Author's Note: And so the retake Caelin chapters begin. Lyn's team has likely seen some action in the few days it took our heroes to arrive, but expect things to be pretty crazy. All the while I want to keep a bit of character interaction going, especially with the reunion that's been building for Lyndis' team and Will's group.

I'll try not to keep you waiting, so let's just dive right in! As always, please review if you can.

Chapter 46: Noble Lady of Caelin

An excerpt from the writings of Lord William:

Two weeks in Castle Laus had brought us no new information. Even the attack by Euban's mercenaries gave us nothing on Lord Darin's location. His knights have been spotted in several locations, which we learned thanks to Ostia's extensive network of spies, but never remained in one place long enough for us to ascertain their route. Once we did learn, it was too late. Caelin had fallen.

As a tactician, my first thought is Eliwood and Hector's safety. This attack has all the markings of a trap, to draw us to them so they can try and kill Eliwood again. I don't think they're after Hector himself, but they wouldn't miss Marquis Ostia's younger brother if he happened to get killed in the struggle.

As a friend, all I can think about is how I wish I had been there. To help Lyn defend her home. To help Kent coordinate the defense forces, Wil position the archers and Florina lead the scouts. To keep them all safe. As it is now, I can only hope they aren't dead. Please, please let them be okay.

The two days of near continuous marching had taken its toll on them all. The rest they had gotten at Castle Laus was all but forgotten, as heavy eyes accompanied heavy footfalls. They had rested a mere three hours the first night and five the second, totaling eight over the past two days. As it was, they still felt rather far from their destination.

Will had managed to pass the time in a relatively efficient way. When he wasn't strategizing their offensive on Laus' forces in Merlinus' wagon, he was speaking to various members of the group. The first day he had finally gotten a chance to speak to Erk about his travels.

"I heard rumors about Pharae's new tactician, you know." Erk said with a smirk, as he entered the caravan. "It was you, wasn't it?"

"There seem to be a lot of rumors." Will said, though he looked pleased. "When did that one start?"

"Oh, about a month ago." Erk shrugged. "I heard it from the villagers when Lady Priscilla and I became stuck in Laus."

"Yeah, how did he manage that?" Will asked. "And why?"

Erk pursed his lips. "I get the feeling it was part of Ephidel's plot. By surrounding Darin with a lot of young… women, he made it easier for Darin to believe in his own charisma and become more willing to abandon his heir."

"Ah… for uh… procreation." Will said. "Ugh, it makes me feel sick hearing that."

"It's more common than you'd like." Erk agreed. "Mistresses are still common among nobility."

"Something I hope Eliwood and Hector don't inherit." Will sighed.

"They aren't the types." Erk chuckled. "So yes, because of Lady Priscilla's… assets, she was hunted by Marquis Laus for his… harem."

"I'm glad we were able to help, then." Will said.

"Me as well." Erk nodded. "We were lucky that the villagers let us stay hidden, though they couldn't help us escape Laus."

"So what about you then?" Will asked. "You've been talking a lot about Lady Priscilla, but nothing about yourself."

"Have I?" Erk said. "I didn't realize. Apologies."

"None necessary." Will said. "I know you consider yourself a good escort, so it's natural you care for your employer. Serra's clearly missed you."

"Don't get me started." Erk sighed. "She was far too demanding. It reminded of the time I tried to stop my master from leaving on a research trip. He and his wife left without half their belongings, so I had to pack a bag and follow them. Once I reached them, I had to slow them down enough to make sure they hadn't forgotten anything else."

"Your master sounds like an odd duck." Will chuckled.

"If he has his research and his wife, 'what else could a man need?'" Erk said, taking on a slightly deeper tone to imitate the man. "'You'll understand once you've found the one you'll spend your life with, Erk.'"

"Well here's hoping you never forget to pack yourself food, right?" Will laughed.

"I'll never outstrip his pursuit of knowledge." Erk sighed. "Not for lack of trying, mind you. By the way, you remember Mark's strange infusion technique?"

