Author's note: Had a small break there, had to pack up and move so it wasn't really in my best interest to edit stuff while moving. however, now that I'm all good and settled, here's the next chapter! School is fast approaching, so once more, I'll mention that these updates will take a bit longer than I might like. I like the story, and plan to keep writing it far into the future, but it's just low on the priority list.

Chapter 10: In Occupation's Shadow

After that… he felt that part of his memory become especially fuzzy. The Three D Angel squad became famous to those with enough of a network. The symbols Nergal had branded into them became the original basis for their wanted posters. Jaffar's angel wings which were pierced by arrows, was tattooed into his shoulder. Mark Angel of Deceit tattoo, a flag that had holes in it fluttering in the wind, was tattooed onto his left hand. Finally, Will's Angel of Despair tattoo was on his collarbone, was a skull, but instead of the crossed bones that would make it a pirate tattoo, one bone was replaced with a sword, and the other a lightning bolt.

No matter what he was doing, fear always found him. He continuously ran scenarios of escape through his head, all of which ended in the same way. He would die. The net that surrounded him was too strong for one person to break. And yet, he felt the need to keep trying. Nergal was human, not some sort of God. He made mistakes just like everyone else. There had to be a way.

The only things he had to look forward to aside from escape fantasies were his brief talks with Nino, when he wasn't swamped with work. He also took a small pleasure in conversing with their prisoners, as inadvisable as that seemed. Over time it felt like he was becoming more and more like Jaffar. His envy from before had all but evaporated at this sad feeling that overtook him every time he noticed. It felt like he was turning into someone the world would hate.

He took small consolation in slipping the two prisoners extra food that he'd take from his own dinner, if only to assuage his guilt. They always thanked him for his kindness. Eventually he found himself telling them stories as well. The stories were always of a personal nature, but since it was a story he was able to let out his true feelings without telling them exactly what the events were about. He felt like even with his haphazard masking, they could easily see what it was he was really saying.

They listened without speaking, until the stories were done. Then they would ask about the mysterious masked man who wished he wasn't such a villain. Why couldn't the man leave? Didn't he have any friends he could trust? Why couldn't he talk with the green haired girl that seemed like a sidekick, or the two prisoners he was forced to watch that seemed like better people than those he worked for.

Eventually he did trust them, if only a little. They came to call him friend, and he couldn't bring himself to stop them. The word felt so much better than anything he had been called before, that he couldn't stop himself from liking them. But if he was truly their friend, wasn't it his job to get them out of this predicament?

It did seem like a good idea to him, but how could he pull it off? Mark was not to be trusted under any circumstances. He loved killing and watching people die as a result of their actions. He didn't even call killing a duty or necessary evil. He called it 'art.' Will knew the proper term was murder.

Then… an answer had come. In a form he hadn't expected in the least… If memory served, she called herself Maria.

Will shot up again, his breathing heavy as always when waking from memory. He continued to be assaulted by his memories of The Fang. He wondered if he'd ever be rid of them, but his sad laugh told him otherwise. His only real memories were there. With Nino, Jaffar, Lloyd, Linus, Nils, Ninian, and… others. Even then, he still wanted to forget.

"Rough dreams?" Asked Wil, his new tent mate. They had finally managed to pick up an extra tent from an abandoned bandit camp they had found. Will jumped on the chance to gather supplies, and though Kent and Lyn seemed a little disappointed in him for looting a homestead, but they didn't say anything. He was grateful they didn't. He hated arguments about survival.

Will and Wil were both still laughing about how confused things got with both of them around. NO matter who was calling, both would instantly turn, usually responding with a 'what?' that put off whoever had called. They had even accidentally scared Florina once into tears, though both apologized profusely afterwards.

Nearly a week had passed since Will had met the young archer and pegasus knight. Will had continued Florina's training religiously. She still had trouble keeping the lance up high when attacking targets. He had to correct her several more times, though he had started to show her a lot more then telling, which was helping. He'd borrowed Kent's lance, which he would never use in an actual battle, being a complete dud with it, but he could take the proper stances to show her.

