Author's Note: Hey, if it isn't our first 'side' chapter featured in the main game! I always enjoyed this chapter. The one chapter I remember being annoyed in trying to get was the chapter that required you to get Nils to level 10 before the end of Lyn's story. But that chapter is so vital for getting extra levels for characters that I almost always drag out the last two chapters to level Nils as much as I can. Oh I forgot you can only get it on Hector's story. And apparently it's 7, not 10. I wasted a lot of time.
On another note, I now have a Wii U! My Christmas was VERY late. Along with it is Mario 3D world, Hyrule Warriors and Fire Emblem on Virtual Console. Playing the old Fire emblem again made me grateful for the quick saves in Awakening. Sometimes I'd get three horrible levels with one or two really good ones, so I couldn't just restart the chapter. It sucks right?
Anyways, time to meet Merlinus!
Chapter 39: The Peddler Merlinus
An excerpt from the writings of Tactician William:
The dying words and wishes of Lord Helman passed to Eliwood and Hector. In a way, I feel it strengthened Eliwood's convictions. Hector has always been strong in conviction, if perhaps overzealous in his actions. I continue to worry about Lord Helman's final words. "Darin, the Marquis of Laus knows all…" To the learn the truth, we must get to Laus. First, we pass through a small village in Caelin. Sadly, there won't be any time for a detour, and Castle Caelin lies far out of the way of our current path. Lately, I've been missing Lyn and the others quite a bit. I hope I'll be able to see them again soon.
"This dark already…" Hector frowned. They had just reached the village, but the evening light had already faded from the sky. With no moon in the sky tonight, even a night time march would not get them far.
"What do you think?" Eliwood asked Will.
"We'll have to stop here for the night." Will shrugged. "We can likely pay the village for some lodging in their field. It should give everyone a night off from keeping an eye out for bandits."
"And then we set out for Laus at first light." Eliwood agreed. "A sound plan. Marcus!" He called the knight over. "Prepare the camp! We'll try to get some lodging in the village."
"Yes, milord." Marcus said with a bow.
"So, Caelin eh?" Hector said with a grin. "Shouldn't we present ourselves to Lord Hausen and Lady Lyn?"
"We're simply passing through the edge of Caelin's territory." Eliwood said. "I don't see the need. I am curious how Lyndis is getting along, though."
"Wait, Lyndis?" Hector asked. "She introduced herself as Lyn, didn't she?"
"Lyn hates formality even more than you seem to, Lord Hector." Will said with a chuckle. "In particular she hates it when close friends use Lyndis. In a letter she wrote her and Florina had several long debates over the term. Florina's surprisingly stubborn when she wants to be."
"Florina… She was the Pegasus Knight, right? The girl with lavender hair?" Hector asked. "It was pretty short."
"Not by choice." Will said. "Lundgren cut a large chunk of her hair to present to Lyndis after she had been captured. I believe Matthew told you about it."
"Ah yes, his eternal shame, I believe he called it." Hector said. "To be honest, hearing how he nearly took down a small group alone was pretty impressive in and of itself."
"Lyndis' Legion is very impressive." Will said with pride.
"What happened to the rest of them?" Eliwood asked. "Serra, Matthew, Wallace and Dorcas are now with us, but what of the others?"
"Erk returned to his master, last I heard from him." Will said. "He was continuing his study of magic. Rath's mercenaries have appeared here and there, but I've never received word from him. The rumors that surfaced from time to time make me think he's doing fine, though. Lyndis, Florina, Kent, Sain and Wil are all in Caelin. Nils and Ninian were still traveling last I heard. Lucius left after receiving a letter to Etruria. I'm pretty sure it was the one he'd been looking for."
"Hmm…" Hector mused. "So, which one of the girls were you crushing on? They're both beauties, right?"
"I – What?" Will asked in surprise. "I don't know what you're talking about!"
"What, you're change in attire has nothing to do with it then?" Eliwood asked. "Here I was sure…"
"You too?" Will asked. "Look it's… I mean yeah sure, Lyn is very… striking. She's like no one I've ever met."
"Uh-huh…" Hector grinned.
"Florina is more timid, but there's a powerful force that drives her. When she's able to overcome her fears, she's almost even more striking than Lyn."
