That night, everyone settled in to the campsite. The horses and pegasus were stationed at a nearby tree, buckets of water and food in front of them. Wil was somewhere in the nearby woods, coming back every now and again with a rabbit, and sometimes even a deer to feed the group. In case he was going to be attacked while he hunted, Dorcas accompanied him. Dorcas would also chop wood every other time the two left, keeping the fire going bright. The two seemed to be getting along well in Mark's eyes. Lyn sat a little ways away, laying back and looking at the stars. Kent was smiling contentedly as he oversaw an interaction between Serra and Sain. Serra seemed to have no idea what she was getting into, as the two's laughter could be heard across the campsite. Florina was also by that area. From what Mark could gather, she was trying to introduce herself to Serra, but kept shying away from Sain's overbearing presence. Reading this, Kent went up to her instead and made light conversation, to which Florina still seemed uncomfortable but not enough to run away.

Mark sat with Erk at the fire. Now and again when the fires started to die, they would take turns relighting it with magic. They were mostly reading in silence, but now and again would toss a ball of fire between themselves. Eventually, Erk closed his book and looked at Mark.

"Well at the very least, you seem well off." He said. "To be honest I expected to find your body dead in a ditch somewhere."

Mark let out a laugh. "You have no idea how close I was to that being the case Erk." Mark closed his book and put it away. "If it wasn't for Lyn, I'd certainly be dead by now."

Erk nodded sagely. "Is that why you feel the need to stay with her?"

Mark shrugged. "Maybe. Mostly I just enjoy spending time with everyone. It's probably the most fun I've ever had." Mark sighed and stole some fire from the campfire, twirling it between his fingers. "Well, I say probably, but I can't think of a time I've had more fun."

"What about when we set your uncle's cape on fire?" Erk said smirking.

Mark smiled, "If we weren't reprimanded so heavily by my dad afterwards, maybe that would win over." Slowly the smile on his face died. He felt like he needed to say something about why he left, why he didn't take Erk with him, but he couldn't bring himself to. The words simply weren't there. Instead, he just changed the subject. "Enough about me though, look at you!" Mark said enthusiastically, gesturing to Erk's body. He had grown a few inches, his face was more masculine, and his general muscle had increased. Mark was sure he'd only been gone for a few months now, so the change astounded him.

Erk stood up and struck a pose, looking down at Mark smugly and holding a pillar of fire and lightning in his left and right hand respectively. "Rather impressive, right?" Erk looked like he wanted to say more, but sat back down and put out his hands. "But, I already told you why. It's all because of teacher." Mark pinched himself mentally for forgetting, but kept the conversation rolling.

"Regardless, I'm impressed." Mark said sincerely. "Here I thought you'd do nothing with your life."

"High praise coming from you." Erk said, "But you could stand to leave the last bit of information out next time you compliment me."

"Aw, I think it adds to it." Mark said patting his friend on the back. "After all, the compliment's authenticity and meaning is increased when you understand just how little faith I had in you to begin with." Mark continued, knowingly provoking him.

Erk smiled. "I know what you're trying to do Mark, and I won't let you get to me." He folded his arms with pride. "After all, I am a working mage now. I'm a paid escort for nobility! You most certainly should be impressed with how far I've come. Sooner or later I'll surpass you." He finished.

Mark raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?" He said. "You call yourself an escort? I would call you something else."

"Oh yeah?" Erk said, "Like what?"

Mark pointed to Serra and smiled at Erk. "Well from this angle, you look more like a whipping post to me." As if on cue, a slap resounded through the campsite, and Mark saw Serra heading their way in a huff. Erk noticeably jumped and quickly took out his book, pretending to be reading and deep in thought. Serra mumbled to herself and stood in front of both of them.

"Good evening Serra-" Mark started, but was immediately ignored.

"ERK!" She shouted at him, making him jump and almost drop his book in the fire.

"Gah, what do you want now?" Erk spat.

"That man over there asked me out to dinner at the next town we visit. Me! A noble woman! And he's nothing but a knight!" She folded her arms and looked to the side. "After I saved his life and everything…" She trailed off. Mark noted that she was still blushing and shooting glances over at Sain, who was still smiling. Perhaps she enjoyed the thought more than she wanted to admit. Suddenly she had an idea. She turned back to Erk, beaming. "I know!" She said happily. "You can go and set his clothes on fire for me! He would be exposed before the entire camp! It's the perfect revenge!" She said.

Erk blinked a few times. "Uhm… no." He said flatly. Serra lost her spark.

"Aw… why not?" She asked, heartbroken.