"Today's going to be another long one. Hope we find a good campsite this time, these wide open spaces are more dangerous by the day." Wil said, grabbing his bow and quiver.

"I've got a feeling we will. Though for some reason I also get the feeling it'll be an even longer night." Will said. Wil looked at him curiously, but the tactician merely shrugged with a small smile.

Meanwhile in Caelin, Mark was smiling pleasantly at a thoughtful Lord Lundgren. "You mean she's not dead yet?" Lundgren asked, with concern in his voice.

"Do not worry, my lord. Will's skill is formidable, but once I give him my message…" His smile grew slightly. "We will have no more problems. I guarantee it."

"Are you sure you can get him on our side?" Lundgren asked, eyeing his tactician now with a hint of doubt. "Will you at least get him to leave the girl's company so we can kill her?"

Mark held up a single, black rose. The rose seemed to glow in his hand. "He will join us in your castle, my lord, or die outside it." He said, handing the rose to Lundgren. As he took it, the Man's face fell from its pensive state to a blank slate. His jaw dropped open and his eyes seemed to vacate his body as he spoke next.

"Of course you will… Go now, Lord Mark. Show them your power." He said, and Mark gave a bow, turning with a rustling of his black cloak. A moment later, the throne room was empty except for the man who sat in the throne, the blank look still fixed upon his face.

"We will meet once more, Will. A joyous reunion been planned for us." He picked up some books, putting them in his bag. One had the Genpest symbol on it. Another, the Bolting symbol. The third was the symbol for Elfire. The last had a symbol of Aura on it, and it looked the most dangerous of the four.

"This will merely be my greeting… an incentive for you to find me…" His laugh turned wicked, and a nearby guard who heard the sound dropped his weapon and fled, never to be heard from again.

"Will… I wonder what your story has in store for you now…" His smile remained disgustingly fixed in place, as the Tactician left the castle for parts unknown. Soon he would see and old friend. It was promising to be quite the reunion.

The roses you provided work perfectly, Lord Nergal… He thought, with a small glance back in the direction of the castle. Lundgren was proving to be the best scapegoat they could've hoped for.

The day had been long and hard on all of them. Will had started them marching early and hadn't stopped once, even as the sun was now beginning to set. The tactician seemed in a rush, though he didn't explain why. When asked during different parts of the day by Kent, Lyn and Florina he simply shrugged in response. The shrug was the same one he had given Wil that morning. Finally he had decided to try and look for a good camping spot for the night, of which the group was extremely grateful.

At the moment Wil was scouting ahead with Sain, looking for their nesting spot for the night. Will had told them to try and find something that would provide shelter, rather than an open field like what they had been using the past week. Finally they seemed to stumble on something that seemed quite promising to the archer.

"Sain, look at this beauty!" He said, running to the fortress wall. "Looks pretty sturdy… I can't hear any bandit chatter from inside or battle cries either. I say this is tonight's bed!" He declared, as if the matter were already settled. They waited for the others, who caught up to them after only a couple minutes more of marching.

We've traveled quite a way westwards. Finally we've reached a ruined fortress, and it looks like that'll be where we stay for the night. Ganelon bandits are currently hot on our trail and that fact alone gives me good cause to be cautious. If we aren't vigilant we may end up in another fight.

Will was writing this, not noticing Lyn was looking at it over his shoulder the whole time. She took special notice when he added a small and hasty post-script.

Maria, if you could see me now, I wonder what you would say. I must look silly, playing at being a tactician…

He closed the book quickly with a snap, seeming to cut off his own train of thought as he did so. The others looked at him in surprise at the sudden sound, but he smiled and shook off their looks with a wave of his hand. As he pocketed his notebook, he didn't notice Lyn looking at him curiously. Who is that Maria person he wrote about? Is she someone… close to him?

"This mildewy old fortress? Is that the best we can do?" Sain complained, cutting off the rest of Lyn's thought. It had been rather cold lately, both at day and night. None of them save perhaps Lyn was used to it, and even Will had to admit it was a poor choice for a bed overall.

