Author's note: Finding a job is proving annoyingly difficult. So many things will get better once I'm working again. It'll make it easier to find the free time to do this rewrite. Until then, hang in there everyone, I continue to press onward. We are also getting closer to the finale, which should be fun.
Chapter 21: A Grim Reunion
Talking to Matthew hadn't been easy. In spite of his efforts to move forward, to get past the pain, the words didn't come easily. He knew soon he would have to tell everyone of these events, to warn them of the danger Mark truly posed, but not yet. One more day. One more battle. One step closer to their goal was all he needed right now. That last step would give him the courage he needed to say it.
Matthew had also rather unhelpfully pestered him with questions about his sword, the small ring he wore on his left pinky and the necklace he had at one time parted with only for it to be saved from the Marquis's clutches thanks to Matthew himself. He supposed of all the things Matthew deserved to know about the necklace, but even Will himself was unsure of its origins. He knew his mother had worn it until she gave it to him on his tenth birthday. Though he recalled vaguely her saying normally it was passed down among the women of the family rather than the men. Matthew got a good chuckle out of the ideal of a female Will, then switched his focus to the ring. Will suspected he was casing his potential reward assuming his services went underpaid.
The ring, meanwhile, Will remembered much clearer. His father had presented it to him on his twelfth birthday, right before their fateful voyage. His father had said it was to remind him to always stay connected to the earth. Now will suspected that meant the Chieftain of the Lorca tribe had given to them when they departed. Perhaps it was so that one day they could return to the Lorca tribe. Will supposed he would never know the real answer now.
"I think I treasure them because… it's hard to let go of their memory. It's something I can… run away to. If I think about them and my family, I don't have to think about the Fang, or Maria, or Mark, or Lundgren, or the battle to come…"
Matthew sighed. This had been much heavier than he bargained for. "Look, you're a tactician now. You've got to be the one to give us the battle plan and see us off with confidence."
"I know." Will said, calmly. "Believe me, that's the one thing I understand better than anything else."
"Wake up~!" Matthew sang in an annoyingly high voice, waking Will shortly after the two had finally fallen into slumber after their discussion. "We've got to get ready to depart quickly!"
Will sat up blearily, blinking his eyes a few times before rubbing them vigorously to try and get the sleep out of them. "So Eliwood has gotten word then?"
"Correct!" Matthew said, smirking obnoxiously. "So now it is time for you to wake up!" He said before throwing a bucket of water onto Will's head.
"What the hell was that for?" Will shouted angrily, and for the next half-hour the party amused themselves with the sight of a sopping wet Will chastising a kneeling Matthew who seemed completely fine with his method of waking up a poisoned individual.
"Well… I'm sure Eliwood will be happy to see this response." Uther said, leaning back in the throne. In the chair he felt the pain considerably less, but it was getting progressively worse at a steady rate. He grimaced. The other nations might find out if he wasn't more careful. He didn't need all the needless worrying and political posturing it would bring.
"I already told them I want nothing to do with this." The Marquess of Araphen said angrily as one of his soldiers instructed the locksmith to build a new lock for his chamber. "Of course, it's obvious those people are behind this little… incident." He said with a sigh. As he kneaded his forehead, he began to think he shouldn't have turn down their request for aid after all.
Lord Elbert shook his head, smiling slightly. "Eliwood… as though you needed to ask." He said. "You are my son, after all. Did you think I would not trust your judgment?"
Lord Helman read over the letter a third time. He had already sent his approval of Eliwood's suggestion. "I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the letter… So there were survivors of that crash after all…" He shook his head. The past was the past. It had nothing to do with what needed to happen now.
The Lord of Kathelet merely agreed so as he would not lose any soldiers to what seemed to him as a useless conflict. Eliwood couldn't help but smile. Those two would love this news. The Ladies of both Tuscana and Tania did not wish to waste soldiers either, and merely sent their seal of approval as answer.