"Striking, right." Hector said, now chuckling. "Too bad we don't have time to see them, eh Loverboy?"
"NO!" Will shouted, blushing. "We're not… I mean, I'm not…"
"You're not?' Eliwood teased. "Then why are you getting so worked up?"
"You two are ganging up on me now?" Will exclaimed. "I mean what, neither of you have a girl you've ever… sort of… liked?"
"Nope." The both of them replied in unison.
"You're making yourself an easy target." Hector laughed. "I can see why Matthew tortured you so often." Suddenly, a scream broke their banter. "What was that?"
"Someone's being attacked!" Eliwood said, grabbing his rapier and drawing. "Let's go!"
"Oh nooooooo!" The older man screamed. His long dark blue hair was tied into a ponytail, and he wore long purple robes that went down to his ankles. Underneath he wore a brown pair of boots, and a lavender sash was tied around his waist. He wore a satchel and a cape with a hood, the latter being teal in color. The small dagger at his side had been taken by the men currently assaulting him, as had his coin purse and the contents of the satchel. "Someone, help!"
"Stupid old fool." One of the bandits growled, rummaging through the cart the old man had. It was a simple caravan with three wagons, all of which were tied to two horses at the front. "How did he manage to keep us running around in circles for hours?"
"My… my valuable merchandise…" The man murmured, seeing the bandit throw several rather expensive spices out of the back. Looking at the bandit currently holding a blade to keep him seated, he tried to change his tactic. "What are you going to do?"
"Well well!" The bandits inside the caravan said, before coming back out with a large sack of gold. "The old fool's wealthy!"
"Our lucky day, eh Puzon?" The bandit in front of the old man said. So, he had one of their names now. That was something. Now how was he going to not get his head chopped off?
"Will you at least stop throwing my spices around?" Merlinus asked. "They're more valuable than you realize."
"Puzon, can I kill this old man already?" The bandit asked. "He's annoying."
So, Puzon was their leader and not just another random bandit. Merlinus would've appreciated that tidbit if it hadn't come with such a heavy price. "I suppose. There's no reason to keep him alive."
Well, so much for the change in strategy. "Eeeeeyaaaaaaahhh!" he screamed at the top of his voice.
"Hold!" The loud voice of Hector caused the bandits to turn. In the dark, they could barely see him, but he continued to walk towards them and into the light of the Lanterns hanging on the caravan. "Release that man."
Next to him was a blonde sporting an axe and looking especially bloodthirsty. On his other side was another blonde, though they could only see his eyes as the cloak was wrapped around his mouth. Puzon thought he saw the glint of daggers at the man's waist. "What?"
"I care nothing for you, dullard. Give me the old man and his goods." The blue haired leader spoke again. "If you value your life, you'll leave now."
"What did you say?" Puzon said, dumfounded. "Who do you think we're talking to? You think you can walk away with our spoils?"
"Half-wit." Hector laughed. "If you think we're bandits you're sorely mistaken."
"I won't let our profit be so easily snatched from us! Boys, kill 'em all!" Puzon shouted, and the roar of his men reassured him. At least, until he saw the group of people appearing behind the blue haired lord. Just how many of them were there?
Merlinus managed to scurry inside of his cart. With any luck, the two groups would wipe each other out and he could escape unscathed.
Will's plan had been simple, but rather elegant in execution. With the darkness, neither they nor Puzon's men could see very far in the dark, except for Matthew. As Hector approached and kept the leader talking for a short period, Will had Matthew scan the area for any enemies he could see. Luckily, Matthew seemed to have spotted all of them, and they all were near the caravan.
That was where the tricky part came in. Without the ability to divide and conquer, Will would have to treat this like a miniature frontline in a war. He couldn't risk letting any of the bandits gang up on a single member in the dark, so the frontline had to be attractive and hard to ignore. To that end, the moment the fighting began he sent Marcus and Lowen in on their horses to give the bandits a good scare.