"The bandits around here keep everything in turmoil. Nowhere around here is truly safe. Besides that, the Ganelon bandits are after us. I doubt the threat they shouted at us as they ran was just an idle one. No one would take us in around here, nor do I particularly want them to. They'd either be leading us into a trap or signing their own death warrant." Will said, patting Sain's horse. Sain sighed dramatically to show he understood, but didn't have to like it.

Lyn nodded her approval. "It's perfectly fine, Sain. Who needs to be inside, anyway? I love to feel the wind blowing…" She trailed off, and Will shot her a glance. She blushed slightly, and looked away. A part of her was already starting to miss the plains.

"I'm just happy to be here with you all." Florina said, and Wil nodded in agreement.

"Well then, as for the protection of the ladies…" Sain began, but Kent cut him off.

"Sain, you and I are on guard duty. Will, you watch over the other three. We'll switch in about four hours." Everyone nodded to this. Will was fine with letting Kent handle the scheduling of the watch, as he was always relatively fair about it. He did shift it when he though others needed an extra wink or two, or if anyone was injured. He gave it a brief once over, giving Kent a small knock for trying to take an extra shift and putting himself up for it instead. Thankfully Kent's injury had finally healed, so they were at full strength, but he didn't want to take any risks.

Kent gave Will a skeptical glance when he returned the schedule, and Will shrugged. "I don't think I could sleep tonight anyway. Something about the air here makes me on edge…" he shivered slightly, and the others looked at him. "It's probably nothing though." He said, waving them off again. Just then, a woman stepped from the shadows, grabbing onto Will for support. Her leg appeared to be injured, which is what kept Will from jumping back in total shock and dropping her. Kent and Sain had almost reached for their weapons, but seeing the state of the woman in question stopped them.

"Who are you?" Lyn asked, seemingly unaffected by the woman's entrance. Florina and Wil were on opposite sides of the room, clutching their chests as they let out small gasps of surprise.

"I'm sorry for my sudden appearance… my name is Natalie. I live not far from here… ow!" Her foot seemed to give way and she nearly toppled Will over as she grabbed him, though he managed to lower her to the ground without further incident.

"Your leg…" Will said, reaching into his bag for a vulnerary.

She waved him off quickly. "It's from a childhood sickness I had. I can't travel far on foot, but it doesn't trouble me much in daily life."

"Why are you here alone?" Kent asked. Wil and Florina had now slightly recovered, walking over to them, but still looking like they had seen a ghost.

"My husband. I heard he was around here somewhere. He left to raise money to get my leg fixed, but… I'm worried about him. He hasn't even had a chance to write since his departure… I'm afraid he might be involved in something dangerous." She rustled in her pocket, pulling out a sketch she had made. "This is just a rough sketch of him. It's not as flattering as I hoped it would be, but it gets his general features across. Have any of you seen him?"

Will took the picture and showed it to each person, but they all shook their heads after a few moments. He turned back to Natalie with a small shrug. "I don't think any of us have seen him. We're just passing through as part of our travels, after all."

Natalie didn't give up easily. "His name is Dorcas. Have you perhaps heard of him?" Again, no one had anything they could offer her.

Will shook his head sadly. "We've heard nothing of him, sorry." Will said, as lightly as he could.

"If you do find him in your travels, could you please tell him Natalie is looking for him?" She asked, as Will handed her back the picture.

"That I can promise." He said, smiling. The others also smiled and nodded in turn. Natalie wiped the tears from her face and smiled thankfully.

The Bandits continued to raise their clamor as they rushed through the empty fields. The sun had only just started to go down, but none of them were the least bit tired of pursuing their prey. They traveled fast, but couldn't get away.

"We've finally caught up to them, boss!" An underling cried. As the company came to a hault, spotting the red armored knight at the entrance to a fort.

"Hiding in a fortress, eh? This'll be good for us. We'll simply surround them, and…" He made a chopping gesture with his hand, and then laughed mirthfully.