"You mean where he was able to infuse his sword with elemental properties?" Will asked, drawing upon that knowledge. "I only ever saw him use dark magic on it, though."

"Dark magic, or elder magic as practitioners prefer it to be called, works much like a curse." Erk explained. "Mark used it on his sword because a single cut could in theory act like a deadly poison. I heard he used his own dark magic to increase its power, allowing him to use it much like a rune sword."

"A more powerful variation of swords like that… he truly was a genius." Will said.

"Part of the reason I'm telling you is because I'd like us to try something similar." Erk explained.

"What?" Will asked in confusion.

"You have an affinity for all three types of magic." Erk said. "You aren't particularly good at any of them, but that may allow us an opportunity."

"Thanks…?" Will said, feeling a tad bit insulted.

"Ah, sorry. I didn't mean it harshly." Erk said. "I've heard you're much better at light magic, I just haven't seen you in combat yet."

"Hang on… You're thinking that since my magic isn't overly strong like yours, it might be perfect for… enchantment?" Will asked.

"An interesting word." Erk said. "Yes, let's go with that. If you could say, enchant Eliwood's rapier or Hector's axe with fire, it would feasibly be able to melt armor."

"Which would keep them safer against heavily armored opponents." Will mused. "It's a thought, but like you said it would take a lot of work. Let's talk about it again after we've save Caelin."

"Sounds good to me." Erk said. "Also, whatever crazy plan you think up, make sure I'm in them. I'd like to help Lyndis as well. I'm sure most of us feel the same."

"Right…" Will said. "Thank you, Erk.

Exhaustion lay heavy upon Lyn's small group like a blanket. They had been fighting from the forest for the past couple days with no great amount of success. A surprise attack on the gate had failed when an archer nearly shot Sain off his horse. They managed to retreat and get Sain treated, but Sain's leg still hadn't healed entirely.

On the second day, while Sain rested under Florina's care, Kent, Lyndis and Wil managed to stop a raid on one of the nearby villages. They had taken down the six knights demanding food from the villagers, with only Lyn receiving a nasty gash to her sword arm. While she treated herself, Kent and Wil spoke to the townsfolk.

"It's best you all leave town for a few days." Wil said. "I promise we'll do everything we can to recapture the castle."

"The last thing Lady Lyndis wants is for any one of you to be hurt by Laus." Kent continued. "Unfortunately, once these knights fail to report in, you will be targeted. Please."

The villagers understood. They had even been so kind as to share a large quantity of food with the group, who didn't want to admit they sorely needed it. Game was scare in Caelin and any time they spent hunting only lessened their time battling Laus, not to mention the danger of running into Laus' forces every time they risked it.

"Thank you." Lyn managed, though she winced. "Please forgive me for troubling all of you."

"Lady Lyndis, you've brought much joy to Caelin." The village elder, a kindly older woman with laugh lines etching her face, said. "We're happy to help."

Their third day had begun. Sain's injury was well enough for him to begin fighting again as was Lyn's arm, but they were no better off than they had been when the fighting had begun. Wil's supply of arrows had barely been replenished from aiding the nearby village, and currently he had ten shots at most. Add in the exhausted state of Harry, Wesley and Huey and their chances were dwindling by the day.

Kent returned from his reconnaissance, looking aggravated. Well, Sain liked to call that look Kent's aggravated look. Sometimes it could be hard to tell the minor differences in Kent's facial expressions. The furrowed brow may have confused some into thinking it was Kent's worried face, but his eyes were stern, which Sain was able to recognize as the 'I'm not happy I'm pissed off" face. "Milady." Kent said, dismounting to give Wesley a small breather. "I've returned."

"What news?" Lyn asked.

"Laus' soldiers are scattered from the castle to the edge of this forest. I'm unsure of the exact estimate, but I'm almost certain they are at least fifty in number." Kent reported.

Sain grimaced. He didn't like the sound of that. "Are you sure about this, milady? We barely escaped the castle, our first raid went terribly and even the village we saved was almost at the cost of our own lives. Going back to the castle now… is almost guaranteed suicide."

