Author's note: I get the feeling people will figure out Merlinus' secret pretty quickly, but I want it to remain a secret for the time being. Maybe after this chapter I'll get the chance to wrap up his plot thread, but I may also save it. It's difficult to tell where exactly I end up when I write things.

Also, I am novelizing both Hector and Eliwood's stories. This means I have to combine elements from some stories with another to make them work a little better in the canon I'm creating. So far I think I've done a decent job, and I hope you all think so as well! Oh, and one final thing. This chapter marks my reaching the 200k word mark! I have to admit, I wasn't expecting it, and am a little proud of this achievement. here's to however many morewords it takes to reach the end!

As always, review if you can! Just one minute from you may give me hours of inspiration.

Chapter 41: False Friends

An excerpt from Tactician William's writings:

With Merlinus in tow, we have set out for Laus. After about a week, we've fully acclimatized to using Merlinus' caravan. Our progress is a little slower than before, but it is worth it for the extra weapons, rations and training tools we can now bring with us. I believe Merlinus is hiding his true motivation from us, but he truly is not a fighter, so what threat he poses I cannot be sure. He seems nice enough for now, at the very least.

Laus is located in the heart of Lycia. It is ruled by Lord Darin, a man who was very kind to his family and the citizenry. At least, he was. Approximately one year ago, he changed drastically after the death of his youngest son. What illness took him, I do not know. Afterwards rumors of him preparing for war began to circulate. The death of Marquis Santaruz, the disappearance of Lord Elbert… Do the answers to all these questions lie within the walls of castle Laus? I think… Eliwood is afraid. Afraid of what the truth may hold.

"Are you certain?" The stone-faced man with slicked back purple hair cried. "Pharae's heir is here?"

"Yes, father." His eldest son, Erik replied, kneeling down in front of his lord. "We've just received word from our lookouts. He's still beyond that hill, but he'll be here before too long."

"Lord Ephidel!" Darin cried, turning to the man in the black cloak and hood. "What is the meaning of this?"

Lord Ephidel placed a hand to his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps… It is possible that when they reached Castle Santaruz, Lord Helman was still clinging to life."

"You can't be serious." Lord Darin growled, running a hand through his hair.

"He couldn't have lasted too long, but he may have told them something." Ephidel admitted. Perhaps he should have been a bit more deadly in his attack, but this was amusing in its own way.

"That's terrible!" Darin cried. "Our plan is all for naught then, isn't it?"

"No need to be alarmed, my lord." Ephidel said. He didn't need a repeat of Lord Helman. "Even if he told Lord Eliwood something of our schemes, Pharae no longer has any power to stop you with. All Eliwood could do is perhaps inform Marquis Ostia."

"Ostia would be ruinous!" Darin barked. "Lord Uther may be young compared to the rest of us Lords, but he is dangerous. That addlepated Helman! He was a coward to the end! To betray us, after coming so close… We only need a little more time to complete our plans for rebellion!"

Ephidel nodded in agreement. "Then I suppose we must stop them here before Marquis Ostia becomes aware of any of this."

"Yes…" Darin muttered. "You're right, of course. We do have a chance! They have to pass through Laus to get to Ostia. We can still silence them!"

Ephidel bowed. "They must not pass. No matter the cost."

"Let us make haste." Darin agreed. "Call our finest troops!"

"Father!" Erik stood at attention. "Please let me take command."

"Erik!" Darin hesitated for the briefest moment, before his demeanor returned. "Tell me, Son, can you succeed?"

"That clod Eliwood and I studied together in Ostia." Erik said, grinning maliciously. "He's a trusting fool. If he sees me, he'll lower his guard. When he does, we will strike!"

Darin considered this. "I see."

"I beg your pardon." Ephidel's soft voice spoke. There was a glimmer in his eyes. Was it concern? "Is this not too much for him? If, by chance, things should turn out for the worse…"

Darin nodded in agreement with his son. "No. I know I'm the lad's father, but Erik's quite clever. Snuffing Pharae's whelp will be no trouble at all. It's settled! I leave this matter to you, Erik. Bring me the head of Pharae's darling son!"

"Yes Father! I will not fail you!" Erik bowed, and left the room.

Ephidel watched him leave. Things could still work out in his favor, even this way, he supposed. They could still get what they needed.