"Yeah, we wait until night falls, and then slit their—"The underling began, but a blow to his back stopped him.

"IDIOT!" The leader said, angrily. "There are only a few of them, and there are women among them! We'd be the laughing stock of the world if we did that! I will not be so wasteful!"

The underling looked at the leader with eyes that sparkled in admiration. "Carjiga, you're so smart!" The underling cried. "We'll get our revenge and some souvenirs to boot!"

Carjiga nodded. "Spread out and encircle them!" He yelled, motioning his arms this way and that. "Finish this before the sun sets!" Then he turned to a man next to him, one holding an axe that worked like a boomerang, quite a handy tool for a bandit. "You, Dorcas. If that weapon isn't just for show, then prove it now! Take the east entrance, and capture the women inside. Kill the men. Do so, and I'll increase your share."

Dorcas gave a little nod, and went on his way. "Women, eh?" He muttered quietly to himself. "Natalie's heart would break to hear of my doings…"

Kent had heard a cry from the forest, and knew immediately what was occurring. He raced to the back room where the others were. "Will, bandits!" He called, and everyone was on alert.

"Persistent buggers, aren't they?" Sain said jokingly, and everyone cracked a small smile. Will took this chance to stand, moving one finger to his forehead as he tapped it in thought.

Escape likely to be cut off in span of thirty minutes. Likeliness of success: twenty percent. Natalie's inability to move well creates an entirely different problem, as we can't just pack our gear and use the steeds to go. Also Florina's pegasus cannot fly too well inside the fort, as she has to rise slowly to avoid injuring herself and Huey. Similarly Wil can find a decent post to shoot from, but will have to take his shots much more carefully than usual. There are two entrances, front and east side. Unfortunately, the West side also looks unstable, and it's likely they'll try to break through it. The back side however is very sturdy, so it's unlikely they'll attack from there. Best idea: Buckle down for a siege tactic. Lyn guards the East, Kent and Sain the front. Florina, Wil and Myself are variable, with slight focus on West side in case of attack. Likelihood of success: sixty-five percent. Variable: Lyn. Fighting alone leaves her vulnerable. One mistake will make us overrun. Is there nothing better I can come up with? Hang on… last time didn't they… hmm… this is a risk, but I suppose anything is worth a shot.

As Will tapped his forehead once more, he opened his eyes, noting that everyone had fallen silent as was looking at him. He'd have to make this fast. "Natalie can't move well." Will said, pacing fast and talking faster. "We need to keep them outside the walls, and if we get the chance, break through to their leader. If we hold out until the sun sets, they'll probably leave. They can't fight in the dark any better than we can, and we've got the fortresses natural defenses in our favor." He said, and everyone nodded to this plan of action.

"Wil, take the opening near the west wall. They may try to break through it, but you can shoot them down, right?" He asked, and Wil nodded.

"There's enough of a gap and climbable material that I should be able to make a good fight out of it, if anything else. Just don't leave me there alone for too long." He said, before heading off.

"Sain, you and Kent take the entrance. Do not give them an inch edgewise. Strike them down however you need to. Do not hesitate, and don't show them mercy." Kent and Sain nodded, before heading off. They took their horses, parking them next to the entrance as the two stood firm, watching the first bandits come their way.

"Florina, stay here and protect Natalie for now. I'll come back and get you if we need you, or send someone to send you." He said, and she nodded. She gripped he lance tightly, regretting that Huey was out of his element.

"Lyn, you and I are the east wall. I won't be there for too long, but we need to make sure you can hold it." Lyn nodded, and the two headed off together.

First blood was struck quickly. As the first bandit charged the entrance, Kent shoved his sword into the oncoming man's chest. This was followed by Sain, who delivered a swift lance strike to a swordsman who followed the first. The wave of bandits soon reached them, and the two fought, keeping their bodies in front of the door as they parried and struck. Two more bandits fell within that minute of fighting.

