Author's Note: I come screaming into the second arc of the game pretty raring to go. Ending the last arc gave me some motivation and the 'setting off' chapters are nice and fun so it'll be good to have a few straight chapters of writing here.

I know I made people curious about the harem possibility, but at this time I can't say I'm going with it. I just wanted the possibility to be known since it's rather uncommon and I always thought the Lorca would have functioned like that. Call me a heretic but there you go.

Focus will now heavily switch to Eliwood, but I think we'll get to see the results of Will's harsh year in training. Are you excited? I know I am.

As always, please review if you can!

Chapter 33: Taking Leave

An excerpt from Tactician William's records:

Once, dragon fought man in a war called the Scouring. Mankind vanquished the dragons thanks to the efforts of eight heroes. The eight heroes brought peace and prosperity to Elibe. The continent was divided into nations, each lead by one of the heroes. The Hero, Hartmut, settled in the east and founded the country of Bern. He wielded both the Divine Weapon Eckesachs and the Sword of Seals. Bern quickly became renowned for its military might. Saint Elimine, moved west and founded Etruria. Her sacred name quickly spread among the artisans, which lead to the founding of Elibe's religion. To this day devote followers claim St. Elimine ascended to Heaven from the Tower of the Saint in Aquleia, the capital of Etruria. The Horseman, Hanon is most well known for her free spirit, which led to the nomadic tribes still inhabiting the Sacaen Plains today. Her Divine Weapon was Murgleis, the Gale Bow. The Holy Knight Barigan returned to his birthplace with the Divine Weapon Maltet. Its icy nature complimented the Ilian landscape, though today Ilia is home to the famed Pegasus Knights. The Berzerker Durban Is said to have died fighting in the Western Isles, his Divine Weapon Armads passed to the victor. The Archsage, Athos, resided in Arcadia for a time after the Scouring. Eventually, he retired to the barren wasteland of Nabata, taking the Divine Weapon Forblaze with him. The Enigma, Bramimond, remains as such. Of course he has passed from this realm, and it is believed he sleeps beneath Bern, but there is no evidence to support it. His Divine Weapon, Apocalypse, was known as the Silencing Darkness. Finally, the Champion Roland created Lycia, his heirs splitting the land and becoming the Lycian League. He wielded the Divine Weapon Durandal, the Blazing Sword. Thanks to these eight heroes, Elibe enjoyed a peace that has lasted for 980 years…

Personal notes: The eight heroes are a fascinating subject for study. Many of the nations have differing accounts of each hero, down to the smallest details like who delivered the final blow to the last dragon during the Scouring. What is true and what is false I cannot say. I do wonder how much longer this peace the heroes have created can last before the foundations they were built upon begin to crumble. Eliwood's latest letter has made me concerned about his father's quest, as they have not received word for nearly two months. This includes the many powerful and faithful knights Lord Elbert had at his side when setting out on his quest. I worry that the rumors of his death may turn out true, and they have all but supplanted any rumors about the Fang I had managed to spread. I only hope Eliwood will handle this with the same care as when he assisted me against the Taliver.

The young man with red hair strapped his rapier to his belt, tying the knot as he made sure his belt didn't loosen. His white pants were covered by his knee high blue boots, and his darker blue shirt which opened below his belt to prevent movement impairment. The cuffs and collar were lined with gold, which matched the golden diadem on his forehead, mostly covered by his hair. He also wore a blue cape, with red innards to complete the outfit. He looked up into the morning sun, noticing Marcus, his faithful knight. Marcus was currently talking to his mother Eleanora and Isadora, her guard.

As Eliwood approached, the older knight turned to greet him. "Hail, Lord Eliwood. We leave on your word."

"I see. Thank you Marcus." Eliwood nodded to the knight. His mother gave him a worried look, but she and Eliwood had already talked long and hard about what must be done regarding his father's absence. Their agreement had been reached a week prior, and Eliwood would be heading out with Marcus to search for any sign of his father's group. She had wanted him to bring more knights along, but bringing any more would risk lessening Pharae's defenses, especially with both the ruler and prince away. Not to mention the highly skilled knights Elbert had left with, and Marcus himself. "It's time for us to go, mother."