"Look around." Hector growled. "They truly are preparing for battle. Marquis Laus… What is he scheming?"

Eliwood remained silent. The three of them were looking down at castle Laus, which was now quite close to them. There were a few smaller villages close to the castle, but they had no real plans to go there at this time.

"You don't look like you want to go." Will said.

Eliwood grimaced. "If we go and learn the truth, it may very well lead to war."

"Fine by me." Hector grunted. "They're asking for it."

"I… truly have no love of war." Eliwood said with a sigh. "When I concentrate on the enemy in front of me, I'm fine, but… If I picture families, innocents caught up in our foolish politics? If I imagine them… All I can do is pray for things to end peacefully."

"Eliwood…" Will said, placing his hand on Eliwood's shoulder. He smiled before shaking his head.

"Lord Eliwood!" Lowen called from just ahead of them. "A knight has ridden forth from the castle!"

"A lone knight?" Eliwood asked curiously.

"Yes, my lord." Lowen said. "According to Matthew it is Marquis Laus' son, Erik. He's asking to speak with you."

"Erik?" Eliwood recognized the name. It had certainly been a long time since the two last spoke.

"Gah." Hector slapped a hand to his head. "Why did it have to be that buffoon?"

Eliwood considered his options for a moment more before nodding. "I will see him. Bring him here."

Will and Hector shared a momentary look, before Hector sighed. "I'm leaving. I could never abide that idiot. I'll go for a ride and survey our surroundings."

"Lord Hector." Guy bowed politely.

Oswin also bowed, though much lower than the Sacaen. "Is Lord Eliwood not with you?"

Hector shook his head. "Nah, he's treating with Marquis Laus' son, Erik."

Oswin's brow furrowed. "Is it wise for you to be away at this time?"

"Erik's a contemptuous peacock." Hector growled. "He's an intolerable git that makes a show out of riding forth from the castle alone. Something about it felt odd."

"That is unusual." Oswin mused. "Not a single guard to accompany him?"

"I've been thinking…" Guy said, looking around. "Laus seems blessed with clear water and fertile ground. I can tell by the high shadows the trees and grass cast." He pointed it out to the two. "Is it possible it could be hiding soldiers?"

"You're right, Guy." Hector said with a grin. "Come on, let's take a look around."

"Let's split up and triple that ground." Oswin added. "And milord?"

"What?" Hector asked.

"Do not let yourself be distracted. Keep your guard up." Oswin instructed.

"Yes mother, I will." Hector chuckled. The three quickly began to move.

"Hello!" The man waved pleasantly as he approached, still seated on his horse. Lowen finished escorting the man before backing off as Erik dismounted. Will had offered to withdraw, but Eliwood had requested he stay, just in case. "It's been a long time, Eliwood!"

"Erik." Eliwood acknowledged, bowing his head where Erik didn't. "What is your business?"

"Business?" Erik asked, sounding surprised. "What do you mean? I heard my old friend was in Laus, so I merely thought to ride out and greet you!"

Eliwood fell silent. Will looked this man up and down, but Erik did not look his way. He was clearly after something. What Erik asked next made it all to clear what he wanted: Information.

"So tell me, friend, what brings you to Laus?" Erik asked, glancing just over Eliwood's shoulder to try and scan the rest of their group. Will was glad they were mostly out of sight. "Are you… on your way to Ostia?"

"Why would you think that?" Eliwood asked curiously.

"Oh well…" Erik laughed, brushing off the question. "I know you and Hector are close. He and I never got along very well, I'm sure you remember. For a noble, his behavior was crude and his manner of speech made me think he was a peasant at first glance. You're still friends with Hector though, right? When did you see him last? How do you communicate anyway?"

Eliwood grew cold. The obviousness of Erik's last questions were not lost on him. "Erik, you're after something. What is it?" He demanded, suddenly seeming much the Lord he truly was.

"Pardon?" Erik asked, acting taken aback by the question.

"Everywhere I look, Laus prepares for battle." Eliwood stated. "What are you and your father planning? I will know the truth!"

Erik took another step back, grabbing the reigns of his horse. "Hmm… I'd hoped to wait until you told me of Ostia. Of whether you've spoken to the Marquis or not."

"What are you talking about?" Eliwood demanded.