Lord Darin shook his head. "Always war with these people. They never take a break. child, learn well. Never get involved in a useless battle. It only brings misery to the people." He said, and his son smiled up at his father in admiration. There was a small twinge of regret that they could no longer use this situation to their advantage, but there was no use in creating enemies for the sake of short term gain. A wise ruler bides his time and keeps his own country in good stead.
In a carriage, going along the bumpy road to Laus, a man in a black hood kept his face covered from the curious child who was trying to peak. Finally, he opened his eyes to see if the child had gone. Unfortunately, he had not, and the child saw the strange unnatural glow of the man's golden gaze.
As we have been branded as traitors to Lycia, we can't charge the castle directly. Lundgren has no doubt asked the other territories for aid, warning them of the Legion's approach. If the other Realms of Lycia choose to interfere, we'll never reach the castle. So we decided to place our hopes on Eliwood. I just hope he can deliver us some good news.
Will closed his notebook as Eliwood entered. He spared a quick glance around to ensure the meeting place was secure, before heading to the same table where he, Will and Lyn held their previous meeting.
Eliwood looked at both of their faces for a long moment. The tense looks they gave him were enough for him to realize this was not the time for pleasantries. "I've had word from Caelin's neighbors, as well as Ostia and Pharae. They have agreed to stay out of this conflict. Even Marquis Araphen agreed to my request."
Both of them felt a sigh of relief pass through their bodies, and Will leaned back in his chair. That means Ostia, Pharae, Laus, Tuscana, Kathelet, Tania, and Santaruz have all thrown their hidden support to us, without declaring it openly. Lundgren must have been really bad to gain this much ire this quickly. As to why Marquis Araphen agreed… I suppose I can't even guess. Maybe a change of heart after his knight commander left him for our little princess.
"I don't know how we can ever thank you." Lyn said as she clasped Eliwood's hand thankfully.
He shook his head. "I only convinced them to stay neutral in this conflict. That means I can't help you either." He looked at them worriedly. He noticed how ragged Will had begun to look, and even Lyn seemed to be forming small bags under her eyes. They certainly looked much better than their first meeting, where their desperation had begun to show in bother their words and their bodies. "Are you sure you'll be all right?" He asked.
"You helped us a lot." Will said, placing his fist in his hand as if he had come up with a good idea. Lyn had noticed Will had many strange habits, but she herself woke up at sunrise like clockwork to train and honor the earth and sky for keeping them alive. "Now we'll take care of our end."
"We'll win. We have to." Lyn agreed. "There's no other way to save my grandfather."
Eliwood smiled. These two managed to put all his worries at ease with a few simple words. They were a strange pair. "Then I will pray for your success."
"Don't worry. We don't plan to waste the opportunity you've given us." Lyn responded. They bowed to each other somewhat awkwardly before Lyn and will left the pub.
"I really hope they survive this…" Eliwood muttered to empty space, before downing the rest of his drink in one gulp.
Mark relaxed only when he had locked the door to the room the brother of Lord Hausen had so graciously 'provided.' He laid down on the bed, letting his thoughts wander to how Will's new companions had once again caused him no end of troubles.
Will's continued defiance was beginning to wear on his nerves. Most annoyingly as time passed he just seem to surround himself with more and more people who were just like that Witch from before. "Has he truly become lost? The Angel of Despair should not be one so easily swayed by wishes or desires. No… I cannot give upon him yet. His despair is my salvation, after all…"
His laugh broke through the sleepy silence and snapped the guards to attention. They looked around wildly trying to find the source of the sound, before realizing that Mark had returned. Many of them were beginning to wonder why Lundgren allowed such a dangerous man so close to his ear. Then again, Lundgren himself was a dangerous man.
"Right when we move out, the fog decides to roll right in." Will muttered darkly as he noticed the dark billowing cloud that was approaching. It looked like a particularly annoying batch of fog too, as Will couldn't spot any discernable way around it. Fog made a terrible tool for Tacticians who needed to give orders during combat.