Eleanora sighed. "Promise you will return to me safely. I worry about your father, that is true, but if anything were to happen to you because of this, my heart would be unable to bear the sorrow."

Eliwood smiled, bringing his mother into a hug. "I know, Mother. Please do not worry. Father is alive, I know it. I vow I will find him and return him to your side."

Eleanora felt reassured. Not only was her son kind, but she knew his strength when committed to a cause. She had seen it just over a year ago when he helped young Lyndis and her friends. "I have your word then."

"Of course." The two parted, and Eliwood addressed Isadora. "I entrust my mother to you in my absence. Keep her safe, Isadora."

The purple haired warrior bowed politely, her white armor gleaming in the morning light. "Yes milord. I will guard her well."

"Rest easy, mother, I will return." Eliwood smiled and waved as he and Marcus began their trek. Eliwood allowed Marcus to pull him up onto the horse as they began to pick up a small amount of speed, heading away from the high walls of Pharae's castle. "Well Marcus," Eliwood said, feeling a small amount of guilt as the castle faded into the distance, "it looks like it's just the two of us."

"Not so, milord." Marcus said. "My protégé Lowen will be traveling with us."

"Lowen?" Eliwood asked, surprised. He supposed he should've guessed. A few nights prior he had discovered Lowen cooking in the castle kitchen, and several bags had been laid out to store the prepared food in. "That is reassuring."

"I've sent him ahead to the first village on our route." Marcus said. "I'm hoping he can obtain a few skilled fighters there. I've also heard rumors that Lord William and Lord Wallace are in the area, but I did not want to bet on it." Marcus frowned. "If I may speak candidly, Lord Eliwood?"

"Of course, Marcus." Eliwood said.

"I normally would never venture forth on a mission like this without a larger company." Marcus' frown turned into a grimace. "I bow to your judgment, of course, but I wanted you to know I cannot wholeheartedly approve of your approach."

"I'm sorry, Marcus." Eliwood said with a sad smile. He knew the older knight was only concerned with his well-being, which was why he would want a larger company. "But I would rather not deprive my mother of even a single guard. The best knights of the realm have already vanished alongside my father. If anything were to happen to her while I was gone…"

"I understand, milord." Marcus said. "I just hope you know this isn't going to be an easy journey, especially for three men."

"Will managed the trek to Caelin with only a few more member than we have now." Eliwood said. "It's not as impossible as people may think."

"Perhaps." Marcus said. They had reached the meeting point, but Lowen was nowhere to be found. He sighed. "What's keeping that boy? He's had a three hour head start!"

Just outside the village, a man in blue tribal garb pressed his ear to the side of the wooden fence. It was lucky he had good ears. The gate was currently under guard from some rather unsavory looking individuals and the rest of the town had been gathered in the square and tied up to prevent them from fighting back. The leader, who he believed was named Groznyi since one of the other bandits had addressed him as such earlier, was speaking to them.

"We heard the famous knights of Pharae have vanished, you know?" The man cackled. "Sorry friends, but your little bout of misfortune is my good luck! Here's a little announcement! As of now, this village is mine! Groznyi is your new liege! Now, since you won't understand it until you've been made too… men! Gather every last piece of gold from this village, down to the smallest fleck!"

"Greedy." The man muttered, detaching from the wood. He slid down the rock face, meeting up with a bald man in armor, a young girl with green hair holding a bow, and the Pharaen Knight Lowen. "So close to Pharae too. You'd think bandits would be a little smarter after what happened to the Taliver, but I guess some are just born without brains."

"You'll help me, right?" The young green haired woman asked.

"Of course, lassie." The bald man said in a gruff whisper. His normal voice had a bad habit of carrying and he didn't want to be overheard. "But I heard your princeling is headed this way. Shouldn't you warn him?"

"Lord Eliwood!" Lowen gasped. "Yes, of course. Umm…"

"Bring me and the girl with you." The nomad said. "I should be able to explain the situation well enough. Eliwood is bound to help when he hears the situation anyway, am I right?" Lowen nodded.

"I'll hide in this crevice hear laddie." The bald man said. "When you need me to launch the surprise on them, give me the signal. You know the one."