"Firstly, because that's not in my contract." Erk said, going back to his book. "Secondly, I have a sneaking suspicion that you just want to see him… uhm… exposed." He finished. He should never have said that.

Serra blushed even more as Sain howled with laughter in the distance. "W-W-WHAT?!" Serra shrieked, making everyone else at camp jump. Florina jumped so hard she ran to her pegasus and hid behind it, leaving poor Kent by himself. Lyn sat up and fumbled for her sword, before settling in again. Wil and Dorcas stopped mid bite of rabbit and raised an eyebrow before continuing. "Erk how could you even suggest such a thing!?" She yelled, slightly less loud. "Erk I am a noble. A NOBLE! I Will not stand for this sort of suggestion from my escort!"

"So you'll fire me?" Erk said hopefully, before losing hope again. "Or will you keep me around because I'm apparently pleasant on the eyes?"

"The later, of course." Serra said, winking happily, apparently already over it.

"So, then, is it really too much of a stretch that you want to see Sain in a state of undress?" Erk said, still sighing as he spoke.

Serra blushed again and looked away. "Well, I guess not." She said quietly. She looked down for a moment. "...So can you please go over there and-"

"No, Serra." Erk said firmly. Serra whimpered a little.

"Well fine, then you're at least going to help me get ready for bed now. I have been told I am allowed to sleep in the tent tonight so you will now accompany me and keep watch over me through out the night."

"You're a grown woman Serra. You don't need my help to go to bed." Erk said, turning a page, still pretending to not be paying attention to the conversation.

"Erk you are my bodyguard-"

"Escort, actually."

"-And you will do your job by making sure nothing happens to me while I sleep!" Serra finished. Erk paused for a moment and stared at the fire murderously. Mark figured he was trying desperately to find an excuse not to have to join Serra in her tent for the night, but the restrains of his contract probably prevented him from doing anything that might put her in danger. Finding no way out of it, he closed his eyes in irritation and slammed his book closed.

"Fine. Lets go." He said, standing up and reluctantly offering a hand.

Serra instead opted for his whole arm, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder. "Yay!" She said happily. "I get to sleep with Erk tonight!"

"Don't phrase it like that please…" together the two walked to the tent. Erk shot Mark a look of pain as he walked away, to which Mark replied with a toothy grin and a thumbs up. Erk rolled his eyes as he was dragged into the tent. Now sitting at the fire alone, Mark continued his reading with a smile on his face. He was glad to see Erk again, after all, he figured he never would. He still felt obligated to explain himself more. He got the sense there was something he was missing. Something other than Erk's appearance had changed, and Mark couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Eventually, the fire died in front of him and he took it as a sign that it was time to sleep. He closed his book and yawned. Looking around, Kent was the only one still awake. Mark sleepily walked over to him and quietly greeted him.

"Good evening Kent." He said, rubbing his eyes. They hurt slightly from all the reading he'd found himself doing since he started his trip.

"I believe it may be morning by now." Kent said, looking at the stars. "I am keeping watch tonight. Please, get some rest."

Mark nodded. "Ok. Before that, what is on the agenda for tomorrow? I assume more marching."

Kent smiled warmly. "You are in luck, tomorrow we should reach the city of Araphen and officially enter the Lycian border. Supposedly there will be aide for us there. I imagine we will be spending the entire day there once we arrive." This was great news in Mark's mind. The group could certainly travel more on their current morale and resources, but a bolstering certainly wouldn't hurt either.

"Wonderful." Mark said blissfully, already imagining the soft bed he hadn't felt in months. "Wake me up on time this time, I will help destruct camp. Where am I sleeping?" Kent pointed near the fire. Dorcas, Wil, Sain, Lyn, and Florina were all laid out in a row a little ways away from each other. Mark nodded and began to shuffle over. "Thanks Kent. Don't work yourself too hard." Mark found a spot all the way on the left, nearest to Dorcas, and fell asleep as soon as his head hit Earth.


"Wake up Mark." he heard a deep voice say flatly. Mark cracked his eyes open, taking in the harsh sunlight and saw Dorcas sitting in front of him, offering him a flask. Mark slowly sat up, blinking to get used to the light, and took a quick drink of the cool water.

"Mmm. Thank's Dorcas." Mark said, stretching out and handing back the flask. "What's the current plan?" He asked.

Dorcas shrugged. "I wouldn't know. I was just told by Lady Lyn to wake you up." Dorcas looked down awkwardly at his flask. "Now that I've done that, I'm not sure what we're doing. Everything is packed and ready to go though." Mark looked around and saw that everyone was packed up and ready except for him. He picked Kent out of the group and shouted to him.