Mission accomplished. The bandits gave shouts of surprise and backed up ever so slightly, though one still managed to get himself cut by Lowen's sword and fell to the ground. Following this, Wallace, Eliwood and Dorcas joined Bartre, Matthew and Hector to battle the rest of the bandits. From behind their lines, Rebecca tried to take aim, but couldn't make out anything in the dark. After a few attempts, squinting her eyes as hard as she could to see anything but her companions' backsides, she gave up.
Will similarly had the problem with magic. Any he used would be a dead giveaway to his position even if he could see and bandits always targeted the weakest men first. A Mage was a prime target for their rage, and even though he had faith in the frontline it just seemed better not to risk it. So he and Rebecca settled for protecting Serra in case a bandit slipped through their line and came at the back.
The bandits got pushed back rather quickly by the more powerful weaponry and superior skills of the lord's group, regrouping over the small bridges nearby. Puzon was among them, much to Will's chagrin. Bandit groups easily fell apart when their leader was cut down, and the longer this battle went on the more damage they risked to the merchant's caravan. They needed a change in tactic.
Will placed a finger to his forehead in thought. Currently we're on a small isolated island. There are three bridges, two to the north and one to the south. There's also a tree that has fallen over to the east that could be used as a crossing as long as the people crossing aren't too heavy. The bandits sound like they're spreading out, which means we should expect enemies from all sides.
"Will." Matthew whispered. "I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but a few bandits seem to be making their way towards the village. We need to intercept them."
"You're right." Will whispered back. "Give me one minute."
The village is in danger too… hang on. If I move all of us towards that village we can get the merchant to safety while drawing the bandits after us. Add in the bridges dropping to one instead of the three we're dealing with right now and we should be able to drive them off. Perfect. Will opened his eyes.
"Looks like you've got a plan." Eliwood said.
"I do." Will said. "We're moving the merchant towards the town! That way we can protect him and them from the bandits! Marcus, stay close and keep him safe. Wallace, I need you to back him up. Bartre, you're going with Eliwood, Hector and Rebecca! You four are to find Puzon and finish him. Matthew, I want you to shadow them. Keep them safe and help them retreat if needed. Guy, you're with me, Oswin, Lowen and Dorcas. We'll be the bridge guard once we get the merchant and Marcus across. Serra, you get in that caravan and calm that guy down! We don't need him screeching at us and giving away our position if they have any archers."
"Right!" The team responded. Will realized he would have to name this ragtag group. Eliwood's Elite was the first thing that came to mind. He supposed that could do for now.
"Shut up already." Serra said, whacking the poor elder with her staff.
"This is the worst day of my life…" The elderly man groaned.
"We're saving you so shut up and let Will handle it!" Serra berated.
"Saving?" The elder asked in surprise, before he felt his caravan jolt and begin to move.
"Are you alright, Lady Serra?" The calm voice of Marcus asked.
"Yeah I'm fine." Serra called back. "Where's Wallace?"
"He's clearing my path." Marcus said. "Lord William is following behind us with Lowen and Oswin while Dorcas and Guy guard our sides."
Serra giggled at Marcus' terms. "Lord William… pfft. He'd never enjoy being called that."
"Ex-excuse me." The elderly man said, his voice whimpering but audible. "Do you perchance mean Lord William of Santaruz?"
"Who?" Serra asked, raising an eyebrow.
"The uh… The grandson of the late Lord Helman. May St. Elimine rest his soul." The elderly man looked up at Serra. "I heard both he and his mother were forever lost at sea, though Lord Helman did not wish to believe it himself. Though I suppose William is a common enough name…"
"Lost… at sea?" Serra asked. A conversation from over a year ago floated to her mind. Had she stumbled upon yet another juicy revelation?
"You'd think Will would've tried to avoid putting you at the front." Hector whispered as he and Eliwood snuck through the darkness.
"I'd never stand to be left behind." Eliwood said.
"You're as stubborn as I am." Hector said.
As they reached a small clearing, they could spot a few bandits grouped together. Bartre waved the other two off as he charged from his hiding spot, jumping onto the bandits with a flurry of strikes. Matthew leapt in from the shadows to aid him, and Rebecca stood up to fire off a couple of shots into the fray as Hector and Eliwood kept moving.
"They've breathed their last." Puzon muttered angrily. "Even if they try to move the caravan closer to the village, we'll just pillage it at the same time."