Erik chuckled darkly as he hoisted himself up onto his horse. Eliwood drew his blade, as did Will. "Eliwood, I've always despised you. How I've longed to smash you and your pathetic morality into pieces! I've dreamt many times of this day and here it is at last!"

"Too bad you won't live to see the end of it." Hector's voice growled. From Erik's flank he appeared with Oswin, while Guy and Marcus appeared from the other.

"Y-You! Hector!" Erik cried in surprise. "You couldn't… have you spoken to Ostia already?"

"Maybe." Hector said with a grin. "Eliwood, this lying mongrel had troops lying in ambush all around us. Laus regulars, every one. Our scan and Oswin's lance work managed to push them back a bit so we won't be surrounded on all sides, but we're in for a rough battle."

"There's little point in fighting!" Erik shouted as he backed away, his sword drawn to keep them at bay. "You're puny forces can't hope to match Laus' best! We have an unending torrent of soldiers, all ready to fight you to the last! How long do you think you can survive?" He rode away, laughing as he went.

"Craven cur!" Eliwood swore. It was the first time Will had heard the composed Lord truly lose his cool. His surprise was evident, even as Hector shouted at the group to get ready.

"Keep calm, Eliwood." Will offered. "He wants you riled."

"I know." Eliwood said. "It just hurts. I've been nothing but nice to him throughout our acquaintanceship, and he repays it with this."

"Some people are wired differently." Will said. "We'll win. I promise."

A young man with purple hair ruffled that same hair in annoyance. "You're sure you can't offer us any assistance?"

"I'm sorry." The man said, shaking his head. "If we disobey Marquis Laus, who knows what would happen to us or our families? We just can't afford the risk."

"I understand." The man said, holding up a hand to stop the man from continuing. "We'll seek aid elsewhere."

"You'll find the same answer everywhere you go." The man offered. "Eventually, you'll have to do as the Marquis orders. You would do well to tell your employer the same thing."

"Good day to you." The man replied with a polite bow.

Far south, in the other of the two villages within spitting distance of Castle Laus, a young woman clutching a staff sighed. Her horse, who was currently tied up, whinnied nervously. "Shh… calm yourself Donald."

"Has your escort not returned Priscilla?" A passing villager asked. The man was carrying a rather hefty bag.

"No." Priscilla said sadly. "He left yesterday in search of a way out… I just hope Laus' soldiers haven't captured him."

"His search for help must have been fruitless. Marquis Laus has ordered no aid to be given to you." The man said woefully. "There's nothing any of us can do. I am sorry, but…"

"No, no." Priscilla said quickly. "You could have turned me over to the Marquis and instead you continue to grant me asylum. I'm grateful for that. Of course, if I simply went to the castle, this whole affair could come to an end."

"Don't fret over that." The man chuckled. "None of us are overly fond of the Marquis these days. He's always threatening us, treating us like his slaves… and all of these war preparations? We want nothing to do with them. We may be divided into territories, but we're Lycians one and all. We may be invaded by another country one day, but why does he want to start a war here at home? None of us understands what he's doing."

Priscilla nodded sadly. She also thought it best she not mention she happened to be Etrurian and not Lycian, just in case. "Thank you."

The man nodded before he continued on his way.

"Hee hee hee… you've landed yourself in a world of trouble, haven't you?" The cackling voice of an old woman made Will jump.

"Who-? You startled me!" Will said, looking at the old woman. She was hunched, and several lines and warts dotted her face. "You should get out of here, the fighting is about to start and we wouldn't want you getting hurt."

"I came to help the one searching for his father. Marquis Pharae's son." The old woman cackled.

"How did…" Will began, his eyebrows furrowed. "You're here to help Eliwood?" The old woman nodded. "May I… ask your name?"

"How polite of you." The old woman cackled. "My name is Hannah. I'm a fortune-teller."

"A fortune-teller…" Will said dubiously. "I'm guessing you can't tell us where Eliwood's father is?"

"No." Hannah said with a slight frown. "I have tried, but that vision is too foggy for my eyes to see. I can however, tell you useful things… which weapons to bring to battle, who should wield them… If someone needs to talk to someone else." She smiled, and Will noticed three missing teeth. "These old bones also feel the changes in the weather."

