Author's note: I uh… I had too much to write for once and I wasn't mistaken this time. I needed two chapters to get through the Noble Lady of Caelin chapter. Well to be fair a lot of stuff happens so I guess that's how the cards fall.

This chapter will feature a more heavy focus on Lyn as she rejoins Eliwood's group, though Will and the others will of course be around as the battle continues. They have to bring Bauker down and even then there's still the fate of Raven, Lucius and Lord Hausen to consider.

As always, review if you get the chance. I enjoy hearing your thoughts, opinions and speculation about how the story will go.

Chapter 47: The Siege of Caelin

A letter from Dame Florina to Tactician William:

Dear Will,

I'm not very good at writing letters. Even now I don't seem to write them very often. The occasional letters I write to my sisters feel different from something like this, though I can't really explain why that is. Like it's the comfort level, or something?

Not that I don't think we get along! I'm really grateful to you for all the time you spent helping me. You were the first boy I've ever felt comfortable getting close to. Not close in like that weird way that Sain thinks of, but close in friendship. You know what I mean, right?

Oh, I feel like I should restart writing the letter again, but I've already tried sending this letter five times and I don't want to waste the paper. Umm… I suppose it would be best just to write what I was trying to tell you.

Lyn, I only call her that between us, invited me to join the Lorca tribe as well. I uh… I needed some time to think about it. I really did want to, but at the same time I like being a pegasus knight, feeling connected to my sisters. I went home to Ilia. Only Farina was there, but she still helped me figure things out. I've decided to become the third Lorcan.

At this rate, Lyn will have a sizable tribe soon enough. Maybe one day she'll even induct Kent. Could you imagine Kent in Lorcan garb? Thinking about it made me giggle all through training the other day. Kent glared at me, but it was worth it.

I hope we'll get to meet again soon. The year you said you'd be gone is almost up. Is Wallace still traveling with you? Have you seen Dorcas and Natalie's baby yet? Lyn and I visited right after the birth. She's a beautiful little girl. Umm… yeah.

I think I said everything I wanted to, so I'm going to finish the letter now. We're all waiting for you in Caelin, Will.

Come back soon,

Florina

"Lyn, you should be taking better care of yourself." Serra berated as she held her mend staff over Lyn's injured hand. Lyn could feel the strains and bruises slowly melting away. "I just met you again and already you're in need of my help."

"I heard you were traveling with Will." Lyn said. "How did that happen?"

"I came with Lord Hector." Serra said, puffing out her chest proudly. "I'm an official vassal to house Ostia now."

"Hector?" Lyn asked. "The blue haired one?"

"Oh come now Lyn, you remember him from the Taliver alliance surely!" Serra said, waving a hand airily. "He's Marquis Ostia's younger brother? He's also a good friend of Lord Eliwood's, by the way. When Eliwood set out to find his father, Lord Hector immediately headed out to join him."

""I see." Lyn mused. "Well, thank you for coming Serra. I'm glad to see you again."

"It's no trouble at all." Serra grinned. "After all, when a dear friend is in trouble, you have to help them. It's a rule!"

"A dear friend?" Lyn asked. "Is that what we are?"

"Don't you worry Lyn. Social positions never bother me. I know we'll get along just fine." Serra giggled. Lyn felt herself smile as well, in spite of herself. Gripping her Mani Katti, she felt the power returning to her body. The fatigue that had built up felt like it had faded away with Will and Eliwood's arrival.

"Back!" The gruff voice of Dorcas shouted, as he threw his hand axe to intercept a javelin thrown by a cavalier. Just in time the two attacks met and cancelled each other out. The cavalier had clearly been targeting Serra this time, which meant Laus had caught on to her purpose in the fighting.

"Let me help!" Lyn shouted, darting forward. Drawing the Mani Katti with a quick decisive slash, Lyn unseated the cavalier before spurring the horse away. Dorcas quickly followed up on her attack, burying his axe in the cavalier's leg to prevent her from fighting further.