"I don't think so." Hector growled. He sprang into action, his Wolf Beil swinging in a wide arc and barely missing Puzon as he dodged out of the way. Puzon raised his sword at Hector, but Eliwood dashed in, stabbing forth with his rapier. Puzon blocked the thin blade with his sword, before swiping at the young Lord. Eliwood jumped back, Hector catching him before he tripped.
"A sword user…" Hector sighed. "Not fun for me."
"Isn't Wolf Beil the fastest axe out there?" Eliwood asked with a smirk.
"Won't help me deal with his speed." Hector grunted back.
"That's what I'm here for." Eliwood said with a smile.
The two prepped for a new strike. Hector wound up and waited for Puzon to come at him. Eliwood charged forward, his rapier striking out once at each arm. Puzon blocked these blows before swinging his sword in a circle. Eliwood ducked just in time to avoid getting cut and Hector pounced just as Puzon came to a stop. The slash cut through the man's cloth shirt and opened a large gash on his chest. This allowed Eliwood to lunge step from his crouched position and stab upwards through the bandit's chest, piercing what must have been a lung as the man collapsed to the side with a gasp. Hector ran over and brought his axe down upon the man once more, ending his suffering.
"Not bad." Eliwood said, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Not too bad yourself." Hector said. "I know you hate fighting."
"Mmm." Eliwood sighed. "Let's get back to the others, they should have gotten that merchant to the village by now, and without their leader these bandits won't have much fight left."
"Right. Matthew should be done helping Bartre with those bandits too." Hector said.
"They really are petering off just like you said." Guy chuckled, locking swords with a bandit that made his way across. A moment later Oswin skewered the bandit on his lance.
"Tactics are surprisingly rarely used in these modern times." Will said, firing a small Shine barrage at another axe user. Lowen swiped at the bandit as he rode past, and Dorcas finished him with a strike from his axe. "Thanks."
"No problem." Dorcas returned. He pulled his steel axe from the bandit's corpse. "I suppose anyone crazy enough to be a tactician is killed off."
"Or they become advisors to Lords or Kings." Will said. "After all, being a tactician for hire isn't the best way to make a living."
"Yet here you are." Oswin said. "Former Black Fang, Sacaen, Tactician."
"A lot of titles." Will said. "I think I'll still go with Will, personally."
"I'm rather partial to 'Prince of Tactics' myself." Serra giggled from the caravan. "You know that's been going around lately? Especially after Caelin and the Taliver in such quick succession."
"Please do not call me that." Will said. "I think the cheese would rub off on me."
Marcus and Wallace finished off the last bandit that continued to fight before the rest fled from the battle into the night. Shortly, Eliwood's strike team returned, and with only small scratches on Bartre to show for it. "Mission accomplished." He grinned cheekily at the tactician.
Will sighed as Serra jumped down to begin tending to Bartre. In the night, they could hear the call of the bandits as they retreated. "We won't forget this! You thieves can't just invade our territory and walk away!"
"We're not thieves you morons!" Hector roared into the night.
"Says the ones running away." Will mused, chuckling at Hector's aggravation.
"I… I've been saved!" The merchant cried in surprise.
"We've driven off the bandits." Eliwood said. "Are you injured? We can have our healer tend to you."
"No, not at all." The merchant said. "I'm as fine as fine can be, all things considered. My name is Merlinus. Thank you for saving me."
"I'm glad to hear that." Eliwood said. "We've brought you to the village so you should be safe. Take care."
"Wait a moment, please!" Merlinus cried. He had heard a bit from Serra in the caravan, but he desperately wanted to know more. Perhaps they did not know though, so to suggest as such may be a bit far-fetched. "A token of my thanks…"
"Do not worry yourself." Eliwood said kindly. "We did nothing to merit a reward."
"That's right." Hector agreed. "We've no need of a peddler's junk."
"P-P-Peddler?" Merlinus recoiled, outraged.
"Hector!" Eliwood reprimanded.
"Ah, sorry." Hector apologized.
"I am Merlinus!" Merlinus replied indignantly. "You'll find no other merchant, traveling or otherwise, whose goods can compare. Do not let your eyes deceive you, I'm quite prosperous."