"Sir." The nomad said with a polite shoulder salute. He clambered onto Lowen's steed, the young woman clambering up just behind him.

Lowen grabbed the reins tightly in his hand before whipping the horse into action. "We're going to ride fast, so hold on!"

"Here he comes!" Eliwood said, pointing out the approaching horseman to Marcus.

"Finally." Marcus said. "That took him far too long."

"Lord Eliwood! Co-Commander Marcus!" Lowen stuttered, attempting to explain. "I—I wanted…"

"Calm yourself." Marcus instructed. "A knight must remain in control at all times."

"The village is under attack." Lowen said, once he had taken a short breath in to compose himself. "Bandits."

"Bandits!" Marcus nearly shouted before catching himself, drawing back. "Here?"

"Are you sure, Lowen?" Eliwood asked. He placed his hand on the hilt of his rapier. He hadn't expected to find trouble so soon, and so close to home.

"This girl has more details." Lowen elaborated, helping the green haired girl dismount from his steed.

The green haired girl bowed politely to Eliwood. Her pigtails only reached her shoulders, and she had tied a green cloth over the top of her hair. A leather chest piece covered her chest, while her midriff was covered only by a black shirt. A blue sash tied it together with her brown short skirt. Her brown boots were worn and covered with dirt, which meant she likely often hunted. Finally, she held a rough wooden bow and had a quiver attached to a small belt hoisted around her waist, which was filled to the brim with arrows. "My lord." She said, just as politely. "I'm the daughter of the village magistrate. My name's Rebecca. The bandits came without warning in the dead of night. They captured everyone in the village! An armored man and a Sacaen nomad helped me escape the village just in time, but everyone else is tied up in the square. They plan to steal everything! I beg you, please help us!" With her final words, Rebecca bowed low once more.

"I see." Eliwood said. "Marcus! Lowen! Prepare for combat! We must aid the village!"

"Yes milord!" The two knights responded.

Having heard enough, the Sacaen dropped from Lowen's steed, chuckling to himself. "I figured you would say that, Eliwood."

"Who are-?" Eliwood began. Upon closer inspection, he recognized the face very well. The green attire from before had been swapped for the blue of his homeland and tribe, but the smile was just as he remembered. "Will!"

"I heard you were planning an expedition to look for your father." Will said. "I wasn't sure if I would be of any help, but I was trying to catch you before you left to offer any advice I could."

"It's an honor to see you again, my friend." Eliwood said, clapping his hand in Will's. It brought back a rush of memories from the previous year. His saving of Ninian from the Fang, Lyndis and Will's request to the other Lycian Nations, the fight against the Taliver and the defeat of Mark. "I knew you were still traveling and honing your skills, but I hadn't realized you were coming to Pharae."

"It was going to be a surprise." Will said. "A poorly planned surprise, as you can see."

"I give thanks for our timely reunion nonetheless." Eliwood said. "Will you lend me your skills in the coming battle?"

"I may be able to do more than that." Will said, with a sly grin.

The four prepared for battle, and Will spoke to Rebecca. A part of him recalled a story Wil had told him a long time ago about a childhood friend of his, but Will didn't think it was that convenient a meeting. "Stay here and out of sight. Once the fighting is done, we'll come and retrieve you."

"If it's alright," Rebecca said, her tone still polite (Though less so than when she spoke with Eliwood), "I would rather fight. I hunt almost every day, and have some skills with a bow."

"A bow?" Will asked, with a bit of surprise. He had noticed her clutching the weapon, to be sure, but he hadn't known if she was proficient with it. The stories from Wil continued to flood his mind, but he quickly pushed them away. "Yes, that will be very useful. I'll need you to back us up then. Can you listen to orders?"

"And follow them pretty well too." Rebecca said while flashing a 'V' at him.

Wallace noticed the other small village nearby seemed to be having a bit of commotion going on as well. He didn't want to leave his post, but the racket was bound to attract the attention of the bandits if it didn't calm down soon. He made his way over, making use of the morning shadows (Which were beginning to fade into noon, but he still had time) to avoid detection. Thankfully even in his heavy armor he could move rather silently, though it took him a long time to get where he was going.

