Mark woke that day slowly, letting the quiet chirping of the birds bring him into reality. For a long time, he stayed that way, looking at his ceiling and thinking of nothing in particular. Afterall, his father was no longer in the mansion, thus he had no training commitments. Well… he did, but hell if he was going to actually do them. Saxton, his father, had left weeks ago, and Mark was trying to spend the time resting, despite his father's instructions to continue training in his absence. Eventually, Mark groggily sat up in his comfortable bed and spotted something new on his desk. A small vase with purple flowers in them. Despite himself, Mark felt his mind drift to Florina and he sighed. It had been months, but the slightest provocation, like the color of these flowers, could send him spiraling back to her last moments. He no longer had tears to shed about it, but he could feel his expression sag.
... Progress, I guess. He thought to himself. Sighing, Mark quietly slipped from his bed and put on a light robe over his night clothes, walking over to the desk in order to view the new gift. Leaning on the vase was a single letter, with Mark's name elegantly written on the front. With light sleepiness still clouding his mind, Mark casually opened the letter and began to read. Slowly, his eyes gained sharpness as they fluttered on the page.
Hello Mark,
It's me, Cecilia! I hope you like these flowers, they're actually a gift from Ursula. She came by this morning and wanted you to know that she's still looking out for you. Can you believe it? She's a member of the Four Fangs now, too! She says you wouldn't like to hear that news but I'm telling you anyway because you should be proud of her. Though, Ursula isn't the only one that cares about you. Don't forget, I'm in your corner too big brother! On to the main point.
Father has been gone for almost a month now. The guards are starting to lighten up and ease into their new schedules due to his absence, so now is the perfect time! We're busting you out again! Meet me at the guest room tonight one hour after dinner is served. Pack light!
Your elegant and beloved sisters,
But mostly me,
Cecilia
Mark was shocked. Of course, escape had crossed his mind plenty of times, but every time it did, fear held an iron grip on his heart. His mind instantly flashed back to the day that he arrived back at the mansion the first time. He shook his head, remembering the feeling in his gut that his father left when he punched him. Mark's breathing grew heavy as he placed the letter on his desk and paced around his room in agitation. Mark had learned his entire journey had been set in motion by his father. The underlying message there was that there was no such thing as true escape. Mark knew that even if he left tonight, it wouldn't be because he outsmarted Saxton, it would only be because Saxton didn't mind his absence. With that outlook… why even try?
Mark circled back around to the note and read it again, trying to decide what to do. Escape was everything he wanted, but without knowing it was true escape anymore Mark couldn't help but feel resigned to his fate in the manor. After reading the letter a fourth time, Mark noticed another letter leaning against the back of the vase. Hastily, he ripped it open and read.
Mark,
I hope this letter finds you well. I think I'm getting pretty good at writing formal letters after writing all of these to you! I can only imagine what you're going through, but I hope maybe this time you can actually respond.
As I stated in my last letter to you, the rebellion in Lycia is drawing close. Caelin remains neutral. To be honest, even if I wanted to, I do not have nearly enough information about Lycia to know who to side with. As a ruler, I cannot help but worry about my territory, but as Lyndis, I long for our brief journey together. Remember when we were going to see the snow, in Ilia? Way back before we even met Kent and Sain. I hesitate to say I regret taking my grandfather's place as Marquess, but I know deep in my heart that I am not made to be a ruler, Mark. In a word, I'm terrified, but my heart feels strongly for my people. I know that cannot be all it takes to be a ruler but I'm trying to hold that feeling close as tensions mount. I am sorry that this letter is far more concerning than my previous letters. I wish I could write about my life cheerfully to you as I normally do but, I simply cannot. I know you too must be going through a lot, but if you can find the time to respond this time, I could use your guidance and friendship.
Your friend,
Lyn.