"Hey, Kent, I told you not to let me sleep in this time!" He said. Kent turned and gave a sly shrug.

"You seemed tired. I thought it best that you rest longer." He said.

"I also tried a new sleep spell on you, and we had trouble waking you up as a result!" Serra said cheerfully, waving to grab Marks attention.

"You used a sleep spell on me… while I was already sleeping?" Mark asked. That made no sense. "How do you know if it even worked?"

"Well, you stopped moving in your sleep." Wil said, smiling awkwardly. "So, there's that."

"After a little while your heart actually stopped too." Dorcas said, scratching the back of his neck. "Geez, that was scary, let me tell ya."

"But I saved your life!" Serra said, holding up her staff. "So you owe me now!"

"Not if you're the reason I was dying in the first place." Mark said, feeling calm despite being told he almost died overnight. Maybe he was just too tired to fully process how angry he should be at that moment.

"Anyways, now that you're awake we can set out!" Lyn said, standing tall and proud. "We're almost in Lycia friends. From there this should be easy!" This elicited a cheer from the group, and soon they were on their way. This time around, Mark gave everyone a marching formation, in case they were to be attacked on the road. Unable to use the mounts to travel anymore since there were too many members of the legion, they became more like mules, carrying the groups belongings on their backs and being guided by their owners. This ment the group was led by Kent, Sain, and Florina, not only due to their mounts, but because Kent and Sain were still the guides of the group, leading them into Lycia. The next line was Lyn, Serra, and Dorcas. With Serra in the middle, the formation was meant to be a form of protection for her, which Mark had suggested. She was guarded by the frontline fighters, Dorcas and Lyn, in case the group was to be attacked from the side. The idea was that if the people on the outside were hit, Serra would be able to heal them immediately and they'd be none the worse for wear. However, if Serra was hit, it would be significantly harder for her to heal others until she dealt with herself, which she may not have the chance to do in the heat of battle. The final line was composed of the remaining three, Mark, Wil, and Erk. The thought process for this line was the simplest: The three of them had the most range, and the least defenses. They would simply be most effective in the back.

As they marched, Wil turned to Erk. "So, Erk, you're a mage right?"

"No, I'm an armored knight." Erk said sarcastically. "Yes, I'm a mage."

Wil laughed, "Hahaha, yes I suppose that's a stupid question. One look and it's pretty obvious. I just wanted to know something." Wil tilted his head. "Both you and Mark are mages, but I've seen him use a sword. I know you guys said you grew up together, so I figured you'd use one too but I don't see one on you. Why is that?"

Erk thought about how to answer that for a moment. "Well, I suppose I just never cared about the sword. Magic came much more easily to me. You didn't need to spend hours sweating over a training dummy in the blazing sun, you could simply relax in a stone room, drinking tea. It was an easy choice at the time."

Wil nodded. "I see. So, you didn't learn the sword because you're lazy?"

Mark laughed as Erk blushed and turned to Wil, "How did you reach that conclusion?!" He said.

Wil raised his hands defensively. "I'm sorry, it's just how you phrased it. Didn't you say you'd rather sit in your room and read rather than train for the sword?"

"That is what you said Erk." Mark goaded. Erk's eyebrow twitched a moment before he regained his composure.

"I'm goign to assume you didn't know this, Wil, but magic is its own form of intense training. I was not simply, 'reading', I was training my body and mind little by little to accept the arcane. It takes energy to throw a ball of fire, just as it takes energy to swing a sword. It's just a different kind of energy. When I first began, I could only use three or four spells before almost blacking out from exhaustion. Now, I can cast as many spells as I want, and I hardly break a sweat." Erk said proudly.

"What Erk isn't telling you," Mark said, pulling Wil's attention, "is that he's talking about using beginner level spells. I imagine if he were to use intermediate spells all day, he'd only last about an hour or so."

"I-Its all about how you use the spells though." Erk countered, blushing. "If all a battle calls for is beginner level spells, then why over exert yourself? If I need to use anything more advanced I will, I'll just need a rest sometime later."

Wil nodded, soaking in the information. "I see. Well, what about that spell you used the other night Mark? The uh… decimation level one. What spell level is that?"

Mark bit his lip, still not fully comfortable with his actions that night. Yet, he was feeling at least slightly better about the whole thing, so he told him. "That was an advanced spell. There are two spell levels above that, Learned, and Master levels. Learned spells are grand feats capable of destroying entire villages and small cities. They can only be learned by mages that have completed literally everything that can be taught through training."

"They're that strong?" Wil said, open mouthed.

