Author's note: My wisdom teeth have been removed. I am on painkillers and am not entirely sure this chapter will come out all that well on the first sitting. Luckily, I've got an editor, so hopefully he'll point out when my train of thought completely derails in my moments of clarity and insanity. It's been two weeks from then actually. I'm starting to do a lot better now. The last of my moving will be this weekend, so I'll be at a new place with new people and new things to explore. it's going to be interesting times ahead.

This change I think works better with Fargus' character and the fight against him and his pirates while an interesting side-chapter never meshed quite as well as some of the others. This way, we get some character work and one heck of an interesting fight, I think. Also, the ending portion (which you will see) are two concepts I've been considering for a while. I just felt drawing it out any longer was going to be a poor choice. While I hate to do it after my build-up last chapter, I think we all knew it was coming at some point.

As always, enjoy what you read, and if you have the time please leave a review. Thanks!

Chapter 52: The Port of Badon

Master,

I write to you now to give you a small update on the progress of my training. After accepting the offer to guard Lady Priscilla, we set out in search of her family at once. Sadly, that quest has not born any worthwhile fruit. Upon our arrival in Lycia, we stumbled into Marquis Darin's plot to overthrow the current Lycian government. I don't mind telling you this, for even if your report it to Etruria's higher government you must already know that he has failed and been forced to flee.

This was largely in part due to Lord Eliwood's arrival. He is currently searching for his father, with the aid of Lord Hector and Will, who I told you of before. It may turn out that Will himself is the grandson of a Lord, much like Lyndis before him. The strange fates that tie our group together are something to be marveled at. While in Laus, Eliwood's company defeated Darin's troops and forced him to flee. Lady Priscilla joined their company of her own volition, though I will admit I offered my services in return for their rescue.

Will has helped me come up with an interesting theory for the application of magic. With weaker spells, such as his anima and dark magic, it may be possible to infuse weapons with their essence. In fact, I believe this is how Rune swords were originally made, before they became relics of a bygone age. I think while traveling to Valor we'll attempt to test out this theory with any weapons we can spare the risk for. After all, if Eliwood, Hector and Lyndis can fight on the front line with fire or thunder blades, it can only give us an advantage.

Finally, I wanted to inform you that I've met the man named Canas. We found him in the Port of Badon, where Eliwood and company are attempting to convince a Pirate named Fargus to give us passage. Will should be meeting with him right now. Call it the pride of a friend, but I believe Will can pull it off. Canas however is quite the odd individual. He insists on calling Dark magic 'Elder magic' instead, and he wears a monocle though I'm quite sure he has no need of one. Will needs to speak to him after speaking to Fargus, but I believe Canas is willing to join us, if only to explore the mysteries of the Dread Isle for himself. I wanted to thank you for telling me about him. Without that knowledge, facing Nergal may have become much more difficult.

Sincerely yours,

Your Student Erk.

"Hello, Fargus." Will said, sitting at the table. On his left sat Eliwood, while on his right sat Lyndis. Eliwood attempted to smile pleasantly, but the murderous vibes coming from Lyn made it difficult to do so.

"Still kicking, eh kid?" Fargus said, eyeing Will from behind his mug. "After that friend of yours died I wasn't too sure you were going to make it."

"Ninian and Nils still needed me." Will said. "That helped me keep going. When we split up, I ended up at the plains and met Lyn. Luck has been a great friend."

"Luck… call it the fates more like." Fargus grunted. "Somehow I knew that wouldn't be the last I saw of you. Here strides in a young Lord all fancy and whatnot saying he's trying to hire us to take you to Valor. Half of me just wanted to make sure he wasn't using your name."

"Eliwood's not that kind of man." Will said simply. "Though I'm sure you knew that already."

"Somewhat." Fargus grinned. "He tell you the terms?"

"He mentioned you asked for a rather large sum of gold that would take months to get." Will said. "And that the only way around that was to meet with you. Apparently you have a different proposition for me?"

Fargus placed his mug on the table. "That I do, laddie. You're going to Valor and that means you're itching for a fight, right?"

"I can't deny that's what we'll be doing." Will agreed.

"Last time you barely survived that place. I ain't takin' you there just to get slaughtered." Fargus said imperiously, crossing his arms. "I may be a pirate, but I ain't about to become a murderer."

"Not that there's a difference." Lyn muttered under her breath.

"Lyndis, peace." Eliwood said quickly. "What do you propose?"

"A fight." Fargus said simply. "Five of my crew versus five of yours."