Mark's shaking stopped, his brain slowly piecing together an unfortunate truth. He had not received a single letter from Lyn since he arrived at the manor, and it didn't take a lot to guess why that was. Mark could only assume Saxton had been sorting the mail he had been receiving. At first, all Mark felt was more resentment, but slowly he felt a smile come to his face. Lyn had been writing to him for months. Who knows who else had tried to contact him. Saxton had desperately tried to show Mark that all that existed were the four walls of the manor, but suddenly that illusion began to fade. Mark began to remember his journey with fondness, not bitterness. He thought about travelling with the slowly growing pack of warriors, eating and laughing with them all around a nightly campfire. Serra's boisterous and annoying laugh. Matthew's playful and clever wit. Wil's cheery and straightforward optimism. Sain's flirtatious nature and Kent's vain attempts to keep him in line. All of his friends suddenly regained a life they had lost within his mind. Putting the letter down, he began to pack. Even if this was part of Saxton's plan, it didn't matter. If he could get out there, maybe this time he could find a way to stay. Suddenly Mark began to feel a spark within himself he had been trying to suppress. Besides some fresh air could do him good.
Hector embedded his axe into another training dummy, breathing heavy and drenched in sweat. Oswin calmly stepped forward from where he was watching against the wall.
"Milord." He said calmly. "Perhaps that is enough training for now. I am not even convinced Eliwood will want to fight you once you find him, which I might add, he did not ask you to do."
"Hah… Hahhh.. Nonsense Oswin… Eliwood is always ready… for a friendly duel with me. And I intend to finally pull ahead in our record!" Hector replied, ripping his axe out of the dummy before pulling back for a large swing and severing it in half.
"Yes, a friendly duel. Perhaps not one where you rip him in half." Oswin retorted dryly.
"We use wooden weapons in our duels, Oswin." Hector said, offended.
"Very well, perhaps not one where you break the young man's ribs, then." Oswin responded, grimacing at how violently Hector was swinging in preparation for what was supposed to be a match between best friends.
Hector laughed boisterously and patted Oswin on the shoulder. "There there, Oswin. I don't expect you to understand. Your duels with my brother are just as boring to watch as I'm sure they are to fight."
Oswin frowned, "My battles with Lord Uther are simply to keep his skills sharp, not contests of which of us are better."
Hector nodded knowingly, "Yes, and that is why they are boring, my friend. Well, that will do for now I suppose. Are you ready to set out? Matthew, I know you're here too, give me an answer already."
Oswin moved to answer before Matthew materialized next to them and put an arm around them both. "Today's the day? Aw, someone should have told me, I've got nothing packed. I'll see you to the backdoor, though!"
Hector frowned, "Why the back door?"
Matthew shrugged, "Uther decided he doesn't really like the fact you're going on some secret mission right now. He's pretty stressed, so I imagine he wants you to be where he can see you. But don't worry Lord Hector, I don't think he really minds you going on an adventure, I think he just wants to save face with the spies in the castle. So back door it is! You're welcome, by the way, for saving you the mess."
Hector growled angrily. "That old man really has let the throne change him. If I knew spies were in my castle, I would kill them, not let them continue to see me, acting as if I'm unconcerned about Lycian affairs!"
Oswin coughed uncomfortably, "I dare say that is why you are not Marquess, Lord Hector."
Hector crossed his arms, "Well, you're wrong. It's not because of that, it's because he's older. And thank goodness for that. I would make a terrible Marquess."
Oswin calmly smiled, "Now Lord Hector, while I agree with that sentiment, you must realize that one day you may ascend the throne."
Hector shook his head. "Of course not Oswin. Once my brother finds a suitable wife I'm sure he'll have a son and old Uncle Hector will just be the general of the army. That is the best way I can assist Ostia."
Matthew applauded sarcastically, "Rousing speech milord. Truly you are a paragon of hard work and wisdom. Might we start moving before we attract unwanted attention, however?"
Hector grinned and donned his armor, resting on the side of the training grounds. Once on, he raised an axe and began to march towards the back entrance. Matthew turned to Oswin and shrugged.
"...Lord Uther actually doesn't mind Hector leaving, says it might give him perspective of the world outside Ostia. He said he would leave the back entrance unguarded."