Wil noticed bandits searching the west wall already. He shot their archer down quickly with his first shot, as Will's hammering of lessons had taught him that range weapons were always a bit more dangerous with their unpredictable range. This meant the swordsman and an axeman now knew where he was. This was where the fun part began.

Lyn and Will immediately found themselves under attack at the east wall, but the man they were fighting didn't look much like the other bandits. Will felt like he recognized the man from somewhere, and it only took a moment for it to register. He had seen it mere minutes before. "Lyn, isn't that..?" He began, but was pushed down by Lyn as she helped them both dodge his axe.

"I'll try and talk to him, hold tight." She said, and rushed to the man.

Will once more found himself muttering a warning after she had already left. "She'll get herself killed that way." He growled, before running after her.

"You there, are you Dorcas?" Lyn asked, and the man stopped himself mid-swing.

"How do you know my name?" He asked in a calm, yet firm voice.

Will reached them and spoke. "Natalie told us when she asked of you. Why are you with these bandits?" He asked, and Dorcas's face fell.

"I need the money. This is the only way to earn gold in these parts right now. I'd do anything for her… even this." He said, preparing his axe once more.

"You would do anything? Does that include hurting your wife?" Dorcas paused once more, eyeing Lyn. "We're protecting her in this fortress this very moment!" she explained.

"She's here? Natalie's here?" Dorcas asked, flabbergasted.

"Yes. She came looking for you. Dorcas… do you think your actions would please your wife? Would she want this for you?" Lyn asked, her steely gaze penetrating the man's calm demeanor. He felt his heart breaking.

"No… she wouldn't." He looked at Lyn with his honest eyes. "I'm done with the bandits here and now." He turned around, throwing his axe at an approaching bandit, who found it buried in his chest. Dorcas grabbed the fallen man's axe without a second thought. "I will fight with you to protect her. If you'll permit me"

Will smiled. This was a most fortuitous turn of events for them. "Alright then. I have a task for you to perform." He said, seeing the reinforcements heading their way.

Kent was doing fine, but Sain had been hit a few times and required a moment to use a vulnerary. Kent mounted his horse, letting out a yell that caught the attention of the bandits. He rode from the fort, cutting down one man with his sword while using his lance to stab another through the abdomen. He rode into the trees nearby, forcing the bandits to give chase. In the trees, he managed to land another fatal blow on an enemy, while Sain came from behind and took out the other, now fully patched up.

"This was supposed to be easy!" Carjiga roared, and pointed to one of his men. "You, go get more men! Now! We must crush them before the sun sets!" The man obliged, more afraid of being killed by the leader than by the people inside the fortress as he scrambled away.

Wil would judge his current performance as adequate. He had shot down the swordsmanonly wasting one arrow on a parry while ensuring his second landed dead center. The axeman had been hit twice, once in each shoulder, but refused to go down. He drew his bow once more, trying to take aim, but as he did he heard a loud crumbling sound, and realized the man had broken through the wall. "Oh damn…" He said, looking towards his quiver, and realized he was down to three arrows. "Double damn."

Dorcas was huffing slightly, but he reached the point described to him by Will. The young girl and her Pegasus were there, and she immediately readied her lance to attack. He held up his hands to show no weapon and she paused. "Peace. Will sent me."

Florina still looked at the stranger with suspicion, but Natalie tugged on her sleeve. "It's Dorcas… you can go. He won't hurt me one bit. I promise that it's him." Florina nooded, before spurring Huey toward the correct passageway.

After Florina had gone, Natalie threw herself into her husband's arms. "Oh Dorcas! It's you! I'm so happy to see you!"

"Natalie… what were you thinking?" He asked quietly as he hugged her back. "Why did you follow me?"

She shook her head as she held back her tears. "I was worried! Please… don't put yourself into such danger for me! Please!" She continued to hug him.

"I must've been out of my head." He whispered, though she caught every word. "Those two really opened my eyes to the truth."

"Do you mean Lyn and Will?" She asked, but at that time they heard the crash of a wall breaking down. Dorcas pulled out his axe.