Erk nodded and continued. "Yes, but there are heavy laws against using them in crowded areas. There are designated plots of land in Etruria for mages to prove they've learned everything. I know it sounds impressive, but what you should really fear is Master level magic." Erk readjusted his shirt as if it was hard for him to breathe as he looked to the ground. "I am one who places his entire being in the magical arts. I study them, pursue they're hidden depths and exploit everything I can about the knowledge. But Master level spells… scare me." He said.

Mark nodded in agreement. "It's certainly not something to mess around with. Essentially, a Master level spell can only be learned by a mage who has completely given himself to the arcane. Throughout history there are only a few mages who have managed to create such spells, and each of them have made a unique spell. For instance, a thousand years ago, the hero Bramimond was responsible for creating the portal that sent the dragons from our world after the Scouring. That is a Master level spell."

Wil shook his head. "I don't know, it just doesn't sound as impressive as destroying an entire town."

Erk chuckled. "If that's more your style, another mage to make a Master level spell was from thousands of years ago, named Thranicus. Let me ask you this, Wil, do you know the Nabata Desert?"

Wil nodded. "Of course. What about it?"

"Well," Erk continued, "Records indicate that the desert we all know as Nabata was once a thriving nation by the same name. In fact, great hordes of knowledge were said to be lost when the nation fell. And, of course, the nation fell because of Thranicus. His Master level spell was crafted due to his thirst for revenge against the king, who rejected his teachings and suggestions. To spite the king, he vowed to destroy the entire nation. Long story short, despite no one thinking he could fall such a great nation, he most certainly did. Scorched the whole thing into ash, leaving a gaping hole in the world for a few centuries. Eventually the desert was formed, and the nation of Nabata was lost. Some speculate that parts of the nation remain under the sands, but since Nabata is such a death trap both naturally and with desert bandits, none are foolish enough to try and find out for themselves."

Wil silently looked at the ground as they walked in silence after the story. The story of Thranicus was commonly taught to mages not to make them fear their powers, but to hold sight of their humanity. As long as one can look at his tale and know just how horrible it was, they wouldn't let themselves be corrupted by their research. If they looked at the tale and more saw the beauty and awesome power that he used rather than the tragic loss of life, they may already be too far gone. The three continued to walk in silence. Eventually, they almost walked into the group in front of them. They had stopped, and in front of them was the city of Araphen.


Mark quietly walked around the city by himself. The group had split up to buy what they need as Kent and Sain rode ahead to the castle to notify the marquess of their arrival. According to them, Marquess Araphen had already agreed to lend support to the new heir of Caelin. As Mark went from vendor to vendor, he realized how much he had missed cities. His original journey had plotted out visiting quite a few after his trek through Sacae. As far as cities went, Araphen was well kept and easy to navigate. However, it gave off an aura like it was trying to hard to prove it was a great city, at least, that's what Mark thought. Now and again he would pass statues and fountains that had nothing objectively great about them, but seemed to be lauded with plaques and tourist propaganda saying just how great they were. If they need to talk about how great they are, that means they aren't that great. Mark thought to himself, every time he happened to come across more public art.

Eventually, after buying several books and a few pocket knives, all of which he put in his coat, he went back towards the castle were everyone was supposed to meet up. The only one there so far was Lyn.

"Hey Mark!" She said, calling to him and waving. "Over here!" She beckoned him over. He smiled and jogged up lightly to meet her. "Got everything you need?" She asked.

Mark nodded and opened up his coat. "Yeah, some new books and some knives, just in case. What about you?" He asked back.

Lyn shrugged and gestured to a few vulneraries tied tightly to her belt. "I didn't think I needed much in terms of weapons since I have the sacred blade, so I only got some potions." She looked back up at him and smiled. "So, you and Erk knew each other? Was he the friend whose name you wouldn't tell me weeks ago?"

Mark blushed and scratched his head. "You still remember that huh?" He sighed. "I don't know why I didn't tell you, looking back on it. I had no reason not to. I just don't like talking about the past, I guess."

Lyn nodded. "I've gathered. But that's alright! I don't like talking about the past either, really." She looked down towards her feet. "Most of it was happy, I know, but the ending was just so abrupt…" She trailed off. Mark remained silent, unsure how to respond to that. Luckily, he didn't have to, as Lyn recomposed herself. "Besides, I've still got family, and I've still got friends! I won't let it keep my down!" She said, as if convincing herself.

"Of course. We've got you every step of the way." Mark reassured. He looked over to the castle. "Any word from our brave knights yet?" He asked.

Lyn looked over at the castle nervously. "No, not yet."