Sain grimaced as the fog moved closer. "We may have been trained, but fighting in the fog will still be difficult. It makes it much harder to see the enemy."
"We can't allow that to slow us down." Kent replied, looking determinedly into the fog as though looks alone could pierce it.
"Hmm… Will, what the best route to the castle from here?" Lyn asked, looking at the tactician.
"Well… according to my data we should head strait south. But that runs through a private estate along the way." Will said pensively.
"General Eagler's." Sain and Kent said in unison.
"You know him?" Will asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes… it seems we have one more obstacle to pass." The red clad knight responded sadly.
Matthew gave a mock salute to Will, before looking at him expectantly with shining eyes. Lyn decided to speak first, as Will seemed to be thoroughly ignoring the thief. "What is it?"
"Allow me to take the front, milady! Surely you know that we… thieves, if you must, can see far in the fog. I could prove useful for this fight."
"Oh man… and here comes the bad guys…" Serra said, looking like she was about to throw a tantrum and sticking close to Erk, who was attempting to survey the terrain in case of archers. Lyndis' Legion prepared their weapons for battle as the enemy took up their positions. Suddenly, a huge man in large clanking armor appeared in front of the party. He had come from the north, unlike the rest of their enemies which stood to the south.
"And here you are." He said in a loud booming voice. The man carried himself like a knight of old, and despite his aged frame he stood at attention better than Kent or Sain ever could. In one hand he held a lance and strapped to his back was a large axe. Will quickly calculated their chance against such an enemy. He hadn't counted on another general-class enemy until they dealt with Lundgren. If this man was General Eagler, he was certainly not going to go down easily. In fact, a part of him felt this man could easily take two or three of them on at once, and if the other enemies got involved…
"General Wallace…" Kent said. He drew his sword and approached the older knight. During the last battle he had come to terms with the difficulty of fighting former comrades, but had resolved himself to fight for Lyndis even if it meant taking on his former teacher.
"So he's not Eagler… good to know." Will said, though this worried him further. If Eagler had a man of this caliber working for him, how strong was he really?
"Who is he?" Lyn whispered to Sain, who was keeping a close eye on the two knights as they sized each other up.
"He used to be the commander of the Knights of Caelin, but I heard that he retired and was now sowing fields." Sain answered back. The general smiled and looked at Sain before turning his gaze upon Will and Lyn.
"I am and I was." He said it that naturally booming voice of his. It made quite an impression on them. "Then I received orders from Lord Lundgren to capture a pair of rogue knights and a girl claiming to be Madelyn's daughter. An imposter, as he so eloquently put it."
"But Lord Wallace! Surely you don't believe him!" Kent cried, almost in disbelief. It seemed that this older man held sway over the knights even after he had retired. Will could see why Lundgren brought him out of retirement.
Wallace pondered this over, finally opening his mouth to speak after what had to have been at least two minutes of intense silence. "Let me see the girl who claims to be Madelyn's heir."
"What is it that you plan to do?" Dorcas said, his axe's blunt side resting on his shoulder. Will was finally able to tell who this man was. Honorable, but tough. His request was not one they could deny easily, and even if they were to fight him all at once they would be too tired to deal with Eagler's forces, which Matthew indicated were closing in on their position.
"If I don't like what I see, I will take her." The general responded, eyeing the axeman. Will realized Wallace had worked with tacticians before. That was why he had looked at Will along with Lyn. He had quickly discovered their group's one fatal weakness.
"We won't let you!" Sain said, drawing his lance and stepping his horse forward to join Kent. The two stared Wallace down, but the older man didn't budge. In fact, he merely rose his axe and prepared to fight the two knights. Will's brain began to race, trying to figure out a way to stop the fight.
"You think you can stop me? You must be-" the man started, but Lyn cut him off as she rushed forward, stopping Kent and Sain from attacking.
"Enough! Here I am! I am Lyndis." She was declaring this with more force and pride than anyone had heard before, obviously taking offense at 'if I don't like what I see.' "I understand if you don't believe me, but I've had enough of this foolish posturing!"
