracking his whip, Brandon urged his team forward over the drawbridge. When the wagon was underneath the portcullis, something cracked and gave way, causing the wagon to come to a full stop.

Getting impatient, the soldier manning the drawbridge controls advanced forward and angrily demanded, "Come on, hurry up!"

"I think an axle broke loose," Brandon said unhurriedly, "Let me check."

Shuffling slowly to the two wheels on the wagon, Brandon abruptly pulled out a small hatchet from beneath his cloak and sheared through one wheel in one swift stroke. As the wagon groaned and tilted to one side, the Laus soldier operating the portcullis panicked, fumbling the switch and letting fall the steel lattice. The portcullis roared down, but was stopped by the wagon underneath it.

"What the hell are you doing?" The soldier standing next to Brandon screamed, "Get your wagon… Argh!"

Bauker turned around at the terrified scream and beheld three ax men spring from the concealed cargo and strike down the unprepared guards. While Bauker was still summoning his wits about him, the three mysterious warriors had already secured the gate against his forces. Growling with rage, Bauker directed the remaining dozen soldiers to join him and retake the castle gates. Out of the wagon, a red-haired swordsman and another armored knight emerged. Swords, axes, and lances clashed against one another in a furious melee across the drawbridge.

"Eliwood!" Lyn said in disbelief, "Now, attack! Corner the enemy between us!"

Sain and Kent did not need further urging. Setting their lances in rest, the two of them galloped out of cover and smashed into their foes from the rear. By the time Lyn and Wil joined in the battle, the outflanked enemy was largely defeated and thrown into the river.

"Eliwood!" Lyn gasped out, "How, how did you manage to find us?"

"Florina," Eliwood said as he greeted Lyn warmly, "Allow me to introduce my companions. Dorcas you've already met. This is Bartre, a traveling mercenary, and Hector, one of my most stalwart friends. Oswin, the knight, is one of Hector's most trusted retainers."

"Greetings, Lord Eliwood," Kent said, dismounting, "But how did you know about Brandon?"

"I warrant they never heard of me in their life," Brandon chuckled, "But me old friend remembered." He gestured at the new figure that emerged from the ruined wagon.

Lyn's eyes widened, It can't be… But it is!

"Drake!" Lyn exclaimed happily.

Wil grinned, "I should've known that our invincible tactician would be the one to come up with this ploy."

"A truce to your flattery," Drake said with a small grin of his own, "Long time no see everyone."

"Too long," Lyn murmured.

"Before we catch up on what everyone has done in the past year," Drake said as he pointed towards the castle, "Shall we?"

"Awaiting your command," Sain replied.

Inside Castle Caelin, Bernard, Knight Commander of Laus, was quite vexed to hear that the castle has already been breached by Caelin troops. Bernard was a capable soldier and a proven knight, but by the time he received word that Bauker had fallen it had already been too late. Stragglers who managed to slip in also reported the grave news that the perimeter ballista platforms have been taken by the enemy. With Marquis Darin and Lord Ephidel having already left the castle, it was solely Bernard's men that still held Castle Caelin for Laus.

"So the besiegers have become the besieged," Bernard said wearily, "Can we expect any manner of reinforcements?"

"Unlikely sir," one of the soldiers reported, "Even if survivors of the Laus cavalry attempt to reach our position, the enemy still commands the ballista…"

"So little hope of rescue, eh?" Bernard said, "That is fine, we shall show them the true strength of the Laus military!"

"Yes, sir!"

"To your stations," Bernard commanded.

Inwardly, every Laus soldier dreaded the encounter with Eliwood and his seasoned mercenaries. Although the majority of the garrison had not faced Eliwood's forces outside of Castle Laus, rumors of the crushing defeat inflicted upon Erik circulated amongst the troops. Even Bernard himself doubted that he could win that engagement with the numbers stacked so heavily against him, and Pherae's tactician had accomplished the monumental feat without even suffering one casualty.