"I see." Will sighed. "I'm not sure if I believe these powers of yours or not, but I won't turn down anything that may help Eliwood find his father. Go over to the caravan and speak to Wallace. He'll protect you and Merlinus while we fight.

The old woman nodded before shuffling off. She glanced back at Will as he began to gather the group and give them their strategy. "What an interesting young man… so many possible futures for you to choose from…"

"Laddie!" Wallace's voice boomed over from the caravan. "The old woman warns that rain will be rolling in soon!"

"Right." Will said, glancing up at the clouds. It was true, the clouds were growing more plentiful and darker. "I'll keep that in mind."

"So what do we do?" Eliwood asked.

"We'll need three groups." Will said. "A small team to go up and warn that village nearby. There's also a mage there. I think Lowen, Rebecca and myself should handle it. Once that village is safe, we'll return and regroup with the middle team. The middle team will consist of Eliwood's Elite."

"Nice name." Hector chuckled.

"Eliwood, Marcus, Dorcas, Bartre, Serra and Guy." Will rattled off the names. "Make sure you keep close and protect each other, especially Serra. Once Lowen, Rebecca and I return, we'll focus on pushing them back."

"So that leaves Oswin, Matthew and I." Hector said.

"Right. Hector's Horde will move south. I need Matthew to inform that other village if you can, but the important thing is to protect it from the enemies nearby. There are bandits in the area, and I get the feeling once the fighting starts they won't stay silent." Will said.

"Gotcha." Matthew said with a grin.

"An ironic choice of name." Oswin said, though he smiled. "A team of three is a horde?"

"I like it." Hector grinned. "Let's get this done."

The teams split. Lowen took Rebecca onto his horse followed by Will, and the three took off. It reminded him of the strange circumstances under which they met.

"My village!" Rebecca whispered, as they finally slipped out of the back gate, just before the bandits finished rounding up all the citizens. "What is going to happen to them?"

"Don't worry." Will responded. "Wallace here is an amazing fighter. We'll think of something."

"Oy, Laddie." Wallace whispered. "On the horizon. We've got a horse incoming."

Will squinted in the morning sun, spotting the young teal haired man. "Could it be a knight of Pharae?"

"Either way he's got a horse." Wallace grunted softly. "We can ask him to bring word if we can't figure this out ourselves."

"Hello there?" Lowen asked in confusion as the two pulled him aside, away from the gates. Luckily, the bandits hadn't posted their guard there yet.

"The village has been taken over." Will whispered. "We're trying to save it."

As they arrived at the small village, Will got a pleasant surprise. The mage he had seen from afar was someone he knew very well. "Erk?"

The purple haired mage's eyes widened as he looked at Will. "Will! I wasn't expecting to see you again."

"You say that like it's a bad thing!" Will laughed, the two shaking hands.

"That's not what I meant." Erk said with a smile. "Meeting you here is likely a boon of the gods or St. Elimine or what have you."

"Think you can lend us a hand then?" Will asked. "Laus has been preparing for war, and the Lord's son Erik is attacking Eliwood and Hector as we speak."

"I've been employed by another person…" Erk said. "However, if you'll help me get her out of Laus, this may work out for both of us."

"So?" Will asked.

"Alright." Erk agreed with a nod. "Get me to my employer, she's in the south village. I know you'll help me protect her after that, so I'll join you."

"Great." Will said with a grin. "Rebecca, warn the village. Lowen, set up whatever you can to funnel their forces into a single file line. There are a few bandits in those mountains, and I can see them headed this way. You and Rebecca will need to stop them. I'll take Erk to the south village and update Eliwood along the way."

The man inside the village had clearly seen the goings on outside, as he had the decency to look ashamed as he approached Rebecca, who was shouting her warning to the townsfolk. "You're battling Erik and his men, right?" He asked.

"That's right." Rebecca said with a small smile.

"My granddaughter… Marquis Laus took her away. He found her pretty, and forced her into the castle. It may not be much, but please, take this." He said, holding out the blade he had been too cowardly to use. "It's a large sword, so you have to be strong to use it. It's a bit unwieldy, but it's a mighty weapon nonetheless. I hope you can defeat the Marquis' son. It would make our lives much more pleasant to live in peace again."

Rebecca accepted the blade gratefully. "Thank you."