He could see the Lordling making his way down the hill, his horsemen next to him while Will and the green haired girl followed close behind. The bandits quickly took notice of them and began heading in their direction, which made his job much easier.

"Look, Dorcas!" A rough man said, slapping his companion on the back. In his other hand he held a large axe. He had short blonde hair which was held with a metal band around his forehead to prevent it from getting in his eyes. He wore a blue tank top and black pants, with sandals that were open at the toe and a green sash held to his waist by his brown belt. Finally, there was purple pouch at his side that no doubt contained vulneries. "It's that Lord Eliwood just like that teal haired knight said!"

"So it seems." Dorcas said. The last year had not changed him much. His frame was still well muscled and his odd jobs around the village, whether it was fighting local bandits or repairing roofs, kept it that way. He had ditched his white shirt for a yellow one instead, though it was still a tank top. Around his neck was the necklace he had received from his wife, and the band around his arm he had recently added in honor of his five month old daughter. His brown sandals were new, though identical to his old ones. His green pants were frayed at the bottom, though he had a nice green cloth tied to the ring of his belt, lined with yellow.

"What's he doing?" The blonde asked. "Hey hey, isn't that your tactician friend behind him? Are they going to fight the bandits? I guess protecting the innocent is a lordly thing to do, isn't it?"

"You talk too much." Dorcas responded. He had indeed spotted the young nomad behind the lord. Just a few days ago Will had been visiting with him and his wife and was especially pleased at Natalie's health and the health of their young baby girl. "They need our help."

"Right." The blonde said. "Leave these mountain weaklings to me! I'm Bartre the Brave!"

"Let me help you too!" The gruff voice of the armored knight said, making the two turn. "Three are better than two, and my armor will protect you two with your lack of it."

"Thank you, Wallace." Dorcas said, tapping the hilt of his hand axe experimentally. "It would be a great help."

With Eliwood, Marcus and Lowen leading the way, Will only needed to instruct Rebecca not to overstep her bounds and keep close to them and attack only when she could get a nice support shot. It was best she not draw any unwanted attention.

While they advanced on the bandits, who were of little threat to the lord or knights, Will ducked into the nearby houses to warn the residents.

"Is Lord Elbert well?" The woman inside seemed to know Will was with Eliwood outside. "We've heard nothing but foul rumors lately."

"I'm sorry, but as of yet we know nothing of his current whereabouts." Will said. "I doubt he isn't well though. Too many would use his death against Pharae."

"I hope you find him." The woman said. "And even more so I hope you see him home safely."

At the second house, Will ran into a man he had seen a few days before. Their chat went well, and he promptly locked his house behind Will. The third was much the same, accepting the warning from his window before locking his door. Will was glad the people weren't causing any unnecessary problems, though he did miss having Kent or Sain around. Those two were always the most efficient at warning people when they were dealing with enemies. Luckily, these bandits were the least dangerous enemies he had faced since Batta.

Indeed, the group was quickly dispatching the bandits. Groznyi and his group had been drawn out of the village thanks to the sounds of their men being slaughtered. Eliwood's elegant swordplay was only a tad behind Lowen's sword, his mobility thanks to his horse helping him cover the most ground. Marcus' lance had skewered three bandits mercilessly. Rebecca's bow supported Eliwood, her arrows either finishing or injuring the bandit Eliwood was engaging, making his job much easier as he moved forward.

Dorcas, Bartre and Wallace cut their own path to Groznyi, the attacks from the bandits failing to penetrate Wallace's strong armor while Dorcas used his hand axe to attack from a distance, either using it like a boomerang or using it for a kill shot before going to retrieve it. Bartre laughed wildly as he fought a bandit all on his own, but his skills were vastly superior and the fight was over within seconds.

"What is this…" Groznyi growled. "A pack of children coming to play?" As he looked upon his fallen men, he noticed the symbol on Marcus' shield. "What? Pharaen Knights? But that's Impossible!" He would've tried to rush back into the village, but Wallace blocked the gate just behind him. Not only that, but now the entire group was surrounding him.

"Eliwood." Will said. "Would you allow me to fight him?"

Eliwood turned to the tactician in surprise. "Are you sure?" He asked. "I know you've never been fond of combat."