"My grandfather is in the castle." Lyn stated firmly. "I left on his orders, but I told you when we left, I refuse to leave him at Darin's mercy."

"Rescue missions would be a lot easier with Will here." Wil whistled. When Lyn shot him a glare, he shrugged. "Everyone's thinking it, I'm just saying it aloud."

"Word must have reached Laus by now." Sain mused. "Do you think we can expect reinforcements?"

"Will told me…" Florina spoke up softly. "That reinforcements are a welcome surprise, but never to plan on them. It's more likely the enemy has more reinforcements that will come during the fight than anyone will come to our aid."

"Wow… Did Will's tactics always sound that pessimistic?" Wil sighed.

"It's through that realism he found a way to get us to Caelin." Florina said, puffing out her cheeks. "We have to plan thoroughly."

"I did overheard the Laus soldiers talking." Kent said. "They were passing around the story of how Lord Eliwood drove them from Laus. Will's letter wasn't mistaken. They've especially been worried about why Lord Darin left his son Erik behind."

"Despicable." Sain spat. "Lord Darin was already on our blacklist, but abandoning family is the lowest a man can sink."

"Knowing Will…" Lyn began, placing a hand to her forehead. The gesture made the others chuckle at her imitation of the tactician she was speaking of, "He'll head here immediately with Eliwood. If they traveled the distance in the shortest amount of time they could, they would be here no later than tomorrow."

"So what do we do?" Wil asked. "If we want to lead him to us, the best pathway to the north is through the forest. I can go if you want."

"I know it's not what Will would want us to plan on." Lyn said, giving a small smile to Florina, "But I admit we can't do this with five of us. Since the horses can't move well in these woods… if you travel light, you should make it within half a day or so…"

"Lady Lyndis!" Florina said. "I'll go. Huey and I can fly high above the forest. I can find them within hours."

"Florina?" Lyn asked. "I don't want you to do this. It's too dangerous! Laus' forces will see you and there are archers among their troops! Flying is just as dangerous as going through the forest!"

"Thanks to my time here, with you all, I'm no longer as timid as I used to be." Florina said, without a hint of fear in her voice. "I'm not scared around Will and I've met Lord Eliwood before. I can do this."

Lyn looked at Florina, the two sharing a strange stare as neither wanted to back down. "It will be dangerous… you understand that, right?"

"Yes." Florina said. "I promised to become braver. I'm not the weak little Florina I used to be. I'll be fine."

The two continued to look each other for a moment more, before Lyn gave in. "You've convinced me. The job's yours, Florina. Promise me you won't do anything impossible, alright?"

She drew Florina into a hug, which Florina returned. "I won't. Don't worry, milady, I'll bring Will back to us." The hug ended, and Florina slung her leg over Huey's back, before spurring the pegasus into motion. They entered the small clearing, before Florina dug her heels into Huey's side, and the two took off into the air, flying high into the sky. Eventually they vanished from sight, beginning to head north towards Laus.

"Did you hear our meek little Florina?" Sain said, a small amount of pride welling in his chest. "She sounded most forceful! She's becoming a real beauty! In one or two more years…"

"She's become a full-fledged pegasus knight." Kent said, cutting Sain off.

"Yes…" Lyn said, still looking into the sky. "She has."

"All for you, eh Lady Lyndis? Quite gallant." Wil whistled.

"I don't think it was just for me." Lyn said. "For herself, maybe." She sighed. "When she would visit me on the plains, I always protected her. I know I shouldn't feel sad that she's grown, but…"

"So?" Kent asked. "What's the plan, Lady Lyndis? I assume you aren't planning to stand still and wait."

"Of course not." Lyn said. "It's time to get to work."

Commander Bauker yawned. He wasn't necessarily bored, but Lord Darin had been sitting on Caelin for two days now. He had been under the impression they weren't staying for long, and they would be moving on to their next conquest. Caelin hadn't put up much of a fight. Perhaps Araphen or Pharae would be next. He did look forward to putting that coward sitting upon Araphen's throne under his boot. It would be a pleasing feeling to remove such an unworthy one from his rule. Only his lord deserved to rule Lycia. Only he could make the world a safer place. A better place.

