I've been a bit busy guys, sorry. A lot of rolling around in the dirt for work purposes. Here's a chapter that shortens my load for the next one: Knorda Market.

[Ship HQ 10:00]

"Greetings, Prince Marth. I am Minerva of Macedon," she offered the first salute. She was a striking woman, taller than most of Marth's men, with short fiery hair and eyes that could pierce armor.

"Princess Minerva," Marth replied. They exchanged salutes. "It's an honor."

"Likewise," she said. "Thank you for saving my sister. Maria's plight forced me to treat you as an enemy when I knew you were not; suffice to say, I am deeply sorry for that."

"There's no need to apologize. I understand what it's like. I am the only known survivor from Altea castle..." So that's why…

"I'm sorry…" she looked towards the sky for a second. "The whole world has gone mad. Most of Macedon fights for Dolhr now. My own brother Michalis leads them. And on their hands is the blood of their king, my father. They must be stopped; I must stop them."

Marth nodded. "It's my intention to crush our enemies. We'll destroy them together."

Minerva half-smiled. "I like the sound of that…" She turned to face him. "This is a small request. I have a small company of soldiers that I can no longer protect. They are the three Whitewing sisters: Palla, Catria, and Est. I know you've met Catria already. There was suspicion that we would rebel, so my company was split. If you see them… please save them. They would join you in a heartbeat."

"We'll be looking for them," Marth promised.

"We are yours to command, Prince Marth. Let us help you defeat Dolhr, and repay them for sullying Macedon's honor."

"Thank you," Marth said. He motioned for Maria. Then, he asked for his soldiers to leave them alone.

Maria stepped out from behind Marth's elite. Minerva felt her emotions well up as she saw her sister for the first time in months.

"Sister!" Maria called. They embraced each other.

"Maria!" Minerva stroked her head. "Are you alright?" She broke away to check her body. "You're so thin! What did they-"

"I'm fine," she insisted. "Oh! Did you know? I'll be fighting as one of Marth's soldiers! Well… I kind of made him… but-"

"..What am I going to do with you? Listen to me, Maria... you cannot stay here. It's too dangerous. Real war is nothing like your stories of princes and damsels."

"I'm not going anywhere! I want to stay with you!"

"Maria, you're being selfish–"

"I am not! I'm just...sick of being helpless. I've burdened you long enough. How can I ever help you if you don't give me a chance to be strong? I'm staying here and fighting! No protesting!"

I don't want to lose her again. Minerva thought. How can I… How can I just let her go now? But she saw the passion in Maria's eyes, and she knew she couldn't deny her.

"...Ha ha. Somehow I knew you would say that. All right, Maria. If you feel that strongly about it, who am I to stop you? All I ask is that you be careful. If you need help, you come find me. Understood?"

"Of course! Thank you, Sister!"

[Sick Bay 13:00]

"Well Maria, since you have the talent," Marth started. "You can work in the sick bay with Sister Lena. Please give her your respect. She's very knowledgeable and skilled-"

"Sir… You flatter me. Milady, please," she bowed. "It's an honor to meet my princess…"

Marth left them together to talk. He had another destination.

He walked to the end of the hall to see Caeda packing her clothes to return to her actual living quarters.

"Hey," he said poking his head inside. She smiled. "Looks like somebody made a quick recovery," he said. "Can I hug you or are you still contagious?"

Caeda laughed at him. "What kind of question is that?" She hugged him. "I missed fighting for you."

Marth laughed. "I thought you said you hated fighting."

"Anything to protect my lo- lord. My lord. Yeah. My lord. It doesn't bother me," she said.

Marth looked at her. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Y-yeah," she said. "Just um… tired! Yeah. Tired."

"You know, if you need more sleep just let me know. You can sit out of the next meeting if you want or-"

"Nope! I'm fine. I'll sleep more at the end of the day. Yeah."

"Alright," Marth said. "Suit yourself."

What's up with her? Marth wondered.

[Deck 20:00]

"You wanted to see me?" Marth asked, opening the door. Nyna was gazing out on the water, looking onto the waves splashing gently against the ship in the background.

"I did…" She turned to face him. "Marth, have you ever heard of Pontifex Miloah?"

"The one who defended Akaneia with the power of Aura? Of course; he and his magic are famous! But...I read Miloah died in a battle with Gharnef, soon after the fiend sold his soul to Dolhr... "

Nyna sighed. "Alas, Miloah did die…" She smiled. "But his daughter, Linde, yet lives. I am told she inherited her father's skill with Aura magic- but since the battle with Gharnef none have seen her. Wherever she is, it cannot be pleasant. ...Marth, please. Find Linde. With her father gone, we are the only family the girl has left."

"I will. I promise." Marth caught sight of one of Barst's men raising a flag in the front of the ship. Land… he thought.

"Nyna, soon the palace will be in sight. I...know this can't be easy for you. "

She turned away from him. "...When the palace fell, many, many good Archaneans were killed. The royal family...My family were...Their bodies were hung before the gates as an example. I cannot unpaint that vivid picture of my parents grotesquely changed...I feel as though I should cry, Marth; or scream. But no tears come, and I cannot chase away the sadness and rage…" She turned towards him. "...I cannot change the past. I can only shape the future. Lead the way, Marth. I am ready. Take me home."