Wallace gazed into Lyndis' eyes, and she returned his stare defiantly. After another minute or so of silence, the old general smiled. "Such beautiful eyes…"
Lyn couldn't help but be confused. One minute he was preparing to attack, and now he had stuck his lance into the ground without a fight. He even started laughing. "What?" She asked, unable to contain her confusion.
"I've been a knight for over thirty years, my girl, and I know when people are lying. You can see it in their eyes. One with eyes as bright and true as yours is no deceiver. Yes!" He banged his covered chest, a resounding clunk spreading through the area, "I like you! Why, I think I'll even join your little band of mercenaries!"
Now everyone was confused. "Are you serious?" Will queried, completely mystified by such behavior. The entire group seemed dumbfounded by the man's sudden declaration.
Wallace laugh filled the area once more. Will had to admit the man had a presence that was not easily ignored. "This old bull has pledged his service to Caelin. I'd never allow an usurper on the throne! Now let's march!" He said as he fell into line with the rest of the group. Nils seemed intrigued by the man and followed behind him as the group began to march.
When Will looked to Kent for explanation, the knight smiled. "Lord Wallace… He hasn't changed a bit."
Lyn also smiled as the tension of the moment passed. "I like him. He's… honest."
Sain nodded. "He always commanded the respect of his troops. We'd still feel that way even if he was an enemy. At least, that's always the impression of him I've gotten."
"How very brave of you…" Serra cooed. Sain quickly moved his horse to the front of the group to scout the front with Matthew. He had gotten more used to Serra's peculiarities, but trying to deal with her in the midst of battle was still beyond his skill. How Erk managed was something he wanted to learn.
"Thank you." Will said to Wallace, who banged his armor with his fist grandly.
"So, you're the leader of this group?" He asked, his voice taking on a more natural quality, though it was still naturally loud.
"No, the tactician. Lady Lyndis is the leader." Will corrected. Wallace shrugged as if to say 'same difference.'
"Well, I'll follow your orders all the same." The knight replied.
"Thank you. By the way, I've noticed the large axe you carry…" Will pointed to the axe. Wallace laughed.
"Right you are my boy! Before I retired I was promoted to the rank of General! I also took it upon myself to learn the axe, though I've never had the chance to use it in actual combat until today," Wallace said. "I've preferred using my time to plow my fields and harvest crops. Farmers are our countries greatest treasure. Without food, no one can survive."
"A valid point, Sir Wallace." Will said.
"Just Wallace to you, commander." The old knight said. "You shouldn't be worrying about titles when all you need to do is get us through this alive."
"I suppose… you have a point." Will said, avoiding Lyn's glare.
"Wa ha ha!" Wallace's booming laugh rang out, his free hand banging his chest yet another time. He was certainly the most interesting character they had met in a while. "A giant now walks among you! My defense is unrivaled! Come! Break your weapons upon me!" This last statement was so loud, Will was almost certain that all enemies from here to Caelin could hear them. At the same time, he noticed the waning morale everyone had been facing over the past few days had risen once more due to the General's proclamation.
"I'll take the front! Let me create a path for you young people!" Wallace said. Will's mind began to formulate a new strategy. With Wallace their strategic possibilities had increased once again.
"Right then, here's the plan." Will said, looking around at everyone. "Rath, you'll stay here and guard our supplies. Dorcas, get that village to lock their gates and keep watch over it." Both of them nodded, taking up their positions right away. "If they've been expecting us, there will be attempts to surround us. Lucius, you and Nils will be going up and down this stretch in front of the mountains to take out any reinforcements before they get close." The Monk and Bard nodded.
"Florina, you and Erk take care of the reinforcements to the northwest and northeast. Erk, you're the closer one." Both nodded. Things were going smoothly. "Ninian, you're riding with Kent, Serra with Sain," Sain groaned at this, "you are going around the mountains the long way." They nodded.