Oswin sighed and held a hand to his forehead. "Those two need better communication. There is no reason for them to think they are each hiding something from the other."
Matthew laughed, "Well, in fairness, Hector doesn't know that you are Uther's knight more than his. I'm sure you've told Uther a great deal of what Hector has told you."
Oswin nodded solemnly. "I consider myself a knight to both lords. ...But, well, yes, I have told Uther much. Hector needs to learn that his older brother is only looking out for him."
Matthew raised his hands defensively, "And hey, maybe Uther needs to learn to trust his little brother knows more than he thinks."
Before Oswin could respond, Hector burst through the door. "I thought it would be clear we were heading out when I, you know, began to head out?"
"Hey guys! Where are you going?" Serra popped up over Hector's shoulder, happily talking to Matthew and Oswin.
Hector groaned in frustration, "And since you didn't come along immediately, now shes here and won't go away!"
Serra pouted, twirling her staff in her hand. "Hey, that's mean Lord Hector! I just wanna help out! Let me come along, pleeeeeeaaaaase?""
Oswin sighed. "You won't take no for an answer anyway, Lady Serra." He said calmly.
Serra laughed, "Aw, you know me so well Sir Oswin! You're right, I'm coming either way teehee!"
Matthew laughed and bowed to Hector, "Milord, your army grows ever stronger. I am sure now tha-" Matthew stopped his sentence mid way as his eyes went wide. "L-Lord Hector, behind you!"
Hector wasted no time turning around and pulling Serra behind himself in one smooth motion. The raised knife that had almost claimed his life now bounced harmlessly off of his armguard. Hector grabbed the assailant in one smooth motion and twisted the knife out of his hand. The assassin gasped in surprised before Hector picked the man up but the collar with both hands, lifting him off the ground.
"HrwoooooOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Hector yelled viciously as he raised the assassin high before slamming him down on the cold marble floor and following it up with a quick but heavy punch to the face. The assassin stopped moving, unconscious and Hector picked up the knife.
"...It's the fang." Hector said, examining the symbol engraved into the knife. "Damn assassination attempts. They never work-"
Hector was caught off guard at a sudden hollering coming from the direction of the back entrance. It sounded like a large group had broken in.
Matthew laughed nervously, "Haha… yeah, change of plans, I think I'm gonna come with you." He readied a knife and ran to Hector's side. Oswin followed suit, now in his armor with a lance in hand.
"I am yours to command, milord." He said calmly.
Serra whined audibly and pounded a tiny fist against Hector's shoulder. "Why do you always bring fights wherever you go Lord Hector! Can't we at least have peace in the castle? And who's gonna heal you when you get hurt, huh?! Me! It's clear you're gonna need me."
Hector laughed and readied his axe, a wild gleam in his eyes. "Hehehe… I thank you all for joining me on this journey to help Eliwood. This will be the first of many, many battles. I have a gut feeling."
Matthew gulped. "...Can't your gut feelings be wrong, for once?"
Hector grinned. "Of course not, Matthew! And I'm letting you know now, if you're following me, you're following me got it! You're my men now-" Hector began his charge toward the back of the castle, "-And I will lead us to glory!"
Eliwood grew uncharacteristically upset while speaking with his mother. "I-I understand that you are worried about me mother, but don't you hold the same concern for father?! He's been missing for months by now, and as his son I must go after him! I have no other choice."
Eleanora sighed and anxiously tapped the armrest of her husband's throne, which she currently occupied. She continued to shake her head sadly. "It is precisely because something may have befallen your father that I am against it, my son. He had his best soldier with him, and they have disappeared right along with him. As a wife, I certainly bemoan what may have happened to my husband, but as a mother I could never forgive myself if something happened to you as well. Please, Eliwood, for my sake…" Eleanora's voice trailed off as Eliwood stood stiffly in the throne room. Marcus, Eliwood's personal knight since birth stood next to him solemnly.