"Good luck to you." The man said with sadness in his eyes, before walking away.

"Sir Lowen, take this!" Rebecca said, tossing the blade to him. Lowen grabbed it and swung it experimentally. It was heavier than his normal sword, but would be perfect for dealing with the bandits coming their way.

"Are you ready, Lady Rebecca?" Lowen asked.

"As I'll ever be…" She muttered to herself, drawing back her bow.

The rain clouds had finally moved in, a light drizzle coming down upon the combatants. "Hold the line!" Will shouted. "I've found Erk! We're going south to aid Hector and fetch his employer!"

"Gotcha!" Eliwood shouted, as he dueled with one of the soldiers. Marcus jumped in and aided him at the last second.

"Lord Eliwood! You're unhurt?" Marcus asked with concern.

"I'm fine." Eliwood returned. "Thank you, Marcus."

"Perhaps it is not my place, my lord, but I feel it would be better if you stayed out of combat. You could ride with me, travel in safety…" Marcus trailed off as he glanced at Dorcas, locked in combat with another enemy. Bartre leapt in from the side and dealt the soldier a fatal blow.

"I refuse." Eliwood said firmly. "This is my journey to make, Marcus. It is my responsibility to fight."

"Lord Eliwood…" Marcus closed his eyes. "I must say I am impressed with your strength. You've grown much over the years and for that I am grateful."

"Your sentiments always become larger than life." Eliwood chuckled.

"It does make me lonely, you know." Marcus said ruefully. "When you were born, Lord Eliwood… I had only just received my knighthood. When you were little, oh how you would follow me everywhere I went…"

"Now you're just being embarrassing." Eliwood said, before jumping back into combat. Marcus chuckled to himself before doing the same.

"Eh? What's all this then?" A bandit asked, a knowing smirk on his face. "Looks like war has finally broken out! Time for raid, boys! The villages are ripe for the plunder!"

"Crap." Eliwood said, noticing the bandits appearing from fortresses just a bit off shore. The bandits were leaping into the water, swimming towards the shore where Wallace and Merlinus were. "Guy! Get back to the tent and help Wallace protect Merlinus!"

"On it!" The Sacaen shouted, sheathing his weapon and running off at breakneck speed.

Oswin was sticking annoyingly close today. It was beginning to bug Hector more than usual. Considering Oswin's usual penchant for hovering, this was saying something. "Oswin!" Hector barked, finally having enough of it. "I'm fine here by myself! Go and help Matthew with that archer!"

Matthew was indeed dancing around an archer at that very moment, as Hector locked axes with a bandit. Oswin skewered the bandit unceremoniously on his lance. "I'm afraid I cannot." Oswin said. "I've my orders from Lord Uther and while I will try not to go against Will's tactics… my duty is still to guard you."

"Yeah, but it's weird." Hector said, as Matthew finally managed to slit the archer's throat. "I mean, two guys like us… we're supposed to sit here staring at each other's mugs?"

"If you can bear it, Lord Hector, I see no problems with this arrangement." Oswin returned.

"Right." Hector grimaced. "Sorry about that?"

"It's not a problem." Oswin said placidly.

"You do bug me though. You know that, right?" Hector asked, as they continued towards the village.

"Yes, of course." Oswin replied.

"Then why do you-" Hector began, turning towards the knight.

"Lord Hector." Oswin interrupted. "This is a battlefield. Focus on the battle."

"How do you expect me to concentrate now?" Hector grumbled to himself angrily.

"Hey Hector I found Erk we're going to get his employer you can head back to Eliwood now thanks bye!" Will shouted as he darted past with a mage Hector didn't recognize.

"…What?" Hector cried in surprise.

"He said to regroup with Eliwood, sir." Oswin supplied helpfully.

"What is with today…?" Hector grumbled to himself, turning and heading back towards the main group. Within moments, Matthew had also caught up. At least now he could help take down Erik.

"Blast!" Erik shouted in anger, seeing his forces being held, while the north and south had both failed to report back. The rain was beginning to pour down now, so their horses' movements had become severely limited. "They're stronger than I had supposed! You, to the castle! I want all the reinforcements available, and I want them now!"

"Lord Erik is struggling!" The soldier reported, saluting Lord Darin.