"Glad to see you well, Lyn." Dorcas said with a soft smile.

"I heard you were traveling with Will." Lyn said. "Why did you decide to leave Natalie and your child in Pharae?"

"I couldn't ask Natalie to come with me." Dorcas said. "Her treatments are finally showing results. In another year or two, it will hopefully be like she was never ill."

"That's wonderful." Lyn returned as she disarmed an oncoming lance man. Dorcas retrieved his hand axe before throwing it back into the fray. "But why didn't you stay with her?"

"Eliwood needed help." Dorcas grunted. "I couldn't let him go alone. Lord Elbert has been very kind to Natalie and I while we lived in Pharae for this past year. I figured my axe could be of use in finding him."

"I see." Lyn said. "I guess I can understand."

"When we heard of Caelin, the leaders of our little band decided to march right away." Dorcas said. "It was a rough two days of travel, but I'm glad we made it in time."

"I certainly hope so." Lyn agreed. "My grandfather is still in the castle."

"Then we'll save him as well." Dorcas grunted again, lashing out with his steel axe. "Someday, when you've free time once more, do visit us in Pharae again. Natalie would like to see you."

"Of course." Lyn said. "I'm looking forward to it."

At the ballistae, there was an entirely different problem taking place. Well, it was certainly a problem in Sain's eyes, but perhaps Wil was just too oblivious to realize it. "Rebecca?" He asked, upon spotting the green haired archer girl. "Yeah, Rebecca!"

Rebecca, who had turned upon hearing her name, instantly soured in expression upon seeing the red haired archer. "Who are you?" She asked, coldly. Sain recognized that glare. It was the glare of a lady scorned. Though it was only because he had been an hour late to his date with a village maiden that he remembered such a terrifying feeling that made its way down his spine.

"Huh? It's me!" Wil said, completely oblivious to the brush off he was receiving. "You know, Wil? The guy next door?"

"Hmm…" Rebecca looked him up and down, and seemed to be deciding what she would say next. "I know no such person."

"Really?" Wil asked in surprise. He crossed his arms curiously as Rebecca stood back from the ballistae to let him take over. Apparently she knew enough to know why they were there, even if her manner of relinquishing her duties was… brutal. "Sorry." Wil apologized as he approached the ballistae. "I guess I've got the wrong person."

"What." Rebecca deadpanned. Sain's eyebrows also shot up in surprise. Wil had never caught on to the court etiquette Kent had taught him very well, but Sain had figured it was just difficult to adjust. Was it possible that Wil was just… unbelievably dense?

"Well, I'll take over the ballistae. Thanks for the hard work!" Wil said cheerfully, before taking aim at the Caelin gates with the Ballistae.

"Drat." Rebecca cursed under her breath. Sain realized this was going to be trouble.

"Hello again, Sain." The calm voice of a mage greeted him.

"Hm?" Sain finally tore his eyes away from the exchange to see the mop of purple hair. "Well, if it isn't Erk! I heard you were with Eliwood's company."

"It's… nice to see you both again." Erk nodded.

"What made you join up this time? Another lovely lady employer in the depths of danger?" Sain asked.

"You'd uh… be surprised." Erk coughed.

"Wait, seriously?" Sain asked. "I was joking."

"Yes well…" Erk looked embarrassed. "At least Lady Priscilla is calmer than Serra ever was."

Priscilla, who was nearby, bowed politely. "It's nice to meet you." She said placidly.

"She's… wow." Sain said. "Talk about a beauty. Some guys really do have all the luck."

"Sain…" Erk growled dangerously.

"Have no fear." Sain said, raising a hand. "I would never dare try to make her mine."

"I just meant Lady Priscilla isn't use to your… flirtatious ways. So please keep that to a minimum." Erk said.

"I'll… try." Sain said with a frown.