Mark noticed her look. "Nervous?"

"No!" She insisted, looking at him. He stared at her flatly. She fidgeted with her sword, still in the shethe. "M-Maybe. I've just never been in front of nobility before, and I'm also from Sacae so I have no idea how to act with a Marquess."

Mark laughed. "That's all? I was worried for a moment."

Lyn cocked her head to the side. "What do you mean? Is it not as big a deal as I thought?"

Mark shook his head. "No, no it's a big deal, but I can teach you what to do!" He said happily.

Lyn's face lit up. "Really? You know how to act with nobility? How?" Mark awkwardly looked away. Lyn shook her head and corrected herself. "Right, the past. Sorry. I won't ask again. The important thing is just that you know how right?"

Mark smiled again and put a hand on her shoulder. "Yeah, that's the important part. Alright, so, first off, when you walk in…" Mark spent the next half hour giving Lyn a brief rundown of how to act like a noble. She was a fast and attentive learner, asking good questions and repeating his actions perfectly the third or fourth time around. The rest of the legion started to file in. First to come back was Florina, who smiled at the lesson and then walked a few steps away, sitting down with her pegasus and feeding it fresh carrots that she had just bought. Next to come back was Dorcas, who apparently hadn't bought anything. He watched Lyn's lesson for a little while before sitting down with Florina, who after initially, inching away, actually seemed to be enjoying a conversation with him. It made sense to Mark. Dorcas might look intimidating but he was a big softie. Next to come back was Wil, whose quiver was fully restocked. He had two apples in each hand and was happily munching away, joining Florina and Dorcas. Eventually, he fed the rest of his first apple to Florina's pegasus. The last ones to arrive were Erk and Serra. Erk was carrying several bags worth of food and jewelry. Apparently Serra had more money on her than Mark had initially believed, because she definitely wasn't given that much. Serra was chatting away and Erk pretended to listen. It didn't appear like he had bought anything.

"I think I'm ready." Lyn said confidently. "Thanks Mark! Seems like you've saved me yet again."

Mark bowed as he had learned to his whole life. "By all means, it was my pleasure Lady Lyndis." He smiled as Lyn laughed. He looked to the castle. "But regardless of how nice that was, shouldn't the knights be back yet?" It was at that moment that a lone figure with a sword came forth from a simple wooden door in the castle. He slowly approached them.

"Maybe it's a messenger…?" Lyn said. She adjusted her belt. "Alright. I've got this!" She started walking forward to meet him. The rest followed suit. When they arrived, Lyn bowed just like Mark had shown her. "My name is Lyndis, heir to the Caelin throne. May I… inquire… if you are a messenger of this castle?" Mark quietly made notes to tell her later. Like how she accented the wrong syllable of inquire.

The man scratched his chin. "Oh, so you're Lyndis? That makes this easy then." Before Mark's eyes, the man quickly lifted his sword and began to swing down onto Lyn's head. Lyn was too shocked to make a move. So was Mark. He heard everyone behind him scramble for their weapons. Mark grabbed his fire tome from his coat and heard a sickening thud. He looked up in horror, but was surprised to see the man falling backwards, and arrow through his neck. Mark looked back at Wil. Wil raised his hands in confusion, his bow still on his back. When Mark looked back, a tall man with a bow on horseback was at Lyn's side. He turned to her and looked down at her curiously. She couldn't even speak yet. The man nodded and began to slowly ride towards the castle. "Forgive me." He said. "I thought you were a woman of the plains, but you said you were heir to the Caelin throne correct? You should be more careful with that information."

"W-Wait!" Lyn said, raising an hand after him. "I am from the plains!"

The man turned around. His eyes narrowed. "What tribe?"

"The Lorca!" Lyn said proudly. "I am Lyn… Lyndis of the Lorca tribe. Who are you?"

The man looked down for a moment. "I didn't know anyone from the Lorca survived. Is it just you…?" Lyn looked down sadly.

"No, but… the others sought other lives. I am the last Lorca."

The man nodded. "I see." He raised his bow in a salute to her. "This place is about to become a battleground, Lyndis of the Lorca. Allow me, Rath of the Kutolah tribe, to keep you safe."

A/N Sometimes, I think to myself, "Nah I won't write tonight, I'll just sleep." But honestly, I wanted so much to write while I was at school but had no time so it's all coming out now. I DOUBT there will be another chapter before christmas, but there WILL be at least one more (maybe two) before year's end. I ran this chapter through a spell check real quick but im too tired to re-read it so I'm just crossing my fingers and hoping its only a few mistakes here and there. Thanks for reading guys. Happy holidays. - Matt