"Lyn and Wallace will head straight that way. I'll follow behind. Matthew, you're with us. We need you to scout." The three nodded, and the group dispersed.
Rath immediately noticed the bandit camp to the south. After Dorcas had secured the village and was now guarding the entrance with a few local volunteers, he left the supplies with him. If they got rid of the bandits, it was unlikely any enemies would approach the village. Dorcas agreed to this plan and wished Rath good luck. Rath reached a decent sniping position, where the bandits would see him. They quickly gathered and began a charge. "Wrong choice." He said, pulling out an arrow. The disadvantage they suffered was that once they were on the mountain slopes, they couldn't defend themselves easily from oncoming attacks. An arrow flew straight into the first three that came out of the fortress, and the remainder retreated back into their little hole. "A better choice." He said. Dorcas seemed to have the supplies well in hand, and Rath decided staying just in case the bandits
Lucius quickly discovered the reinforcements Will had been worried about thanks to Nils' danger sense. He was having trouble at first hitting the enemies as they would slide or climb easily out of the way of his blasts of light, which had small windows where the bandits could see it form before it exploded. Nils continued to play his flute, the strange magical energy keeping Lucius from feeling fatigued. He readjusted his aim, accounting this time for the bandits tendencies, and managed to take them down member by member before they managed to get off the mountain. "Thank you." He said to the young boy. Nils beamed happily.
Erk wished he could sigh as he continued to chant his spell and make the gestures to form fireballs. These enemies mostly used lances, but seemed to have no aptitude for dealing with the magical arts. Each one would continue to run at him without any real plan, usually getting brought down by a well-placed fireball. The next one actually did dodge his first attack, striking out with his lance. Thankfully Erk had been prepared for it, and he danced out of the way as he continued to chant, before lashing out with another fireball which caught the oncoming enemy in the face. He fell to the ground as Erk took a moment to catch his breath.
Florina reached a spot just over a crevice, hovering her Pegasus as the horsemen from the last fort Will had sent her to address. Once again, the reinforcements had come out like clockwork. It was almost as if he saw the future, though she realized all of his preparation was out of caution to protect them. It had paid off in a remarkable way. Not only has she safe from their attacks, as they could not risk losing their lances to the crevice, but she was able to attack and retreat while drawing minimal amount of damage. A few of the horsemen even fell into the crevice. She winced as she heard their dying shrieks.
Kent, Sain, Ninian (Who did nothing but stayed out of the way effectively) and Serra (Who complained much more than she healed), made it safely around the mountains. Kent had dealt with a pair of cavaliers that had attempted to ambush them, and Sain with a couple of guards that had barred their progress forward. The trees had protected them but had drawn out the battles a little longer than they would have liked. Now that their path was clear once more, they made their way toward the large estate where the commander likely waited.
Right after crossing the bridge, Will had spotted another fortress, and Matthew reported Kent and Sain had run into another small fortress. Will sighed. The maps he had that were approximately a year old hadn't accounted for these new fortresses. Lyn and Wallace made short work of the forces inside as their weapons bounced uselessly off of Wallace's armor before Lyn would strike out from behind him. Matthew then said he'd check on 'Erky' and 'Flora' before vanishing into the mist. Will wasn't sure why Matthew was assigning nicknames to people, but now only the castle before them remained.
What Matthew had really done was go to a nearby residence. Inside was a woman who looked rather glum. She spotted Matthew and sighed. "Caelin's forces are lead by Eagler. He's honest, and he treats us well. He's a great general. I'm sure he's aware of Lundgren's plans." Matthew looked at her quizzically, but she continued. "I'd bet Lundgren is holding someone dear to him hostage. It's so sad, but there's nothing we can do about it. Innocents are always being caught up in these nobles' foolish games." Matthew pulled what usefulness out of this statement he could, and decided to report it back to Will. It might not be too late.
"Bring forth this woman called Lyndis! She is an imposter, and she will not pass here!" Eagler yelled, raising his spear. Lyn stepped forward to address the commander.