"Sain!" Erk barked.

"What? She's a real beauty!" Sain said defensively. Priscilla, who could easily hear their exchange, blushed heavily.

"You haven't changed." Erk sighed.

Matthew had been sent back to the front by Sain and Wil once they arrived to report to Eliwood and hector about the plan to push Caelin's gates. Of course, this also meant he'd be running into Lyndis again. He hadn't expected to run into her first, though. "Matthew!" She shouted.

"Uh, no! You've got the wrong fellow!" Matthew shouted back, avoiding the front as Oswin stepped forward to engage a new knight. "Take care now!"

"Stop right there!" Lyn commanded.

In spite of himself, Matthew did so. He had ended up revealing he was a spy before leaving Lyn's company, but it still made him a tad uncomfortable to speak to them. "Saw right through my disguise, didn't you." He sighed.

"What are you talking about?" Lyn huffed. "How could I not recognize you? You're… you!"

"Yes well, being memorable is not an admirable trait for a spy to have." Matthew said airily. "Why do you think I didn't write?"

"So that was on purpose." Lyn sighed. "I figured as much, but weren't you claiming to be a thief even after being ousted?"

"Yes! Very smart of you, Lady Lyndis!" Matthew said. "After all, if secrets cannot be kept the thief must be silenced, you see?"

"Very well." Lyn said. "I'm sorry if I said anything troublesome. But you should know, you can always talk to me. I'm sure I'll be able to help."

As she dashed back into the fray, Matthew sighed. "Lady Lyndis… aren't you the one in trouble right now? You're either generous to a fault… or something else altogether." He spotted hector among the fray. "Ah, young master!"

"Matthew?" Hector growled, as he kicked his opponent away. Eliwood dashed forward, stabbing his rapier through the weak point of the plating near the arm joint.

Matthew whistled. "I've heard you're quite strong, milord, but seeing it up close is something else. Just remember, if you need my help with anything, just let me know! I'll swipe the very weapons from our enemy's hands!"

"I might ask for that later on, yeah." Hector said seriously, wiping sweat from his brow as Lowen and Marcus charged. Their attack gave him and Eliwood a chance to breath. "What's the report?"

"Will the tactician, Florina and Kent are attacking from the southern forest." Matthew said. "Wil the archer has taken over the ballistae from Rebecca and he's going to try and damage the knight holding the gate. We're to push in and meet Kent's team just before their commander. Depending on who is in what condition, even a three on one may not be enough to handle him."

"That's… not encouraging." Eliwood panted. "If he's skilled, and has superior weaponry to our own… fatigue becomes our enemy."

"Are you a bit hungry, milord?" Matthew asked.

Hector paused. It felt like an odd question to ask, but now that it had been brought up it made him think. "Now that you mention it, I guess I should've brought some rations."

"Leave that to me!" Matthew said, producing some spare rations from his cloak, handing one bag to each lord. "I thought we might have need, so I grabbed some before we left. If I just stick it in your pockets…"

"That was thoughtful…" Hector began. "Wha- Hey! What are you doing stashing rations on ME?"

"You are strong, young master." Matthew hummed merrily.

"That's not the point!" Hector stormed. "Man, and I thought I was moving slowly before… You don't give your master more to carry, got it?"

"Ah, but you always were so generous, milord!" Matthew chuckled.

Hector growled, lugging his Wolf Beil back onto his shoulder. "I oughta… Man, why do I get stuck with all the lame henchmen?" He and Eliwood charged back into combat to aid Lyn, who had gotten herself tied up with another cavalier.

"Ah, wait for me young master!" Matthew called, hurrying after them.

The cavalier was overwhelmed by three opponents joining the battle at once. Eliwood's rapier injured his horse, Hector's arm drug him off the falling steed to the ground and Matthew's dagger appeared at his throat. He had no choice but to surrender.