"We'll talk more later. First we must drive these bandits off. Don't move from here, Natalie." He said, and hurried off.

"I'll be waiting when you get back." She said, smiling to herself.

"Will! I'm here!" Florina called, and he waved her over. Then she saw the ten swordsmen coming. "Where's Lyn?"

"She's taking care of the leader, as I requested." He said, pulling out his sword. He gave Huey a little pat. "It's you and me now." He said, and raised his sword above his head, in a pose more commonly used by fliers. She knew he was doing it to put her at ease when fighting alongside him, since that style was close to the one Lyn used. She smiled to herself as she readied her lance. "Lances beat swords, you won't have any trouble." Will said, and she did her best to suppress her fear. She found she was slightly more worried about Will than herself. He didn't seem like he was ready for the fight.

Wil stumbled back, barely dodging another strike from the axe. This guy was a monster, having two more of Wil's arrow sticking out of his body and still was coming for him. He realized he had made a big mistake when he found himself against the wall, as the bandit now bared down on him without a chance for him to escape. The bandit smiled, raised his axe to strike and…

SPLAT. The sound was far from a pleasant one. Blood splattered the wall, and Wil looked at the axe now embedded in the bandit's skull with surprise. "You okay?" Asked Dorcas, lugging the iron axe. Wil nodded.

"I'm going to go out on a limb and say you're an ally sent to reinforce me." He said. Dorcas nodded simply in response.

Kent had now cut off one of their faucets of reinforcements, finishing off the relay messenger with a swift strike of his lance. In a similar fashion Sain had cut off the other group of enemies, leaving the leader alone. They smiled at each other briefly, and turned to the sounds of fighting that were still occurring in the fort.

Lyn approached the leader, silently drawing her Mani Katti. The leader at first shouted an order at her to bring more men, but quickly noticed that she wasn't one of his men… far from it. His axe was out in an instant. "Come to kill me have you?" He asked, laughing. Lyn simply nodded. The clash of metal came but seconds afterwards, as the Man smashed his axe onto the swordswoman's parry.

Will dodged another sword strike. He was finding that he was actually quite nimble in comparison to most. The problem was he couldn't kill unless he aimed for fatal strikes. He didn't have the strength for head on combat, and his non combative nature was starting to get in his way. There were too many enemies at once to properly disarm or discourage them. Nevertheless he was fighting two men at the same time, While Florina kept the other four at bay. She seemed to be faring much better in battle than he was, but she still had a bad gash across one of her legs. She had cut down two enemies already, and the other four were now so badly wounded they couldn't move anymore. She let out a sigh of relief at the result.

Will stabbed one through the stomach, and the man fell to his blade. That was his second kill this battle. He quickly turned to parry a blow from the second, but his block wasn't in time. He felt the blow strike, and his sword clattered to the ground as blood sprayed from his dominant hand. His hand was still attached, which he took as the smallest of blessings. He clutched his hand angrily as he watched the man raise his sword once more.

Florina watched the fight with trepidation, and when she saw Will fall she urged Huey forward with all her might without a second thought. Before the sword could swing down she landed her lance into the man's chest with her best stab. "Nice landing." Will said, smirking slightly through the pain. He obviously wasn't in good shape, and she could tell that if she didn't drag him over to get treatment he'd likely end up in really bad shape. She couldn't let that happen.

She gulped and approached Will, who was beginning to feel his vision blur. He must've overdone it, because he felt an insane wave of fatigue hit him all at once with the pain. His eyes closed, and he collapsed into Florina. She 'meeped' for what must've been the hundredth time since she met him. She grabbed him though, and pulled him onto Huey, though she wasn't sure how she had managed it. Then she led Huey back inside the fortress. Their fight had cut off the final group of reinforcements.

Lyn's sword knocked the bandit's axe out of his hand. She was the tiniest bit pleased to see the horror in his eyes. "Sorry, but you've killed one too many lately." She said, and her sword cleanly cut him down the middle. He didn't have time to say anything, and fell to the ground in a bloody heap.