"What?" Darin cried in surprise. "Ready the men!"

"Unbelievable…" Ephidel muttered, though he sounded bemused. "These numbers cannot hold them." He turned, beginning to leave the room.

"Ephidel?" Lord Darin called in surprise. "W-Where are you going?"

"It seems that conquering Lycia might have been too much to ask of you after all. I must inform my master." Ephidel said, with a polite bow. His words had lost their kind edge, becoming hard and cold like a foggy night. "The Black Fang will be leaving at once."

"No!" Lord Darin cried, staggering over to the black cloaked man. "You… you can't abandon us! Not at this stage!"

"Who was it," Ephidel mused, "that said Ostia mustn't learn of our plans? Wasn't it you, Lord Darin? The Marquis of Laus himself?"

The words were like a slap in the face. The contempt was beginning to drip from his words. Darin knew he could not give it up. Not after everything he had lost for this chance. "Y-Yes, it was. There's no turning back for me now. Not now!" He admitted. "P-P-Please! One more… Give me one more chance. I assure you, I will not disappoint Lord Nergal!"

Ephidel looked at the desperate man. He would have to test him one more time, it seemed. "Very well. Assemble your men. We will regroup elsewhere."

"Eh?" Darin asked, his resolve wavering once more momentarily. "You mean… my son… my home… am I to abandon them?"

"Would you fall in disgrace along with your son?" Ephidel hissed softly. "Our master, Lord Nergal, is offering you all of Lycia. For that throne… surely a few sacrifices are in order?"

"Yes…" Lord Darin whispered to himself. "You're right. My destiny is greater than this. I was born to be King of Lycia."

Ephidel smiled. He had the man, but one last push couldn't hurt. "As for an heir? You are still young, my lord. You will have time. You mustn't let a moment's sentimentality cloud your judgment."

Darin fell silent, before he turned to his guard. "Gather the men. We're abandoning the castle."

"S-sir." The guard said, saluting his lord. He left the room, though with a heavy heart. They were to abandon their home and Lord Erik as well.

"Where are the reinforcements?" Erik demanded. His guard merely looked as confused as he felt. "I've no choice, I must press the attack. You! To the castle! Find more men!" He demanded of one of the few remaining scouts. They saluted and ran towards the castle at once. Father… what is going on?

"Lady Priscilla!" Erk called, entering the town. The young woman spotted him and ran to him immediately. "Are you alright?"

"I should be asking you that, Erk!" She cried. "Have you been wounded?"

Erk smiled. She was a much better client than Serra had been. "I'm fine. Listen, my lady. I've found some friends who will help us."

"Truly?" Priscilla asked, her eyes sparkling brightly.

"Let me introduce Will. An old friend." Erk said.

Will bowed politely. "I'm currently in service to Marquis Pharae's son, Eliwood. Erk seems to feel traveling with us would be safest for you."

"You can continue to search for your family on the way." Erk said.

"Erk!" Priscilla said indignantly.

"My apologies. That wasn't my business to reveal." Erk said with a hasty bow.

Will looked between the two questioningly, but decided it was best he drop it. "Will you join us?"

"Lady Priscilla, my teacher entrusted you to my care. Until you have reached your goal, I promise not to leave your side." Erk said.

Priscilla seemed greatly relieved by this. "Thank you, Erk." She turned to Will. "I will join you. I'm a healer, so I don't have much combat ability, but I can take care of any wounds you sustain."

"Follow me." Will said to the two. "We need to regroup with everyone else."

The rain fell upon the beach, making the sand firm and allowing Guy to dig in his heels. "You've got the left, and I've got the right, Laddie! Don't mess this up!" Wallace boomed.

"Sir!" Guy responded, almost involuntarily. Wallace's presence was hard to ignore at the best of times and when he barked orders Guy felt it best to follow them without question.

His killing edge flashed out as he struck a vital blow against the first bandit to reach the beach. Wallace laughed heartily as his axe came down upon the second bandit, and Guy locked up the third with his quick moves and swordplay. The dual axes these bandits used were certainly dangerous, but his speed was too much for them to handle and a couple of well-placed slashes during their exchanges brought the third to his knees before Guy drove the blade through his heart. Wallace continued to laugh, his lance a spinning death trap as the final bandit got himself skewered before he even got to shore.