"If that demon commands this battle, we are lost," Bernard muttered to himself. Nevertheless, Bernard was determined to salvage as much morale as possible amongst his men, and publicly announcing their defeat certainly would not do that.

"I must send more guards to the dungeons," Bernard said suddenly, "If we have a prisoner revolt on top of an invading foe, we simply don't have the men to hold them down."

"We'll try, sir," another soldier replied, but we don't have enough men!"

"Abandon the exterior walls," Bernard commanded, "We can't defend them anyways. Pull every available man within the castle to defend the throne room. Any soldier without a post is to be assigned to the dungeons."

"Understood, sir."

"At all costs, do not allow the Caelin soldiers to recover the armory."

"Yes, sir. Oh, and by the way, one of the prisoners wish to aid us in defending the castle."

"Really," Bernard replied, "Allow him to, provided he isn't one of Caelin's guards, of course."

"Where should we station him?"

"Have him defend the hallway leading to the dungeons. If he makes contact with the enemy first, the dungeon guards can help him."

Where were Marquis Darin and Lord Ephidel when you need them the most?

"Priscilla just brought a message," Hector said as he joined Lyn, Eliwood, and Drake, "Cecilia has the ballista under control and will divert the attention of any incoming Laus reinforcements."

"Which leaves us the duty of retaking Castle Caelin without reinforcements of our own," Eliwood pointed out.

"Unfortunately, that is so," Priscilla said, "Florina has spotted several Laus cavaliers loitering around the area. Rebecca fired a ballista bolt to scare them off, but there is no telling how many more are out there."

"If we can retake Castle Caelin quickly enough and unite Caelin, those stragglers won't be much of a threat," Lyn said calmly, though she was looking at Drake.

Drake considered this for a moment, "That'd depend on how many Laus soldiers are still holding this castle."

"From our estimation," Kent replied, "I'd venture to say no more than a score and a half."

"So they outnumber us by three to one," Hector said, "We've faced worse odds before."

"We'd even the odds if we had the support of Caelin's soldiers," Drake said, "I believe the Caelin soldiers who were captured by Laus were forced into the dungeons?"

"They probably were," Sain said, "We managed to confirm that tidbit from one of the servants."

"We'll rescue the captives first," Drake instructed, "After re-arming them, our forces can take back the throne room en mass."

"Hey, we might actually outnumber them this time," Bartre said as the small party moved off.

"This'll probably the only time," Dorcas reminded his comrade.

Led by Kent and Lyn, Eliwood and his companions swiftly navigated through halls of Castle Caelin towards the dungeon. Unlike Castle Laus' extravagance and luxury, Castle Caelin could almost be described as spartan in decoration. However, the difference in material wealth also showed the distinction in efficiency and dedication to craft. In Castle Laus, the empty suits of armor that stood silent vigil over the walkways were always lined with gold or silver, a testament to the ill-gotten gains that Laus nobles leeched from their people. The frugal armor in Castle Caelin, however, bore marks of battle from previous generations. It is said that every suit of armor in Castle Caelin once belonged to a valiant Caelin knight who gave his life in the name of duty. It was a knight's dream and eternal glory to have the Caelin marquis encase the deceased warrior's armor in Castle Caelin, a reminder to future knights of the undying valor of the fallen.

Entering the last corridor, Lyn came to an abrupt halt at the sight of a crimson-haired mercenary sharpening his sword. The man calmly raised his eyes and gazed from face to face, finally resting on Hector.

"So you've come at last, Hector of Ostia."

Hector frowned, "Who are you?"

"I am Raven, and I will have your lifeblood stain my sword today."

"You're welcome to try," Hector said grimly, hefting his ax.

The two combatants would've thrown themselves upon one another had not a female voice interrupted them, "Lord brother?"

Raven halted immediately and his eyes zeroed in on the breathless face that just rounded the corner, "P-Priscilla? What are you doing here?"