"Commander!" One of his scouts shouted from the front. "There appears to be a pegasus rider in the northern skies!"

Bauker squinted his eyes, and could barely spot the pegasus the scout was speaking of. Now where could she be heading off too? In the end, it didn't really matter. "We've been told not to let anyone out of Caelin! Archers, advance! One of you get on that ballistae and bring her down!"

The archers scrambled. Some darted forward to take aim with their bows, while one ran to the side, grabbing the large operating handle and turning the Ballistae quickly in the direction of the north. They had been pointing at the southern forest where that granddaughter no doubt was going to attack from, but they had more than enough soldiers covering it to turn the ballistae away for a brief time. They couldn't let any other nations find out their plans. Not until it was too late.

"The road to Laus… I've gotten over the forest, so now I just have to fly north…" Florina looked down below, just in time to see a mass of people marching towards Caelin. They were close. Were they more enemies? If that was the case, she should get back to Lyn and warn her not to… no, she already had a task. "Wait… they aren't flying a banner… and that man in the lead… Lord Eliwood?" Florina squinted a bit harder, and indeed noticed the red haired lord. "They've come to Caelin's aid! Wonderful! I have to tell him where to find Lyn!" In her joy, she even forgot to use Lyn's title. Knocking Huey's side, she began to dive, unaware of the Ballistae taking aim just behind her.

"I've spotted the enemies." Matthew reported to Eliwood, Hector and Will. Eliwood was at the head, with Hector and Will just behind. The last night had not been great, but had managed to get just enough sleep to be ready for combat. Will had withheld any battle formations until they reached Caelin, so he could see the full situation for himself. "Hang on, their archers are advancing… They're aiming up?" Matthew looked up, his eyes widening in surprise. "It's Florina!"

"Florina!" Will shouted, looking up. He could see the green glad girl descending towards them, even as the arrows began to fly.

"Lord Eliwood!" Florina shouted. It seems she hadn't managed to spot Will. He did admit, Eliwood's hair color was more unique than his brown mop.

"Florina! Fly lower!" Eliwood shouted desperately.

"Wha-oh!" Florina noticed just in time to send herself and Huey into a downward spiral, barely escaping a ballistae shot that would have claimed her life.

"Florina! Huey!" Will shouted. "Hector, stop them!"

"How in the- hey!" Hector shouted, before Will shoved Hector with all his might into the path of the oncoming duo. The collision would have been funny, if it wasn't so worrying. Hector took a rough pegasus kick to the chest (His armor thankfully preventing any damage) and toppled over as Huey barely managed to land upright. Florina, dizzy from her near fatal fall, fell off the pegasus into Will's arms.

"Can you hear me? Florina?" Will asked, as softly as he could.

Florina's eyes fluttered open. Seeing the face of Will, she felt herself flush all the way to the roots of her hair. "W-Will! I-I-I…" she trailed off.

Will sighed in relief. "You got lucky. I thought I warned you to watch out for archers when you're in the sky."

"I-I'm sorry." Florina mumbled, her voice becoming quiet. "I didn't mean to cause trouble…"

"I'm just glad you aren't hurt." Will said. "What about Lyn? Kent? Sain? Wil?"

"They're in the southern forest. You remember the one?" Florina asked.

"Ah, that one." Will said. "I know what you're talking about."

"They're waiting for a chance to assault the castle." Florina continued.

"Seriously?" Will scratched the back of his head. "Of all the crazy… Still, at least they're all safe for now."

"Lord Hausen is still in the castle." Florina explained. "I think that's why Lyn is so determined to stay and fight."

"We can't have you taking to the skies again with that Ballistae around." Will said through gritted teeth. "I'm not sure how long Lyndis can last in that forest if they concentrate forces on her, so we'll have to make ourselves the more dangerous and appealing target."