Eliwood clenched a fist "...It is precisely because I understand you viewpoint that this is so hard for me, mother. You know I would never intentionally cause you grief. S-So please, I promise I will be careful, if you would just-"
"Eliwood, I cannot condone the course of action you have proposed to me." Eleanora stately in finality, trying desperately to ignore just how much she wished to find Elbert as well.. Eliwood couldn't suppress a curt "tsk" as he turned his head away, trying to calm himself. Without saying a word, Marcus placed a hand on his shoulder and gave him a simple nod. Eliwood slowly felt his shoulders go slack as his body began to relax, his slight anger diminishing into a dull feeling as he sighed.
"...Yes mother. Please, excuse me." Eliwood gave a small bow, turned on his heels and left the chamber. Marcus, who followed him directly, tried to offer comfort.
"Milord, are you alright? Perhaps you should rest. It is unlike you to grow so upset in the presence of your mother." He said, calmly. He was willing and ready to assist his lord however he wished, but Eliwood merely sighed and waved a hand in dismissal.
"No, Marcus, I'm alright. My anger is gone. I understand her viewpoint well, in fact. I just… I just need to know what happened. I should have waited to be sure I was able to go on the journey at all before sending Hector that letter..." Eliwood sighed deeply and pinched the bridge of his nose. Marcus had never seen his lord, known for his cheeriness in most situations, so distraught.
"...M-Milord, I-" Marcus was cut off but Eliwood abruptly stopped his brisk pace. Marcus remained quiet as Eliwood worked up the nerve to say something to him. Eliwood slowly turned back to his loyal retainer.
"...Marcus. Do you know one of the lessons father always repeated to me?" Eliwood said quietly.
Marcus swallowed lightly and cleared his throat. "There are many, milord. Which do you refer to?" He asked calmly, but a creeping feeling was beginning to crawl up his back.
Eliwood nodded sagely, closing his eyes. "...He has always said to do what you know in your heart is right, no matter what. Even if it's difficult. Even if…" Eliwood opened his eyes, a deep conflict evident in their blue coloring. Marcus instantly knew what he was suggesting.
Marcus began, "...I-I don't think that is, necessarily, the best idea milord. Lady Eleanora made her feelings on the matter quite clear."
Eliwood placed a hand on Marcus' shoulder and stared directly into his eyes. "...So did I, my friend. I will not ask you to come with me if you choose not to… But I must go. I must, Marcus. I need to know what happened to him, I need to know why he would do this to mother and I, I… I need to know who did this to him." he finished grimly.
Marcus vehemently shook his head, "You must not assume your father's death! He may always yet be alive!"
Eliwood nodded slowly. "Yes, you're right. I'm sorry. But that's all the more reason to go, is it not? Will you join me Marcus?"
Marcus immediately dropped to his knee and bowed his head. There was really no question, and any doubts were banished from his mind when Eliwood asked him this simple question. "Of course. When do you wish to leave?"
Eliwood turned and continued their walk, Marcus catching up and walking a pace behind. "We were ready to leave today, but I have a feeling that mother will be setting guards over the exits after our conversation, at least today. We will leave in a weeks time. That is all I can spare."
Marcus nodded. "Very well milord. I will see if I can bring any of our knights in secret."
Eliwood sighed, worriedly. "Be careful who you tell, Marcus. We don't want our plans foiled before we can even begin."
Marcus saluted. "Of course. I will ask only those I know will keep it secret."
Eliwood smiled at him, slightly overcome by how lucky he truly was to have such a loyal knight like Marcus by his side. "Thank you, my friend." Eliwood walked with a new determination. Hang in there, father. I will be coming for you soon. I pray I am not too late.
Lyn rode her horse through the forest near castle Caelin, her mind working overtime as she continued to ponder what she should do. Lord Elbert's visit months prior suddenly made far more sense. This was what he had been debating within himself, and Lyn could only imagine how hard it must have been for him. Now he was missing, which sent more warning bells off in her head. Eventually, she came along the river and decided to rest there for a while. Sighing deeply, she dismounted and lead her horse to the water tenderly. For the first time in a while, Lyn felt like a plainswoman again. She wasn't wearing the tight, restrictive clothes of the nobility that try as she might she couldn't get used to, but her traditional Sacean attire. Lorca attire. As much as she was Marquess of Caelin, she was equal parts the last Lorca, making her the chieftain.