"I came looking for you after I left Caerleon," Priscilla said, "I would never have found you without their aid."

"Them?" Raven pointed at the lords, "They assisted you?"

"Yes," Priscilla nodded, "Otherwise I would be in the clutches of Marquis Darin by now."

"That jackal," Raven said softly, "How dare he…"

Drake coughed, "As much as I hate to interrupt this tearful reunion, could the two of you do this elsewhere? We're sort of in a hurry here."

"And who are you to order me around?" Raven asked.

Drake's eyes flashed for a second, his gaze so terrible that everyone around him involuntarily took a step back. His normal calm tone was exchanged for one that promised wrath and ruin as he spoke, "I hold your sister in my hand."

To everyone's surprise, Raven staggered back as if struck before falling to one knee on the carpet floor. Disbelief was written all over his features as he muttered so softly that scarcely anyone heard him, "The Curse…"

"You will join us and lend us your aid." It was not a question.

"As you wish…" Raven replied.

Drake's eyes did not cease their merciless gaze, "The next room, you know what must be done. They will not be prepared to stand against you."

"I hear and obey," Raven said, before leaving the corridor and turning towards the dungeons.

After Raven left, Drake shook his head slightly and turned his eyes back towards a shocked Lyn and friends. Drake's eyes once again wore their placid look as he raised an eyebrow, "What?"

"W-what…" Lyn stopped and tried again, "What did you just do?"

"Pushed the right buttons, that's all," Drake said as the sounds of slaughter could be heard coming from the dungeons.

On the other side of the closed door, Raven was breathing heavily, drenched in the blood of his fallen foes. Around him, half a dozen unprepared Laus guards had paid the price for underestimating him. Behind bars, the Caelin soldiers could only gape at the havoc he had wrecked in a few short moments. The priest, however, was praying for the souls of the dead.

"Raven, what is the meaning of this?" One of the soldiers demanded, "You just sided with Laus, and now you slay their men?"

"I'm a mercenary," Raven replied, "I serve whoever pays the highest coin."

"Sellswords, can't trust any of them," one of the soldiers growled as Raven severed the lock that held the prison door. After the soldiers left, Raven turned to the priest, "Come, Lucius."

"What made you change your mind?" Lucius asked.

"My sister," Raven lied, "I wish to pay back my sister's debt before I slay my enemy. After all, it is easier to stab him in the back if I am closer to him, no?"

"…If you see it that way…" Lucius said.

Bernard, though competent and unflappable, was completely out of his depth as he found his forces routed in the throne room. Naturally, Caelin soldiers knew the layout of the castle far better than he did, and they chose the perfect opportunity to launch a surprise attack from behind. While Eliwood and Hector had led a frontal attack into the throne room and Bernard sent his forces to engage them, Lyn had slipped through a secret corridor with Caelin's guards and struck the confused Laus forces in the rear. While the Caelin guards were exhausted and barely holding their weapons upright, the sheer numbers they added tilted the battle radically in their favor. Lyn was slashing down soldier after soldier with her Mani Katti while Hector and Eliwood were jointly forcing Bernard back. Caught between the two forces intent on his destruction, Bernard's fate was sealed.

After a quarter of a candle mark's worth of fierce swordplay, Bernard alone stood in a ring of his foes. Wounded in a dozen places, his shattered lance fell from his bloody grip onto the floor below. Unable to support the ponderous weight of his armor any longer, Bernard fell on his knees before his conquerors.

"Do you yield?" Eliwood asked.

"Never," Bernard rasped, "I am a knight of Laus, and I shall serve Laus to the end."

"Even if you know your marquis is corrupt?" Hector asked.

"Even if Marquis Darin led me to hell itself, I will follow him. A true knight follows his liege lord's orders regardless of conscience and consequence."

Oswin shook his head, "Spoken like a true knight, a pity we served opposing sides."