"Damn it! These guys ain't human! Come on you rogues, retreat!" The second in command yelled, and what was left of the bandits fled, a much weaker threat than before.

Lyn entered the fortress only to see something not to her liking. Everyone was fine except for Will, who was unconscious with his sword hand wrapped up in a bandage. Florina had a cut that was well on its way to healing, and the others didn't even looked too scratched. A few vulneraries had been used on the injury, but a sad Florina said he wouldn't be able to hold his weapon for at least another day or two, assuming he healed normally.

"At least it's over." She said sitting down next to Will with a sigh. "Dummy hasn't even been healed for more than a week and he's already injured again." Despite her harsh words, she continued to sit next to Will, and didn't move for a while.

Silence fell for a short while until Natalie hugged her husband again, seeming to have used up her supply of patience. "Dorcas!"

He smiled in spite of himself. "I'm sorry, Natalie." He said softly, but she shook her head quickly. Apparently all subtlety went out the window, and she promptly kissed her husband with all her might. The others attempted to look away tactfully.

"All's well that ends well, right?" Will said, making the others jump. They hadn't realized he was awake. "So what's the verdict?" He asked, looking at Florina. She blushed in shame, and looked away.

"You won't be able to fight for a few days. Assuming you heal properly, you'll be able to fight again though." She said, her words becoming quieter by the word to the point that no one could hear her.

He took this surprisingly well, and seemed to have caught every word. "That's it? Well, considering I can't fight much anyway, that's not a big loss." He laughed, but fell silent as Lyn glared at him again. He wasn't sure why she was angry this time, but he supposed he should've tried to be more careful.

"I can still train you guys and give you advice, right?" He asked, and they nodded. "Then there's no problem. I'll just be careful and heal up." He stood up, taking care of his hand as he did so. "Dorcas, could you come with me?" he asked somewhat forcefully. Dorcas obliged, prying himself from his wife after assuring her he'd be right back. The two exited the room and seemed to be headed outside.

"Is that safe?" Lyn asked, starting to go after him, but Kent stopped her with one hand.

"He'll be fine. The bandits are gone." He said sternly, and Lyn sighed. Sain seemed to be thinking about something, particularly after Lyn's sigh, a strange smile playing around his face. Lyn wasn't sure if that was a good sign or a bad one.

"You have experience fighting." Will said. Dorcas noted he was saying that as a statement. So it wasn't up for debate then.

He chose to take it in stride. "You clearly need more." He countered, which made Will laugh.

"Yes well, this isn't about my battle prowess. It's about yours." Dorcas stayed silently. "I may not be much of a fighter, but I am one. We're undertaking quite a large task, and any help we can get I have to try."

"Explain." Dorcas said, and Will launched into their story so far, starting with when he and Lyn had met Sain and Kent, and moving to now. He left out his meeting with Lyn since it seemed pretty superfluous now.

"So, you need more bodies to throw at this Lungren character?" He asked, and Will nodded. Dorcas smiled. "I would be honored to help you in return for what you've done for Natalie."

Will smiled as well. "I'll make sure you get something out of all this, okay? I don't plan to just let you walk away without something for your troubles." Dorcas simply nodded.

It was maybe an hour later when Dorcas and Natalie were ready to go. Will was inside with Wil and Florina were tending to him. Mainly Wil, as Florina just kept guard over the room and didn't get close out of fear. Will wasn't sure how she had tended to him earlier.

"Our village is close by." Dorcas said, looking in the direction of it. "I will take Natalie there and return in the morning."

Lyn was taken aback. "We're not saying goodbye?"

Dorcas shook his head. "I've been asked by Will to join your little band of mercenaries. He even offered to pay me himself."

"But we're headed to Lycia…" Lyn started, but Dorcas shook his head again, and this time Natalie spoke. "We agreed on this after talking it over, my lady. Please… watch over my husband for me."

Lyn looked at Kent and Sain, who gave her encouraging nods. She looked at Natalie herself, before nodding as well.