"I am no pretender." She said, her voice level. "I would ask that you believe me, but it seems that your heart and mind are both set against me." Her Mani Katti flashed dangerously in the sun.
"Enough talk! We fight!" He yelled, charging in to attack. The first pass she dodged with a nice roll, but as she got up to attack Kent and Sain stopped her.
"Save your strength milady. This is one fight I must insist on taking." Kent said as he and Sain readied their lances. Lyn looked like she was about to object but Will put a soft hand on his her shoulder. She looked back at him and noticed that he was looking at her with a strange sadness in his eyes. Matthew, who stood behind him, also seemed less talkative than normal.
Will himself wanted to stop the fight. At this point it was clear Lyndis' Legion had the advantage. Even so, with the information that Eagler's family was Lundgren's hostage told him this battle only ended one way.
"Kent… is that really you?" Eagler asked, a slight smile of recognition crossing his features. His grip on the spear tightened.
"General Eagler." Kent said slowly, who likewise had a tight grip on his spear. "You know that we found Lady Lyndis on Marquis Caelin's orders. We've been working hard to see peace return to Caelin." His tone was almost pleading with the older man. Kent's resolve seemed once more shaken.
"But you have no proof of her identity, isn't that so?" The general responded, his voice wavering softly. Neither of these former comrades wished to fight the other. "Then our talk is finished. I never imagined that you would turn traitor."
Sain's anger was clear on his face, and he seemed more willing to fight than the other two. At the same time, it was obvious he didn't wish it to come to this either. "Who's the traitor here? I follow the orders of my sworn lord! Not Lundgren, but the true Marquis of Caelin!"
Eagler smiled as he raised his weapons. "You have grown into fine young men." He said. Kent and Sain readied their weapons as well. "You speak with conviction. Now I will test those bonds. Come!" With those words, he charged.
The horses galloped, never taking a moment to rest. Kent took the right and Sain the left, both attacking in tandem. In his other hand Eagler held a sword, and he parried both attacks from the knights. He spun his horse around before attacking back. Kent and Sain quickly put up a defense, and their horses retreated a few paces. "Hi-low?" Kent asked his companion, who nodded. They followed the same tactic as before, only this time Sain aimed for the General's leg while Kent aimed for his arm. The general countered Kent, blocking and knocking him from the horse. However, he yelled in pain as a spurt of blood came from his leg. Sain reared, facing the general a third time.
Serra rushed over and began healing Kent. His wound wasn't serious, but the man looked like he had been knocked out. "You're as good as ever, General Eagler!" Sain yelled, his lance and Sword now both drawn, his legs gripping the sides of his horse tightly. The general allowed himself another smile. Then they charged at each other, lances whacking together, and the sounds of swords bashing against each other. Sain quickly realized he couldn't out maneuver the older knight, and pulled back. As he weighed his options, Wallace patted Sain's horse before stepping forth.
"You've done your part, laddie, but now it's my turn." He said in a gruff, serious voice. Sain looked at Wallace before nodding. Wallace clanked up to the general, as they stared each other down as though the first to blink would lose their head. "Eagler."
"Wallace." The general gave a small nod of acknowledgement, which Wallace did not return. "So… you've sided with the girl as well, have you?"
Wallace gave a small laugh in return. His voice was no longer booming. "I fight for Caelin's honor, not Lundgren's lies." He responded. Eagler broke their staring contest as he closed his eyes, chuckling.
"Is that so?" The general said, obviously losing himself in some distant memory that only they shared. "You are-" he began, before he stopped himself. He weapons, which had relaxed slightly, were gripped once more. The kindness in his eyes was replaced with steel. "Enough! I deem you traitors all! There is nothing more we can say, so come and do your worst!"
"Fool." Wallace muttered under his breath. Then, his voice rang out once again as loud and clear as it had before. "The least I can do for you is give you an honorable death!" He cried, raising both his weapons.