Bernard chuckled, "Death is a just ending for Laus' brutality, Sir Oswin of Ostia. Yet before I die, a boon I beg of the lords."

"We will grant it," Lyn said, "Provided you tell me where my grandfather is."

"He is in the next room behind the throne," Bernard said, "Barely alive after Lord Ephidel smote him."

Lyn did not hear any more as she hurried to see her beloved grandfather. Only Hector and Eliwood remained to judge Bernard.

"Your boon we will grant," Eliwood said, "Provided you do not ask for life."

"Beg mercy of the enemy?" Bernard said, "That would be unworthy. I ask only to be facing towards Laus when I die. I shall not fall with my eyes facing any other direction."

"So be it," Hector said, gesturing for the guards to remove the man.

"Gramercy," Bernard said as he limped to his doom.

After Bernard left with his executioners, a female thief entered the throne room and bowed to Lord Hector, "Lord Hector, fare you well?"

"Well enough Leila, if your Matthew didn't shorten my life every passing day," Hector growled.

"Hey, I resent that!" Matthew's voice echoed out from the other room.

Leila giggled, "I see he hasn't changed."

"What news do you have?" Hector asked.

"News of Marquis Darin's departure," she reported, "Darin is headed for the Isle of Valor, south of Badon. I currently am unable to ascertain why he is headed for that destination, but Ephidel seems to be the reason."

"Ephidel," Eliwood said, "What can you tell us about him?"

Leila paused, "He is simply, inhuman. He has dark, jet black hair and a pair of disturbing golden eyes. His skin is pale as if forged of marble, and his emotions are similar. Neither smiling nor frowning, he is what is driving Darin in his plans. I have no further information on him, though."

"Are you certain that Darin is headed for Badon?"

"Positive," Leila replied, "I overheard them making plans to board a ship at Badon to head directly for the Dread Isle. How they procured a ship I don't know, since no ship in Badon will willingly sail near the Dread Isle, regardless of how large the reward is."

"One more question," Cecilia said as she entered the throne room, "Who are the Black Fang?"

"The Black Fang is an assassin group that originated in Bern," Leila explained, "Originally, they were the servants of the people, eradicating corrupt lords, government officials, etc. However, recently, for some unknown reason, they have lent their aid to Marquis Darin and his foolish plans of rebellion."

"Thank you, that'll be all," Cecilia said as she thought, So why does Drake pale whenever someone mentions the Black Fang? Surely he isn't a lord traveling incognito or connected to Darin's rebellion? This has only gotten more and more puzzling!

Lyn chose this moment to rejoin them in the throne room, "Grandfather's situation is now stable, and I will be able to entrust his care to the servants."

"Servants?" Eliwood asked, "You won't take care of him personally?"

"I won't be able to if I'm traveling with all of you," she replied.

"What?"

"They injured my grandfather to the point that he almost perished," Lyn said furiously, "I will pursue them and see to it that they will never be able to do so again."

"Where Lady Lyndis goes, I will follow," Kent said.

"That goes for me as well," Sain added.

"Don't leave me behind," Wil called out.

"Looks like we will need your aid more than ever, Cecilia," Hector said.

Cecilia shook her head, "I didn't do anything, it was all thanks to Drake."

"Speaking of Drake, where is he?" Lyn asked.

High above, standing on the battlements of Castle Caelin, a lonely man was playing a reed flute by himself. As his sorrowful gaze drifted across the landscape illuminated by the setting sun, Drake found himself recalling every man he had killed this day.

Whether honorable, craven, just, or foul, blood is blood. And I have spilled enough of it to drown myself in it. Yet regardless where I go, I must continue to shed the lifeblood of others in order to repay the debts I owed in the past…

Shorter chapter, but this was a reunion chapter with more events that needed to be said rather than action. On a secondary note, some of you may or may not find the exchange between Drake and Raven somewhat odd, but that will be revealed at a later date. Thank you for reading and review if you have the time!