"Ah Lassie, you've not changed a bit!" The laughing voice of Wallace caught up with Lyn as she paused for a breath. "Rushing into danger like that."

"Wallace." Lyn said, smiling. "It's good to see you again."

"Won't do you any good to hurt yourself again." Wallace laughed. "Fight with me, lassie."

"Alright, I had some things to ask you anyway." Lyn said.

Wallace led them in a push against Laus' forces, which finally began to give way under Caelin's superior use of terrain. Laus' skills were no doubt equal, but too many of them had met Eliwood's group in combat in the trees, which worked to Eliwood's advantage. Laus did not have the rich forestry just outside its gates that Caelin possessed, so many of the knights were untrained in forest combat. As it was, there were still a few injuries to speak of. Oswin and Lowen had both been forced back, Oswin's armor nearly cut through by a lucky strike from an enemy swordsman. Lowen had saved his steed Strawberry but injured his arm by protecting him from an axeman. Serra tended to it immediately, but it would be some time before Lowen could hold his weapon properly.

Wallace, however, once more stood as the Crag of Caelin. None had managed to pierce the general's armor, all attackers falling in the face of his merciless march. His fearless face was nearly hidden by his helmet, which covered his bald head and only had small slits in it for speaking and his eyes. His lance was still in good condition, though the wear of the battle was beginning to show. His armor was still undamaged, but the lance would not last much longer. It was this reason he brought Little Lyn along with him. Using him as a shield, she could strike out and retreat behind him before the enemy could retaliate. It also gave them a chance to chat. "So what did you want to know, Lassie?" Wallace asked.

"You trained Will, right?" Lyn asked.

"Of course I did." Wallace said. "What, you noticed?"

"Hmm… I can't say I've gotten a good chance to see the results, no." Lyn said. "When I hugged him though, I could tell he was more… hmm."

"Hah, you're getting yourself all tongue tied, lassie?" Wallace chuckled. "Just come out and say it."

"Well, less out of shape to be sure." Lyn said, though she shut her mouth before she embarrassed herself further.

"Hah!" Wallace cried triumphantly. "I'll admit he had a rough start, but one year of training himself diligently has gotten him to where he is."

"It's strange…" Lyn said. "He's the same, so I don't understand why he pushed himself so hard."

"The same way you keep pushing yourself too hard?" Wallace asked keenly.

"I… perhaps you have a point." Lyn said.

"People…" Wallace began thoughtfully, as they engaged their next opponent. He only continued after they had brought the knight to his knees and forced his surrender. As Marcus tied him up, Wallace took off his helmet to wipe off the sweat. "Everyone has something they want to protect. A person… a place… an idea. It's what drives us to get stronger. What made that boy special is he wanted to get stronger for many reasons. The ideas he inherited from Maria, the desire to help you if you traveled together again, for his quest to discredit the Black Fang… almost all of them are good reasons." Wallace sighed. "I suppose he even began to feel a bit of that Sacaen pride you showed him."

"I... I couldn't say." Lyn said. "I just hope he isn't overdoing it."

"Again lassie, that term applies better to you right now." Wallace said kindly. "Let's finish this."

The two groups met just in time to see Wil's ballistae shot launch into the air. It came down upon the heavy knight, but the man sidestepped it just in time. "Is everyone alright?" Will asked.

"Lowen and Oswin had to retreat." Wallace reported. "My lance isn't going to last much longer either, but I'll fight Bauker first."

"Are you sure?" Will asked.

"Get those Lordlings working as a team." Wallace growled. "I can buy you that much time at least."

Wallace stomped forward, meeting Bauker in front of the Caelin Gates. "If it isn't the famed Crag of Caelin." Bauker laughed. "I thought you retired to be a farmer."

"Couldn't farm in peace when evil forces threaten my home." Wallace growled. "Lundgren threatened the peace of Lycia, just as Darin is doing now."

"No." Bauker growled. "Darin is the rightful ruler of Lycia. You will bow before your master!"