The general charged, and Wallace stood his ground, taking the lance to his chest, giving a small grunt as it made a dent in his armor. At the same time Wallace's axe cut into Eagler's hand, removing it from his body. The general cried in pain as he tumbled from his horse, his sword and lance landing uselessly on the ground. Wallace approached the fallen man, who looked up at him sadly as the general raised his lance for the final blow. "I never was good enough to beat you." Eagler lamented, smiling sadly.
"I'm sorry, my friend." Wallace said, his voice once again losing its booming quality. His lance quivered over the fallen form of the general for one last moment before it fell, and the man known as General Eagler ceased to be.
After the battle, the group managed to meet up without issue. The few remaining soldiers had laid down their arms upon Eagler's defeat. Will Dragged Serra around, making sure to address everyone's injuries before they let the victory truly sink in. First they dealt with a few of the villagers who had been injured by soldiers or in the chaos caused by the battle. Following which Will insisted Serra treat Florina, who had a rather nasty gash on her lance arm. The last enemy had thrown his lance in a last ditch attempt to injure her, and she had sadly failed to dodge it properly. Then Serra came over to check on Kent and Sain, who were still nursing their injuries from the general. She had treated them quickly, but the battle had only been one hour ago so the effects had not quite left them. Wallace was unharmed, but he had borrowed a sheet to place over the General's body, which laid nearby as they made preparations to honor the dead.
Lyn was a bit nervous, but her curiosity drove her to speak. "What sort of man was General Eagler?" The three seemed to be expecting this question, and Will was also curious enough to sit down next to Lyn. The three knight's shared glances, trying to decide who would explain.
Kent was the one who decided to speak first. His voice had lost its usual stoic tone, and for the first time Lyn and Will could hear the sadness in his voice. "He was the man who taught Sain and I back when we first joined the knights. He was our captain."
"But he knew we were telling the truth." Sain said, his voice equally as affected. "Why did he force the fight?"
Will sighed. It was better to share this information than keep it. "I received information that implied Lundgren had taken the General's family hostage. If he didn't cooperate with Lundgren…" There was no need to finish the statement. Everyone understood the General's choice now.
"May those men never feel the peaceful embrace of Mother Earth!" Lyn declared angrily, hitting the ground with her fist. "We WILL stop them!"
Wallace laughed loudly, obviously agreeing with this, as he banged his chest again. Will smiled. Perhaps it was arrogance on his part, but when Lyn said they would stop them, he truly believed it.
In Caelin, Mark sighed as he watched the rest of the dead general's family leave the castle. It was too bad he supposed, but it wouldn't do to have the soldiers rise up against him and the Lord before the plan was completed. Of course from the look of things Lord Nergal was almost prepared already. "Soon I must take my leave… I hope will will follow…" He muttered to himself, as he and Lundgren entered the ill Marquis' bed chamber.
"How are you today, my dearest brother?" The Cynical Lord asked, actually being so bold as to take the man's hand and fake a look of worry. In return, he received a solid scowl of anger.
"You fiend…" The Marquis coughed out, obviously weak. He could not talk properly, and his breathing was shallower than even the week before. He was starting to give out at last. Even so he still had some defiance left in him.
"Your precious granddaughter is dead by now. Oh, but you needn't worry," the Brother assured, laughing rather evilly, "You will be joining her shortly." Lundgren released the man's hand and all pretense of concern.
Once again, the Marquis attempted a scowl, but hopelessness of his predicament seemed to win over. "No… why did this happen? I only… wanted to see her… at least once." His eyes were too dry for tears, which made the soon to be Marquis laugh even harder.
"Have you lost your hope at last? Lost the purpose of living your life?" The Man scoffed. He slapped the weakened man, dragged him up to meet his gaze, and spat in his eye. "Then hurry up and die, you miserable old dotard. You and your precious granddaughter are in my way! I curse you! I despise you! You worthless wretch of a brother!" And with that he flung the weakened man back into the bed, and exited the room.
Mark followed after, smiling contentedly at the sound of the Marquis' dry wracking sobs.