"A merchant?" Hector asked. "So you sell books and knives and all that."
"Hector, your manners are downright atrocious." Eliwood sighed. "Sir Merlinus, please pay no mind to what he says."
"No, of course not." Merlinus said with a bow. Hector's eye twitched in annoyance. "I wasn't concerned by… ahem." Merlinus straightened up, coughing as he looked them over. "By the way, you two clearly come from highborn houses, if your attire is anything to speak of. Would you grant me the honor of your names?"
Eliwood and Hector looked at each other for a moment. Will had briefly spoken to them during the march about the possibility of avoiding using their family names and perhaps passing as a mercenary troop, but Eliwood had informed him that was likely impossible. He and Hector were well known throughout the Lycian territories, and to ask about his father meant they needed to meet with other Lords. Will had dropped the subject afterwards in understanding. This man didn't need to know their names, but he saw no real reason not to give them either. "I am Eliwood, Son of Marquis Pharae."
"I'm Hector." Hector said. "Marquis Ostia's younger brother."
"Goodness!" Merlinus cried in surprise. "Ostia! Pharae! The two greatest houses in all of Lycia! Ah, to be saved by noblemen such as yourselves is an honor beyond words!"
Hector chuckled. "It's nice to be appreciated for a change. Lately, people just seem to want us dead." Hector glanced at Will, who seemed to understand and nodded. "Say Merlinus, what are your plans?"
"Pardon?" Merlinus asked in surprise. "Well, I had planned on traveling Lycia and selling my wares but… in these dangerous times, it may no longer be possible."
"In that case, why don't you come along with us?" Hector asked.
"Hector?" Eliwood asked in surprise.
Hector jabbed his thumb back in Will's direction, and Eliwood understood. "Our travels won't be ending anytime soon from the looks of it. We've gained more people and more items, right? It would be good to have help managing our things."
"Oh?" Merlinus said in surprise. "Now THAT is a splendid idea! Managing merchandise is my specialty, after all!"
"Are you sure?" Eliwood asked, having misgivings in spite of Will's desires.
Merlinus' eyes sparkled. "Quite sure, my Lord. To be honest, I've often dreamt of working for a noble house. To have my fondest wish granted in such a way…"
"You seem like you've done this before." Hector said.
Merlinus hesitated. "Oh no, my Lord. I simply cannot stem my tears of joy! Lord Eliwood! Lord Hector! Take me into your bosoms and keep me safe forever!"
"Uh… Thank you. Well met, Merlinus." Eliwood said, inching back slightly.
"We're counting on you!" Hector chuckled. "Now I've got some things I'd like you to carry…"
"Of course, my Lord!" Merlinus said cheerfully. "Leave it to Merlinus!"
This merchant… He's hiding something. Will thought, placing a hand to his chin in thought. I don't know what it is or if it's important, but… I suppose we'll have to keep an eye on him. I'll talk with Wallace later. If anyone can handle this task, he can.
"We wanted to thank you for saving us from the bandits." The village elder said. She was a kindly elder woman, currently speaking with Will and Eliwood. "I know you only requested lodging for the night, but we all felt bad about not being able to offer you more."
"We did it to help, not for glory." Eliwood said kindly.
"Nevertheless, please take this." The elder said, handing a bag to Eliwood.
Eliwood looked into the bag before quickly closing it. "We can't accept this."
"It has already been given." The elder said. "We are a small village, and money has no real use here. We prefer bartering."
Eliwood handed the bag to Will. Will opened it and looked, surprised himself by the amount it contained. "This is… thank you all so much."
"You're welcome, young one." The elder said. "If it will help the young Lord find his father, we're only too glad to help."
"Then…" Eliwood trailed off. He couldn't believe the generosity of these people, and it was difficult for him to accept their kindness. "We accept your gift. With all the gratitude I can offer."
The two left the village to meet up with the rest of Eliwood's Elite, who had been preparing to march while Will and Eliwood said goodbye. "Merlinus! We've got a gift you need to manage!" Will said with a laugh.
The merchant ran forward, surprised at the gift. Five thousand gold would go a long way to helping them keep well equipped in the days to come.