"Or particularly good at it." Will said. "However, this is the first true chance I've had to test the training Wallace and Lucius has given me. Please."

Eliwood considered this for a moment, before nodding. "Just be careful. Retreat if you need to."

"Of course." Will said. Under his cloak, his pulled out a thin blade Eliwood didn't recognize. Marcus however knew it was a blade often used by the Sacaen tribes. It was referred to as a Killing Edge, for its deadly strikes. Eliwood noticed Will's arms which weren't covered like the rest of his body. Thinking back to a year before, Will looked much more firm in his step, and the muscles were much more defined then they had been before.

Groznyi let out a roar as he charged, his axe raised. Will side stepped the blow, the motion recalling the memory of Lyn's fighting style as he stepped around the man, dealing a swift cut to the arm. His cut was not as deep as Lyn's were, only creating a gash where Lyn was proficient in separating limbs, but for the bandit it was enough. He cried out in pain, falling to the ground. Will pointed his blade at the back of his neck, prepared to deliver the final blow. "Surrender." He demanded.

Groznyi did so, dropping his axe to the ground. They tied up the bandit before sending a small missive by bird back to Pharae. As they untied the villagers, freeing them from their shackles, Wallace kept watch over their prisoner.

Eliwood found himself approached by the village elder, who bowed gratefully. "Our deepest thanks for coming to the aid of our humble village, Lord Eliwood."

"Think nothing of it." Eliwood said. "It's a Lord's duty to protect the citizenry."

The elder sighed softly, his moustache ruffling. "Would that were true, milord. The rumors of late…"

"What rumors do you mean?" Will asked. He had heard many of late, but this sounded like a new one yet to reach his ears.

"The good folk of Laus seem to know no such protection." The elder elaborated. "Their Marquis, Lord Darin, is too busy preparing for war to protect his people. He ignores all complaints of bandits and thieves."

"Strange…" Will mused, placing a hand on his chin. "I've only heard of Darin's generosity to his people before. How could things have changed so drastically?"

"Are you sure about this?" Eliwood asked the elder.

The elder nodded solemnly. "I would not lie to you, milord. My brother lived in Laus until but a few days ago. His home was set to the torch, and he had no choice but to flee here. According to him, Laus could go to war any day now. It's all the people of Laus can speak of."

The elder hobbled away, Rebecca running up to speak with her grandfather. Marcus, who had heard the whole conversation, came over to speak with Eliwood and Will in a hushed whisper. "Lord Eliwood, if this information is true, the situation is graver than we imagined. If Marquis Laus is preparing for war, his target is most likely a neighboring Lycian territory. Perhaps this is even connected to Lord Elbert's sudden disappearance."

"My father and Marquis Laus?" Eliwood considered, crossing his arms. He couldn't recall his father ever speaking more about the man than his politics, and the two never seemed to cross paths. "It seems a tenuous connection at best, but I have no other leads to go on. I suppose we will make our way to Laus first."

Another two hours passed before Isadora appeared on the horizon, her white steed galloping towards them at a steady pace. "I'm here to take the prisoner." She said.

"Good girl." Wallace said, pushing the bandit leader towards her. "Hopefully having him in the dungeons will discourage more bandit attacks."

"Indeed." Isadora said, helping the man onto the horse. "Having bandits so close to the castle isn't a good thing."

"Don't worry." Wallace said. "This is probably the worst of them. Just keep the Lady safe and we'll look after your little Lordling."

"Thank you." Isadora said. "Knowing Lord Wallace and Tactician William will be with him will greatly ease the Lady's mind."

Isadora turned and headed back to the castle, galloping at a quicker pace now that she didn't need to save her energy.

"Thank you for your help, Will." Eliwood said, as the two exited the village. They noticed the prisoner was gone, and Wallace was grinning at the woman riding away back towards Castle Pharae.

"I'm happy to help." Will said.

"I know it might seem like a lot to ask, but would you be willing to travel with me? We're only a small group, and we only have a single goal in mind – finding my father. I do not know where this road will take me, but I know we would be stronger with you along."

Will put a hand to his chin in thought. He had promised to try and return to Caelin after a year had passed, but Eliwood's plight spoke to him much like when he had learned of Lyn's heritage. Not only that, but the Black Fang remained at large. That was also something to keep in the forefront of his mind. "I think I will travel with you, if you'll have me." Will said. "I even come with one heck of a bodyguard."