But, she thought to herself sadly, what does that matter? There's no one to lead there… She sighed for what felt like the millionth time that day and sat at the riverbed, bringing her knees to her chest and watching the stream go by.
The issue at hand was whether to ally Caelin with the rebels who were planning to usurp Ostia, or to side with Ostia. She knew precious little about Ostia in the first place, and it was even news to her that Ostia was the predominant territory of her own country that she ruled a part of. An impossible decision, but one she had to make. By now the castle was likely in an uproar about her sudden and secret departure that day, but she didn't care. She needed the space to think. It wasn't long after this thought that she heard another horse come up behind her. Sain.
"My my, traditional attire today I see!" Sain said cheerily, plopping himself next to her on the bank. He winked at her. "I always thought it looked better on you than those poofy dresses anyway. More natural, more… you, you know?"
Lyn couldn't help but crack a smile, Sain's flirtatious nature still remained amusing to her despite knowing him for over a year by now. "Thank you, Sain. I find it much more comfortable. I wish the chancellor would let me wear it more."
Sain nodded in clear agreement. "Oh absolutely. But that's the nobility for you, nothing to be done. By the way, I was only one of many sent to find you, but we've got some time." Lyn tensed at that slightly, and Sain's keen eye noticed. "..Oh? Not ready to go back yet, hm?"
Lyn shook her head and groaned, "No, no. Not yet."
Sain sighed and leaned back onto the grass, "Well, take all the time you need. We're all here for you. Lyndis' Legion may be smaller than it was but we'll support whatever you decide."
Lyn froze again at this. After a lengthy pause, she slowly turned to him. "Do you… really mean that?"
Sain laughed, "Surely you know the answer to that by now, Lady Lyndis."
Lyn insisted, "No, but, do you really, really mean that?"
Sain's jovial attitude slowly turned more serious, and his reply reflected that. After looking at her for a moment, he simply said, "Yes. I do. Kent and Wil feel the same."
Lyn continued to hesitate, but slowly the words formed in her mouth. "Even… even if I left?"
Sain rose immediately and was about to shout in surprised before he managed to collect himself. He sat pensively, thinking about everything that would mean and trying to reach an answer, but his hesitancy was an answer in Lyn's eyes. She sighed and shook her head.
"Never mind, Sain. I'm not leaving. It's just… a lot, some times."
Sain frowned, upset at himself for making her sad. "...I imagine." As he said that, more horses began to approach and Lyn stood up.
"...I'd rather go back with you than them." Lyn said sadly. "Shall we?"
Sain nodded grimly, miserable at failing so hard at his job. "...Lets."
Erk winced as hot sand battered him, the sun beating him down as well as he walked through the desert. His breathing remained shallow and coarse beneath his cloak, but he continued steadily through the storm. He hadn't said a word to Pent before leaving, but how could he? Erk had been breaking Pent's rules by reading books from Pent's personal shelf. That's where he found the tale of a fountain in the desert, one that could grant someone limitless magic. If true, the fountain's very existence could be classified as a world-class magic, and Erk was determined to find it.
It was unclear what the book meant by limitless magic. Was it new, fantastical magic power like summoning entire floods, meteors, and tornadoes at will? Or was it the ability to cast any number of spells without growing tired from the strain? Erk had no idea, but he didn't need to know. If it could help, then Erk wanted to find it.
That said he wasn't having the best luck. It had been two weeks since Erk left Pent's study under the sand, and he was out of supplies. To add to that, he was… well, lost, in a word. At this point he had no idea where he could be, or where the fountain was in relation to his position. Still, Erk pressed on, determined to walk and cover as much ground as he could before collapsing, which he felt like doing soon. Eventually, however, it was too much. Erk misjudged a step on a dune and was soon sliding down it, dried skin burning as the sand ground against it. When he reached the end of the dune, however, he struggled and stood up again, taking in his surroundings.