"Then let me and Hector lead the way." Eliwood said. "Ephidel won't pass up the chance to try and kill us, right?"

Will grimaced. "I don't like it, but it's the best plan. Marcus, Lowen, Oswin and Wallace! I need you four with these two at the front! Protect them with your life!"

"There are about fifty enemies, by Kent's estimate." Florina reported. "I forgot to mention that."

"Alright. A team of six may not be enough then… Bartre and Dorcas! Join the first team!" Will commanded. The two nodded. "Finally Serra! You need to stay with the first team. Keep them alive, got it?"

"You betcha!" Serra said with a wink.

"Priscilla! You're the healer for team two! You both have heal and mend staffs, correct?" Will asked.

"Yes!" Priscilla yelped. Serra winked again.

"Good! Team two alongside Priscilla is Erk, Rebecca, Matthew and Guy!" Will commanded. "Your job is to be a strike team! Heavy knights are for Erk's magic, but the priority is the archers and the ballistae! Take that out as soon as possible! Once it's gone, Florina and I will rendezvous with Lyn's team and help them join our group. Once we manage that, we can push for the castle! Any questions?"

"Milord, what about attacks from the back?" Merlinus asked. "I cannot protect the caravan alone."

"Good point." Will said, tapping his forehead. Florina giggled upon seeing the familiar gesture. "I hate to draw away from either team, but we need the supplies to be safe… Guy! You're on guard detail!"

Guy nodded. He figured Will wouldn't be able to weaken the frontline and of the strike team he was the least useful. Erk's magic, Rebecca's bow, Priscilla's healing and Matthew's sneak attacks were all vital. He was the extra sword in that equation. "I'll protect Merlinus and Hannah with my life."

"Don't die." Will said seriously. "Any enemies that come will either be lance users or bandits that use axes. I believe Merlinus got a lance reaver in stock. Switch to that if you need to."

"Got it." Guy said.

"I'm willing to fight." Florina said to Will. "You're not leaving me out on purpose, are you?"

"You almost got killed earlier." Will said. "You're still a bit shaken from that, even if you don't realize it. Give yourself and Huey a chance to recover. That way once the archers are gone we can help Lyn and the others."

"Right." Florina said, gripping her lance.

"It's good to see you again." Will said. "I noticed you grew your hair out."

"Eh? I uh… well…" Florina stuttered, falling into silence. "I wanted to… keep it long. I'll work around… the weakness."

"I knew you had it in you." Will smiled. Florina flushed as Will spoke to the group again. "If any of you get seriously injured, pull back and regroup here! I don't want anybody dying, got it?"

"Right." Eliwood responded.

"Move out!" Will shouted. The group split, going about it's task.

"Hey!" Bauker barked. "Someone get there and scout the area! We need to know if that pegasus knight is still breathing! If she is, make her stop!"

"My lord!" One of the scouts reported, ignoring his orders. "We're under attack! It's the Pharaen noble Eliwood!"

"So, he's come here eh?" Bauker said, feeling a small bit of excitement at the news. Perhaps today wouldn't be so boring after all. "Now's our chance to show Marquis Laus our loyalty. Our opponents are a motley crew of fools! They stand no chance against us! Let us meet them in combat and kill them all!"

The fifty strong shouted a battle cry as they began to move. Bauker smiled, taking up his lance and standing at the gate. Anyone foolish enough to challenge him would deal with the hefty blow of this heavy lance. He had taken it from the nearby village in their acquisition run, and it had more power than any lance he had used before. It may have been slow, but a single hit could kill a man. Not only that, it could easily kill beasts of burden and pierce heavy armor. No one could easily pierce his armor either. He was the perfect wall for this young lord to break himself against.

The battle began in earnest. The front lines of both forces clashed against each other, the clanging of weapons resounding through the fields. Only a year before this had been the battlefield of the Caelin knights against the forces of Lyndis and even now the ground still bore the signs of that battle. Once more blood stained the grass as a war was fought.