"I think you mean trainer, boy." Wallace said with a laugh. "Marcus is too much of a softy if you plan to get this done with your small numbers. I'll whip you all into shape."

"Thank you, both of you." Eliwood said, bowing to the pair. "I pray I do not give you cause to regret this decision."

"You won't." Will said confidently.

"Rebecca!" The elder demanded, seeing his granddaughter about to sneak out of the front gates. The village reconstruction was only now beginning, but he had a feeling something was going on. "Where do you think you're going, young lady?"

"Grandfather, I…" Rebecca stuttered, wishing she had managed to slip out unseen. "I intend to accompany Lord Eliwood."

"Don't be ridiculous, girl!" Her grandfather said, raising his voice. "Lord Eliwood is not going on some picnic. He's riding straight into danger!"

"I know that!" Rebecca shot back. "That's why I want to go! We owe him and Will our lives, and I want to repay them. My bow may not amount to much, but I know I can be of service!"

The Elder relented momentarily. He knew what she was saying was true, and of all they could do for the ones that saved them, Rebecca's bow was likely the only thing of value they could offer. "But…"

"Also…" Rebecca trailed off. "I may meet up with my brother somewhere. You're the Magistrate here, grandfather - you have responsibilities. I…" She trailed off again, gripping her bow tightly in her hand. "This is all I can offer. I need to do this! Please, Grandfather!"

The Elder sighed once more, his moustache ruffling much longer than the first time. "Dear me… You're as stubborn as your mother."

"I'm sorry." Rebecca said, having the good sense to look a little ashamed.

"If you are going with them, you must bow to Lord Eliwood's wishes on the matter. Understood? If he consents, you may go."

Rebecca brightened considerably. "Thank you, grandfather!" She proclaimed, throwing her arms around the older man.

"Lord Elbert has always treated our village kindly. Follow his son with a true heart, Rebecca. Serve Lord Eliwood well, as I have tried to serve his father."

"I will!" Rebecca said, squeezing her grandfather tightly before rushing out of the front gate.

"Much too excited." The older man said, though his chuckle betrayed his true feelings.

"It's good to see you again." Dorcas said, as he and Will shook hands.

"Are you sure about this, Dorcas?" Will asked. "Your daughter was only just born. Shouldn't you stay with her?"

"Natalie understands." Dorcas said. "She can walk long periods now without her condition acting up, and she continues to get better by the day. On top of that, our daughter Dorothy is as healthy as she can be."

"That's true I suppose." Will said. "I would feel bad taking from your family again though. Bartre on the other hand… not so much."

"He's a good man." Dorcas said. "If a bit wild. Both of us want to help though. Lord Elbert was very kind to me and my wife when he visited while leaving Pharae. Natalie agrees I can do more with you than there with her. At least for a little while."

"Alright." Will said. "Any time you need to head for home though let me know. I don't want you to risk yourself and leave your daughter without a father."

"That's what you're for." Dorcas said with a smile.

As Eliwood approached the duo, Dorcas headed off to speak to Bartre and give him the good news. Behind Eliwood trailed the green haired Rebecca. Will had only met her the previous night while sneaking out of the village, but she seemed a decent enough girl. "What's going on?" He asked.

"Rebecca would like to join us." Eliwood said. "I figured I should defer to your judgment, now that you're my official tactician."

"I got permission from my grandfather and everything!" Rebecca insisted. "I promise to be of use!"

Will placed a hand to his chin once more, thumb rubbing the tiny amount of stubble under his chin. While Lyn's journey had naturally gained more allies as they went, this situation was quite different. The idea seemed to be keeping a relatively small group to keep movement fast paced to look for Eliwood's father. Even so, the benefits of having an archer was too high to deny, especially since at the moment he was the only member of Eliwood's band that could use any sort of magic. To keep injuries down, a long range presence would be essential. "As long as you have permission and are willing to join, I see no reason to refuse." He said.

Rebecca leapt in joy, gripping Will's hand with both of her own. "Oh thank you! I promise you won't regret it!"