In the distance he thought he saw… a building? Just as he saw it, however, it disappeared due to the storm. Desperate, he slowly continued in that direction. After what felt like an eternity, he finally saw it again. As he approached, the storm suddenly stopped. Erk blinked in confusion, turning around in shock that a sandstorm could disappear so suddenly. As it turned out, it couldn't. The storm was behind him, stopping in a line like a border around what Erk now realized was an entire city, lush with flora, water, and… people. Unwittingly, Erk had stumbled upon an entire civilization.
Erk roamed the streets, his eyes soaking in everything it could. Any time he tried to speak to someone, they shied away and tried not to answer his questions. Erk suddenly felt a firm grasp on his shoulder and jumped, turning around.
There, a hulk of a man stood, muscles bulging and a huge battle axe held casually in front of him. Erk began to reach for a spell book before the man held up a steady hand in a peaceful motion.
"...Pent's student." The man's deep voice grumbled, nearly shaking the ground but certainly shaking Erk.
"I-... Yes, I-I am Erk. Who are you?"
"...Hawkeye. Guardian of the Sands."
"...O-Oh!" Erk flipped through his notebook, looking through his notes. He knew of this position. "A rumored family line that stands as the Guardians of the Desert. Yes, I see that now!" Erk said excitedly at this discovery, taking in Hawkeye's tattoos and wondering what they could symbolize.
Hawkeye awkwardly cleared his throat and shook his head. "...Mages are not allowed in Arcadia anymore, much less humans. I ask that you follow me, and I will lead you out of the desert. ...Or back to Pent." His offer was made peacefully, and Erk felt his excitement drop slowly. He wouldn't be able to study this fascinating city? What if the fountain was here? Why no humans? Why were Mages especially bad?
Erk rattled these questions off to the guardian, who looked around nervously unsure how to respond and clearly just wishing to leave. Erk realized then that this man was not one of many words, and his earlier sentence was probably his quota for the day. Sighing, Erk let himself be lead out of the city and back into the storm.
"...Where?" Hawkeye questioned once they were back at the cities edge. Erk contemplated this for a moment.
"...Take my back to Etruria. ...I believe I've learned enough from Pent to break out Mark." He said quietly. Hawkeye nodded.
"...Nephew of the Mage General." He said knowingly. Erk was not surprised that his friend was known even by the Guardian of the Sands, but he definitely was a little jealous. Though, Hawkeye knew Erk too, as Pent's student, so Erk didn't dwell on it. ...Wait a second…
"...Mark is the son of the Mage General, not the nephew." Erk said, slightly unsettled.
Hawkeye shook his head again. "...No. Pent is Mage General." he insisted.
Erk's mind when blank. "What? But… what happened to Saxton? What happened to Mark? Even if Saxton resigned, which he never would, Mark is next in line not Pent!"
This line of questioning was clearly a lot for Hawkeye as he scratched his chin and worked up the nerve to continue speaking. "...Letter for Pent came from Mage General… Err… Former Mage General. The one called 'Saxton.' Urgent business. Pent returned to Etruria to become Mage General. Nephew is missing."
"Missing… Mark escaped again?!" Erk rejoiced. Well… he rejoiced within reason. He had just spent the last year learning more magic that he could use to help bust Mark out of the manor again, which Mark apparently didn't need. Erk cursed always being left in the dark in terms of what was happening with his best friend, but his joy that Mark had managed to escape again overcame that feeling. Excited instead to show Mark his new tricks, Erk turned to Hawkeye. "Change of plans, if you wouldn't mind." He said, smiling with a new determined goal. The fountain could wait a bit. "If you wouldn't mind, drop me off as close to Lycia as you can. I have a feeling I know where he's going to go."
A/N:
I'm not dead and I'm a college grad now. All the usual excuses apply, and though this seems to always be my A/N now, I apologize. That said, I hope you enjoy this chapter that's a little longer than usual as a peace offering for disappearing for so long. We good? Hope so. Enjoy!
-Matt
Edit: Somehow I never put in the transition bars, but that's now been fixed.