"Good job, laddie." Wallace laughed.

Guy sighed in relief. That had been a close call for Mister Merlinus. It was lucky Eliwood had spotted the bandits. Though he was getting the feeling with Wallace around they wouldn't have managed to hurt the caravan anyway.

With Erk and Priscilla in tow, Will caught up with the rest of Eliwood's Elite just as they began to approach Erik. Will signaled Priscilla to hang back with Serra, Matthew and Dorcas as he and Erk joined the group. The rain finally let up as the clouds parted.

"Three cavaliers, one of which is Erik." Eliwood reported. "He's sporting a silver lance. Dangerous even in inexperienced hands, I'm sorry to report Erik is a very skilled fighter."

"We'll have to send our best then." Will said. "Marcus, Oswin, I need you to take him."

"On it." The knights responded.

"Don't look at me like that." Will sighed at Hector and Eliwood. "I know you two would gladly fight him, but at the moment we don't need the risk, especially if Lord Darin is going to fight us as well."

"You have a point there." Hector conceded. "So?"

"You and Bartre handle the one cavalier. Erk will help Eliwood with the last one. I'm going to make sure Rebecca and Lowen are alright."

As the fighting began, Will rushed off. Erik growled as Eliwood and Hector walked away from him, leaving their underlings to fight him. It was an insult, to say the least. "Laus is the true throne of Lycia! Taste my lance!" He shouted, rearing his horse for a charge. His horse met Marcus' half-way, the two silver lances clanging off each other as Marcus parried the blow. Erik growled and avoided the heavily armored knight, who took a stab at him as he passed by. So they were using coward's tactics, were they? "Eliwood too weak to fight me himself?" He taunted. "Has to send his dog?"

"Lord Eliwood would defeat you." Marcus stated. "But there is no need to give you the chance to injure him. A mere dog is enough for you."

"How dare you!" Erik screamed, charging forward once more. His lance clashed with Marcus' again as they passed, but this time Oswin was waiting. He grabbed the horse's leg with surprising force and jerked with all his might, pulling the horse to the ground. Erik toppled from the steed, and before he could right himself Marcus' lance was at his throat. Oswin came up from behind, forcing the lance from his hand and bringing Erik's hands behind his back. "Unhand me!" He shouted. "I am no one's prisoner!"

The battle was won. While Serra and Priscilla tended to the small injuries Lowen and Rebecca had sustained (they had each taken a blow, but nothing serious) Guy and Will kept watch over Erik, their killing edges sufficient threat to keep him still. After what seemed like an eternity, the group that had gone inside the castle returned. The looks of confusion on their faces filled Will with a sense of dread. At least they had managed to release the hostages, Wallace gently leading the small group of women back home.

Hector was the first to get back to Erik, jerking the prisoner roughly to his feet. "Get up, Erik."

"You peasants." Erik spat. "You can't treat a proper noble like this!"

"It's too late for niceties." Hector growled. "Be thankful you're still breathing. I would not have been so kind."

"Erik." Eliwood said. "You must tell me where your father is. We've searched the entire castle and no one is left."

"What?" Erik cried in surprise. "D-Don't be ridiculous! My father would never… He'd never… Ephidel…"

"Ephidel?" Eliwood repeated. "Who is that?"

Erik remained silent. Hector shook him roughly. "Speak, cur! Do you want your head removed so badly?"

"Hector!" Eliwood reprimanded. "Please, Erik. Tell us what you know. I just want to know where my father is."

Erik remained silent a bit more, but this time it seemed to be because he was gathering his thoughts. When he spoke, it was simple and to the point. "Ephidel… he came to us one year ago… right before my little brother died."

"I'm sorry for your loss." Eliwood said.

Erik smiled contemptuously. "You would be. After it happened, my father… changed. Ostia's position and power have always bothered him deep down. I think he felt Ostia's power and land made the Lycian territories unequal in standing. Like we were lesser in comparison. My father even felt Laus deserved to rule all of Lycia. But he had never spoken of rebellion before then."

"Did you say rebellion?" Hector asked in surprise.

Erik chuckled. "Ephidel had... something. With it, he convinced my father to set his plan in motion. My father sent envoys to several other Marquis. Marquis Pharae approved of the idea."