"You'll have to kill me first!" Wallace declared. The two stomped towards each other, raising their lances for combat.

The first strike was dodged on both sides. Wallace knew his hit would have to count, so he had aimed for a joint, but the speed of his strike was far too low to catch Bauker. Bauker, though dodging, attacked anyway. He didn't seem to care where he hit so long as he connected, which spoke to Wallace of the danger of that weapon. He recognized the heavy lance. It was slower than any other lance, but it would penetrate even his armor. So he couldn't allow himself to be hit either. It brought back memories of his early days.

"Sir Wallace!" The young voice of a dark green haired recruit greeted him as he entered the training field.

"Ah, Eagler." Wallace said. "You the only one still showing up?"

"No sir." Eagler replied, saluting politely. "The other recruits have already began running. I finished before them so I thought it best to greet you sir!"

"Hah!" Wallace guffawed. "So they finally got themselves in shape enough to listen to orders, did they? They'll make fine protectors yet."

"Only because you've been so firm in your instruction, sir." Eagler responded. "Anyone can notice the difference in our abilities over these last two months."

"Only true warriors can find the resolve to apply themselves." Wallace said. "If you all last a year, that means you may be able to survive this crazy world and protect Caelin in the process."

"Sir." Eagler replied. "Can I ask you something?"

"What is it?" Wallace asked.

"Why do they call you the Crag of Caelin?" Eagler asked.

"That… you'll have to earn, cadet. I'll tell you once we're both old men." Wallace said.

"That's not fair, sir." Eagler sighed.

Wallace grit his teeth angrily as his lance shattered upon Bauker's lighter set. The shaft splintered and the lance head fell to the ground in a useless heap. Bauker grinned as he lunged forward in his heavy armor, attacking with his lance. The lance pierced straight through his armor, piercing his abdomen. As Wallace collapsed to the ground, he could hear the shouts of Will and the others as he grabbed Bauker's lance with both hands. "Shouldn't have given me your lance… laddie." He grinned and finished his fall, taking Bauker's lance with him.

"What the hell!" Bauker grabbed onto the lance as Wallace lay on the ground, trying desperately to pull it from his grasp, but couldn't.

Eliwood, Hector, Lyndis and Will joined the fray almost immediately. Wolf Beil swiped at Bauker, pushing him away from Wallace. Will and Eliwood grabbed the General's arms, dragging him as far away from the gates as they could. Serra rushed over and immediately began to try and heal him as the blood began to pool. "I'll handle him, you two help those two get that guy!" Serra demanded, shooing the other two away.

Lyn's Mani Katti flashed into action, striking out at Bauker. Bauker did have an extra lance on standby, but getting to it under this barrage of attacks was difficult. He kicked out as Hector came in for another swing, pushing the blue haired lord back. Lyn's sword swung into his view and he barely avoided losing an arm. As it was, a burst of light smashed into his chest and sent him staggering back as Eliwood lunged into view, his rapier piercing his armor just enough to injure his left leg.

He finally reached his back-up lance, grabbing it from the wall and spinning it defensively to keep the lords at bay. Hector swung wildly at him a second time, but the lance deflected the blow and sent him stumbling back. The tactician caught the blue haired lord and helped him right himself. So, the blast of magic had come from him, had it? He'd have to address that somehow.

With a lance in hand, Bauker once more felt in control. If he could handle the Crag, these four were barely able to match him even with their numbers. He punched Eliwood aside as he lunged in for another strike, and struck Lyn in the side with his lance. Another blast of light magic blinded him for a moment, but a wise guess and a pained cry told him he'd managed to strike Hector when he had tried to take advantage of Will's attack.