Later that night, the group was sitting in the fortress. "It's finally calmed down." Will said brightly, finally breaking the silence.

Florina, Wil, and Lyn had all fallen asleep. Kent and Sain sat around the fire with him once more, just like the first night they had stayed up talking to each other.

"We'll keep watch. You should get some rest and try to heal up." Kent said.

Will shook his head. "Wil, Florina, and Sain were all injured in the last fight too, though not as badly." He said, brushing Kent's words aside. "My wound is nothing."

They both sighed at him. "You need to take better care of yourself. We can't rely on you if you collapse in the middle of the fight." Sain said, proving once again that he wasn't just a knight that liked women. By now Will knew there was more to him than meets the eye. "You've been injured more than healed during the time we've been together. I'd like to see you at full strength rather than half."

"Well… are you sure?" He asked, uncertainly.

Sain sighed at his stubborness. "Sure… Kent would make me stay up anyways." He joked as he waved his hand.

Will laughed, and then turned serious. "You know that bandits won't hesitate to cut your throat in your sleep if they get the chance, right?"

Sain looked hurt. "You doubt my bravery! I am a knight of Caelin! There is no need to worry! Right Kent?" He said, looking at his companion.

"We'll take care of anything suspicious, rest assured." He said, as serious as ever, and Sain took the chance to flash a 'V' sign at Will.

"Alright, alright…" He said, giving in. "I'll get some sleep. Be careful though." He said, and walked himself to his and Wil's tent, and entered.

"Come on Sain." Kent said, pulling Sain to the entrance of their little camp, a narrow corridor.

"No one ever trusts me…" He said with a sigh, and took up his night watch, without another word.

The long blonde hair swayed as the person stretched. Studies always took so long to do, and there was always time to pray. This meant it took forever to get from one place to another. Though, in truth, it was enjoyable. Living one's life devoted to others was a truly blessed existence.

Of course, it was not without its problems either. There was always a shortage of money, a never a shortage on fights. Lives were not to be wasted, but St. Elimine did not condone allowing oneself to be killed either.

A soft sigh escaped the lips of the blonde haired person as they examined their purse. "I have enough for a meal… the people of this town were less generous than others I have passed through…" It was time to move on to the next destination.

"YOU MEAN TO TELL ME." Said Erk, in a voice of forced calm, though it was still extremely loud. "THAT YOU HAVE BEEN LEADING ME ON A DETOUR FOR A NEW DRESS?!" On the last word he had lost his composure, his voice jumping an octave and nearly cracking in anger.

"That's right Erky. I needed a new one since mine ripped." The cleric said with a sigh, waving off his anger like it was a common house fly.

"THEN WHY DID YOU HAVE ME SOW IT UP?!" He shouted, completely baffled.

"Quiet down Erky, you're making a scene." She responded, now shooing him away like some kind of vermin.

Erk clenched his fist, and stormed outside. He was never going to make it to Ostia. He'd fry her with his fire tome first.

Of course in about an hour they were on their way again. Erk couldn't help but mentally smack himself for not leaving her in that town alone. At least she'd been too busy shopping to annoy him. Though he wondered if that voice would ever leave his head now.

"And then, you wouldn't believe it! He said 'Serra, go away.' I mean, that was totally rude, wasn't it?" She said, complaining about somebody she had met in town or something equally whatever he didn't care.

Erk just stayed silent, and kept walking as fast as was allowed. He'd get there as fast as he could, and tune her out as bets he could. He needed the money. That thought was all that kept him going now.

She tripped. The boy ran to her and helped her up. "Come on Ninian, we can't stop now!" He cried, and she nodded, though her legs were exhausted.

"Nils… I don't know how much longer I can do this… I'm so tired…" She said as she gasped for breath.

Nils tugged her arm again, his heart crying out for his sister. "Just a bit longer… He promised he'd find us again. He will… He'll help us. I know he will." He said.

Ninian got to her feet, and smiled. "Yes… you're right. Let's keep going." And they sped off again, hearing the sound of hooves not far behind.