Wallace and Oswin made quite the wall, so each held one end of the line. While cavaliers tried to flank them, their heavy armor made it easy for the two to prevent any damage being dealt to themselves or the others. Marcus and Lowen acted as strikers, sending their horses forward for attacks before pulling back to the line. It was this way that three knights had been disarmed and retreated from the line already. Wallace himself had three victories while Oswin defeated two enemies himself. Near these two, Dorcas and Bartre acted as a small strike team. Dorcas' handaxe forced three enemies to guard or dodge in such a way that Bartre instantly closed the distance between himself and their enemies, his silver axe claiming all three lives. In the middle of their line Eliwood and Hector stood firm, using their rapier and Wolf Beil respectively to attack anyone that came close. Serra stood behind them, gripping her staff tightly as she watched the battle unfold. It was the first time she had been so close to the front, and she couldn't say she enjoyed the sensation. At least Lord Hector's bulk hid her from view. It did drive home something she hadn't thought much about before: how to protect herself if enemies attacked her. Until now she had either been at the back, or hadn't even considered the prospect of fighting. Now that she was here, merely healing seemed like an easy way to be targeted and get herself killed. Perhaps when the reverend mother had suggested she take up light magic it had not been so crazy a proposition after all. Eliwood's rapier pierced through another knight's armor, dropping him as he approached. Serra let out a tiny 'eep' as the lifeless body fell at her feet.

Guy had quickly understood why Will had asked him to stay behind when Merlinus had asked. As soon as the fighting began bandits had emerged from a nearby cave, making a bee-line for the caravan. He intercepted them without so much as a word, his Killing edge killing the first bandit without giving him a chance to turn around. The second bandit swung in a wide arc in an attempt to injure Guy, but he lept back just in time. His killing edge lashed out once more, plunging into the man's axe arm before Guy pulled it out and slit the man's throat. When the second bandit dropped, Guy realized a lance was dangerously close to his abdomen. He turned, barely avoiding the killing blow as the lance still pierced his side. Dropping to one knee, Guy let out a sharp hiss of pain as the lance man ran in for another attack. To Guy's surprise, the man was stopped by a dagger that had been thrown haphazardly at the attacker. "Guy, take this!" Merlinus shouted, throwing a sword at Guy's feet.

Guy recognized the lance reaver from its unique shape. Unlike a normal sword, it was curved in such a way as to aid in the removal of lance heads. It certainly earned its name. Guy dropped his killing edge for the moment, grabbing the lance reaver with both hands. He'd only have once chance. Springing to his feet, his spun quickly in a circle before swinging the sword in a compact arc close to his abdomen. Just in time the lance head entered range, getting removed from the shaft before the second attack injured him further. Guy quickly lunged forward, swinging the lance reaver sharply into the man's shoulder. The blade cut deep, dropping the final opponent to the ground. Guy collapsed again, this time trying his best not to fall unconscious as his vision blurred. Merlinus quickly came to his side, pulling out a vulnerary and beginning to administer aid. "Thank you." Guy managed in between ragged breaths.

"I'm just glad I helped in time." Merlinus grimaced, focusing on the task at hand.

Meanwhile, Matthew's shadow team had been busy. They had dealt with three archers in decent succession. Erk's fire had turned one into a pile of burning clothes, Rebecca's arrow and his daggers had finished the second and while the third had caught them by surprise, Priscilla had managed to deflect the arrow with her mend staff as Rebecca shot and arrow into his knee. After disarming him, they left him alive. If he couldn't fight, he wasn't much more of a threat and Matthew realized both Rebecca and Priscilla were having a bit of trouble handling the death toll. However, now that they had successfully snuck their way to the ballistae, there was no other way to handle it. "Erk, can you set the entire thing ablaze?"

"I don't have an elfire tome, so probably not." Erk shook his head. "If we take out the handler maybe Rebecca can use it?"

"I've never tried it before… but if it's just a big bow I suppose it couldn't be that hard." Rebecca mused. Matthew and Erk chuckled. "What? What did I say?"