He pushed forward. The magic user had to go. Lord Darin could not be allowed to be challenged, and it was clear Eliwood's forces relied heavily upon this man. He could put a stop to that. He staggered momentarily, the injury on his leg getting worse by the second. "Defeat… here… would be a shame…" He growled, gripping his lance. He pushed forward once more, ignoring the pain in in his leg and the pain that formed in his arm as Lyn's Mani Katti stuck into it. He would take this problem with him to the next world.

"No you don't!" Hector roared, smashing his heavily armored body into Bauker's own. As Hector's axe raised, Bauker took one last gamble. Raising the lance, he threw it with all his might. The Tactician was unable to dodge the attack at this range, though it was still off target. The Tactician's arm received a huge gash as the lance flew past, sticking into the trees nearby. Hector's Wolf Beil followed through on its attack, Commander Bauker falling to the ground.

"Will, are you okay?" Eliwood asked, rushing over to the injured tactician.

"Been better." Will growled, gripping the injury. "I'm more worried about Wallace."

"We don't have a lot of time." Lyn said. "What are we going to do?"

The teams had all reunited. Merlinus had Guy in the caravan, where he and Wallace were both being treated by Serra. Will had applied Vulnerary to his arm, but wasn't willing to tire Priscilla with the effort to heal him when they still had another battle to come. Thankfully, Erk's team was in good shape. Oswin and Lowen were better, though still not in top form.

"We'll have to get rid of the remaining foes inside the castle." Eliwood sighed. "Commander Bauker slowed our progress far too much."

"Thank you for coming." Lyn said. "If not for your help, I don't know where I'd be right now."

"This only happened because we failed to capture Darin at Laus." Eliwood said. "Helping you is the right thing to do."

"Eliwood, to find your father you've had to make difficult choices." Lyn said. "I would have done the same thing in your position. Don't blame yourself."

"Thank you." Eliwood smiled. "But until the castle is yours again, I take responsibility."

"So then, what's the plan?" Hector asked, looking to Will.

"It's hard to say." Will said. "We have to move into the castle, that much is certain. I think we'll have Merlinus retreat to the nearby village. Wallace and Guy can continue to be treated there. Lowen, you should go with them."

Lowen grimaced, but nodded in agreement. "I understand."

"You… Hector right?" Lyn asked the blue haired lord as Lowen mounted Strawberry, urging the horse over to Merlinus' cart.

"That's me." Hector said.

"I was watching you during the fight… You really are nothing like Eliwood." Lyn sighed. "You rely so much on power, it's like you've never…"

"I haven't." Hector agreed. "I taught myself how to fight."

"Well then you should know." Lyn stated. "The way you swing that axe around is just as dangerous to your allies as your enemies. You should be more watchful."

"What did you say?" Hector growled. "I'll have you know—"

"Whoa hey calm down you two." Will said, stepping in between them before an argument could break out. "Lyn, what's gotten into you?"

"Huh?" Lyn asked. "Oh! I… my apologies. I didn't mean to sound so critical."

Hector stayed silent, though he pointedly looked away from Lyn as he did so.

Eliwood chuckled. "Granted, Hector's style can be a tad dangerous, but there's no one I trust more. You may think him careless, but he's always aware of his surroundings. I'm sure you've noticed that."

"The more you praise me, the less competent I sound." Hector sighed.

"Look Lyn." Will said. "If you fight alongside Hector, I'm sure you'll understand. Until then, just trust Eliwood on this, okay?"

"No I… I'm sure you're right." Lyn said. "I apologize, Hector. Thank you for your help."

"No apology needed." Hector said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm glad I can lend a hand."

"Let's get inside then." Will said. "There's a lot more battle to be fought."

"Ridiculous!" Darin shouted from the throne. The report he had been given was one too difficult for him to believe. "Even Bauker has fallen?"

Lord Hausen, who remained slumped against the wall nearby, spoke. "Lord Darin, it's time to give up this madness. Further resistance is meaningless! For what you've done there may be no forgiveness, but it still isn't too late to try! Tell Lord Eliwood everything. He can speak to Marquis Ostia on your behalf…"

Darin slumped in the throne, thought spinning as he tried to wrap his head around them. "I… I've… lost…"

"Hurry!" Hausen urged, pushing himself from the wall. "Eliwood will be here in no time! Let me speak for you and… gurrr." His words were cut short.