"What?" Hector asked in surprise, dropping Erik.

"Never!" Eliwood shouted. "My father would never agree to such a thing!"

"Believe or disbelieve, it's your choice." Erik shrugged. "First was Marquis Santaruz, then Pharae. Marquis Pharae visited here six months ago to seal his approval."

"It's not… possible." Eliwood said, his voice becoming quieter.

"My father and yours argued vehemently that day." Erik said. "Marquis Pharae always distrusted Ephidel. He tried to convince my father to send Ephidel and the Black Fang out of Lycia."

"The Black Fang?" Will shouted in surprise. This had been the information he was looking for.

"My father wouldn't listen and Marquis Pharae left the castle." Erik continued as if Will hadn't interrupted. "As you know, he then disappeared. I doubt he's still alive."

"No!" Eliwood shouted.

"Shut your mouth." Hector growled, fingering his axe threateningly.

Erik shrugged again. "Eliwood said he wanted to hear what I could tell. My father… He's become nothing but Ephidel's puppet. He'll listen to anything the villain has to say. Even watch his own son… die. Those are the sorts of people you're dealing with now. Marquis Pharae betrayed them. You think they would let him live?" Erik laughed, though it sounded bittersweet.

Eliwood ran. He couldn't take anymore. Without a thought, Will rushed after him. Hector was about to, but Oswin stopped him. "Let Lord William handle this, Lord Hector."

"You've been spying on me, have you Oswin?" Hector asked.

"You had a secret conversation with Will after receiving the box from Lord Helman. It wasn't difficult for me to put together the pieces." Oswin said with a small smirk.

"I see." Hector said. "So why have you stopped me, Oswin?"

"This new information is troubling, Lord Hector." Oswin said. "Let us return to Ostia. I cannot approve of helping Eliwood… or Pharae… any longer."

Hector felt his rage build. "What are you saying, Oswin?"

"We must think of Ostia's well-being." Oswin said. "If Marquis Pharae was involved in a rebellion…"

"Take back those words." Hector demanded.

"Lord Hector, I appreciate your feelings, but in the current circumstances—"

"I know Eliwood's father very well." Hector said, cutting off the loyal knight. "He is a man worthy of trust. You are following me on my brother's orders, but shouldn't you at least trust my decisions?" Oswin fell silent. He seemed to be contemplating something, but Hector had had enough. "If your duties to my brother come second to following my beliefs, then return to Ostia. You've done your duty and seen me to Eliwood. Thank you."

"My remarks were improper." Oswin said. "I apologize." As he did this, he bent down on one knee, something Hector had only ever seen him do for his brother.

"Oswin!" Hector cried in surprise. "You need not bend your knee to me!"

"My lord." Said Oswin firmly. "I would swear my service to you."

"Service… to me?" Hector asked, flabbergasted by Oswin's sudden change.

"Please accept my lance as your own." Oswin said, holding it forth. "Then return it with your blessings."

"Oswin." Hector said, still trying to get a handle on what the man was doing. "You…"

"I am a knight in service to House Ostia." Oswin said. "Until now, I have only offered my lance to Lord Uther. Yet… I now wish to offer you that same service. Please grant me that honor."

"Oswin…" Hector said, unsure of what else to say. Slowly, he reached for the lance.

Will approached Eliwood, who was crouched on the ground with his arms wrapped around his legs. "Eliwood…"

"My father may not be alive… and if he is, he supports a rebellion." Eliwood spoke, his tone broken. "There must be… there has to be a reason…"

"Of course there's a reason." Will said. "If you ask me, I'm still not certain I believe what this Erik told us. From your relationship, it seems Marquis Pharae would have little qualm with Ostia." He crouched down next to Eliwood. "First, we find your father and uncover the truth. Our objectives haven't changed."

"Will, I…" Eliwood said, looking up at the Sacaen. He smiled. "You're right, of course. I'm sorry."

"Don't doubt that your father lives." Will said. "Belief is one of the strongest things we have, right?"

"Of course." Eliwood said. "Marquis Laus, this man from the Fang Ephidel… We'll find them all and prove my father's innocence!"

"That's the spirit!" Will said. "Now come on! If Laus isn't going to use his castle, we will. It's time to gather any information we can find."

The two stood and made their way back to the rest of the group.