"Wil said the same thing a year ago." Matthew smirked. "You two are cut from the same cloth."

Rebecca blushed. "Are we doing this or not?" She growled.

"We're going." Erk said, pulling out his thunder tome. "I'll use this to try and shock him. Matthew, you finish. Afterwards I'll send a fireball into the sky to signal the others."

"Got it." Matthew said. In quick succession these events took place. Erk unleashed a bolt of lightning, which struck the Archer as he took aim at Eliwood's force. Matthew dashed out from cover, before noticing another enemy right next to the ballistae they hadn't been able to see. Rebecca fired an arrow, barely grazing the new enemy's leg as Matthew parried the lance with his daggers just in time. Erk sent another bolt of lightning at the archer, this one dropping the man and leaving the lance user as their only remaining foe. Matthew again parried just in time, while Rebecca's second shot missed entirely. The enemy kicked Matthew away, before darting at Rebecca. Rebecca screamed, firing an arrow straight into her attacker's oncoming face. The arrow pierced straight through the eye, the man falling to the ground before breaching the trees. Rebecca fell to the ground, shivering as Priscilla hurried over to treat Matthew, who aside from a nice bruise seemed to be fine. Erk breathed a sigh of relief, before shooting a fireball into the air.

"That's the signal." Will said in relief. "Let's go, Florina."

"Right!" Florina returned enthusiastically, before taking off with Will and Huey into the skies once more. Flying over the battlefield, they could see progress being made steadily in the direction of Castle Caelin. In the southern forest, they could see signs of conflict as well, as Lyn's forces no doubt drew any enemies they could into the tricky terrain.

Lyn gripped her sword arm as it throbbed angrily. So far her Mani Katti had battled four enemies, all of whom had been gratefully defeated by one of her companions intervening just in time. She knew she wasn't in top shape, but it angered her to feel this useless in a fight. Kent's sword and Sain's lance made a great duo as usual, though not being able to use their horses kept their group trapped inside of the forest. They could hear the sounds of battle far away, so they figured Florina had met with Eliwood's forces just in time, but as it was they couldn't move to meet them.

Wil's bow was especially impressive. With very few shots, he had to aim carefully. Of the two shots he had taken one had injured the enemy's arm which allowed Lyn to push him off her and straight into Kent's sword, while the second had been a kill shot to the archer that had been backing up the force attacking them in the forest.

Fatigue was beginning to take hold, but they saw something that gave them quite a lot of hope. Florina's pegasus was flying back from the north. The sight filled all four of them with relief and joy. When Florina arrived, it turned out she wasn't alone. On her back was a familiar man with brown hair, in the Sacaen garb of the Lorca tribe. "You really are trying to retake the castle. You're lucky we got here in time."

The four all felt elated, Lyn running forward and wrapping her arms around Will in a hug. "Welcome back." She said, sniffing a bit as tears stung her eyes happily.

Will looked awkwardly at the others, before doing his best to return the hug. "I'm home. Well, Once we clear it of Darin, that is."

"Right." Lyn said, breaking the hug and turning away, hiding the burning in her cheeks. "Forgive me I just was overcome with joy for a moment."

"Not a problem." Will said. "Supplies?"

"Low on arrows, and Lady Lyndis' sword arm is faring poorly." Kent reported.

"Rebecca has taken over the enemy ballistae. Sain, I want you to escort Wil there. He'll be able to use it much better since he's had practice." Will said.

"Rebecca?" Wil asked in surprise. "Do you mean-"

"Later." Will cut him off. "Kent, Florina and I will advance from the forest to meet up with Eliwood's group. Florina, how are you on javelins?"

"I have plenty." She said with a firm nod.

"Lyn, you'll bring up the rear. We'll get Serra to look at your hand once we join up with Eliwood." Will smiled. "That way you can help us retake the castle when it's time."

Lyn frowned, but nodded. "I understand."

"Then let's get moving." Will said, turning as his tactician's cloak swished dramatically behind him. "We've got a battle to win."