Hausen turned to look at the golden eyes man, holding the dagger protruding from his side. "None of that now, Lord of Caelin. Marquis Laus needs not your troublesome advice."

"L-Lord Ephidel!" Darin cried in surprise, his eyes widening as Lord Hausen fell to the ground, clutching the dagger in his side.

"There is no turning back." Ephidel said softly, smiling pleasantly at Darin. "You of all people know that. First, Marquis Santaruz… and now Marquis Caelin. Both deaths lie upon your head."

"What?" Darin asked. "It was by your hand that they both died!" He cried. "I never asked for this!"

"Yes, I did kill them… for you." Ephidel said.

"You did it to trap me?" Darin asked, suspicions he had all but forgotten rising to the surface once more.

"Don't be absurd." Ephidel said softly. His kind tone also felt commanding at the same time. "I follow my master's orders. My only wish is to deliver your dream to you. The crown of a united Lycia… and once that is done, dominion over the continent of Elibe. Is that not what you desire?"

"I…" Darin faltered. A united land. A land where he keep govern everything, keep people from getting hurt. To save that small hand that had reached for him before falling to the bed. "Yes. Yes of course… That dream IS still worth a few sacrifices, isn't it?"

"Exactly right." Ephidel grinned. "Our plans may have gone drastically awry, but as long as you have the master's power behind you, we cannot be defeated." Ephidel closed his eyes momentarily, thinking of the best plan. "We'd best leave now, before those meddlesome worms arrive. Leave the rest of Laus' forces behind. We will use them to delay our foe."

"Everyone…" Darin once more paused. "My soldiers? But… who will protect me?"

"The Black Fang and I will more than suffice for the task." Ephidel explained. "There is nothing else you need, I assure you."

"Yes…" Darin agreed, rising from the throne. "I see that now. Where do we go from here?"

"To the Dragon's Gate." Ephidel said, bowing as Darin passed. "Our master awaits us there. The master has informed me that our hostage may be all we need. If all goes well, we may even be able to perform the ceremony with him alone."

"Is that so?" Darin replied, looking pleased. "I suppose we've nothing to worry about then."

"Correct." Ephidel affirmed. "Now please, begin your retreat. I have two or three orders to give, then I will follow." Darin nodded, leaving the throne room in the company of Black Fang members, all of which were hooded. Once Darin was out of sight, Ephidel let out a sigh. "Pathetic imbecile. Leila! Where are you?"

Emerging from the shadows and throwing back her hood was a red haired woman. Her hair covered her right eye, and she had a mole under her lip on the left. The black robe covered her usual blue attire, which was made of cloth and failed to cover her rather sizable cleavage. She wore two belts, one with a pair of dagger and another with a pouch that contained poisons administered by the Fang. Her purple skirt was attached to her thigh high socks with a single strong cloth. Her boot nearly reached her knees, were brown in color, and even featured a small heel to make her reach Ephidel's height. "I'm here."

"While Eliwood is occupied, finish this thing and hide the body." Ephidel said, nudging the still groaning Marquis Caelin with his toe. "That way, the enemy will waste precious time searching for him."

Leila looked down at the dying man, her expression unreadable. It was one of the things he both liked and hated about this girl. "As you command."

"You know." Ephidel said, turning to leave. "You've only been with the Black Fang for six months now. Your skills have carried you rather high quickly… I look forward to watching you."

"Yes, sir." Leila said, bending to one knee as the man left the room. Once he was gone, Leila approached the old man. His breathing was already becoming ragged. "Now… what should I do with you…" She muttered to herself. Grabbing the Marquis by the legs, she began to drag him from the room.