"In the arena, I take it?" Will asked.

"Yup. None of that killing nonsense, though. We'll fight with wooden weapons. No need for anyone to lose their heads, you get me?"

"I do." Will said. "And While I may wish there was another way, your solution is likely the only way we're going to get within a stone's throw of Valor, am I right?"

"No one else is crazy enough to take the job." Fargus laughed. "So, you up for it?"

"We'll do it." Will said. "But I'd like to wait for Hector. If we're going to come at you, I'll need our best."

"Fine by me." Fargus nodded. "The fight will take place… let's give it three days, shall we? That should be enough time to get ready and reserve the arena. I'll warn you, it'll be either early in the day or late in the evening when we get our fight, since the arena here enjoys its death matches."

"Right." Will said. "Then we'll see you on the battlefield."

The two men stood, shook briefly, then turned to their respective duties. Leading Lyn, who was still glaring at the Pirate Captain, they left the bar.

"Pleasure to meet you." The dark robed man said politely, extended his hand to Will. Will shook it amicably.

"Canas, I take it? I'm glad we managed to track you down." Will said. "Good work, Erk."

"Happy to help." Erk said, waving his hand airily.

"I'm glad as well. Not only will this give me an excellent opportunity to examine the elder magic found on Valor, but I've heard the most interesting stories about you. Not only are you decently skilled in swordplay thanks to your travels, but you can perform all three types of magic! That feat is almost unheard of!" Canas said, pushing up his monocle.

"Light magic seems to be the best fit, but even then none of my magic is very high level. Put my fireball up against Erk's, for example, and his would overpower mine easily." Will said.

"At fifty-percent my normal casting power." Erk added.

"Ouch." Will grimaced.

"Even so, the mere fact that you can use several types is something no one in our age could claim. Why, the closest example one could find is the Archsage Athos himself!" Canas gabbled eagerly. "With training, perhaps one day your presence could rival even his!"

"I uh… I'm not entirely sure that's what I'm aiming for." Will said. "For now, I'm trying to apply magic to weaponry."

"Like a Rune Sword, you mean?" Canas asked, removing his monocle thoughtfully. "Yes, it's true that the imbuing arts have been lost to time, but by working your way up a universally established theory by using weaker magic at the start… I see, yes, that is a reasonable train of inquiry. Allow me to assist you, if I may."

"I'd appreciate it." Will said. "Erk's been a great help, but he's only a master of anima magic. With Lucius for light magic and you for dark-"

"Elder magic." Canas punctuated. "Dark carries far too much of a negative connotation. You will find through my teachings that Elder magic is far deeper and difficult to comprehend than a simple word like Dark can convey."

"Elder magic, then." Will continued. "With a master of each this theory may just bear fruit. However, before that, I'd like to ask you to participate in the coming battle."

"The one against the pirates?" Canas asked. "Ah, so you can gain an accurate gauge of my skills, I take it?"

"It may seem foolhardy to put you in battle untested," Will began, "but if we get attacked while at sea there will be little point in holding back. Best to learn your full capabilities now."

"Very well." Canas said, placing his monocle back on his face. "Allow Canas to show you how Elder Magic should be used."

"Sheesh, all that in just a month." Hector grumbled, ruffling his hair. "Gotta admit, I had my doubts at first, but things are coming together decently enough."

"It only went so well because you took on the hard part." Will said, a small smile playing on his face.

"Oh right, so now that I'm trying not to punch your face in, you think that's the green light to give me all the tough jobs, is that it?"

"Oh, was that not how it worked?" Will asked. "And here I thought Matthew's advice was so spot on too."

Hector laughed. "I can handle it, but don't listen to Matthew's advice. He'll rob you blind. So we're going to fight this Fargus guy now?"

"Him and his four best mates, I'm guessing." Will said. "Canas and myself will be the rear-guard. We'll support you with magic. I would avoid participating but I think Fargus might feel cheated otherwise."

"So Eliwood, Lyndis and I are your front then?" Hector asked, scratching his chin.

"Yes. While I could try using Marcus or Oswin, I feel this line-up will be best." Will said with a shrug. "Fargus' crew tends to favor axes, so having you to combat them is a must. Lances generally have a rough time against axes though, so Marcus and Oswin won't have their usual advantage. On the other hand, if Eliwood and Lyn participate, their skills with the sword will hopefully give us an advantage."

"For the heavy blows, you have me and that Canas fellow. For the quick taps, you've got Lyn and Eliwood. Add in your unpredictable battle tactics that you can throw in during the fight, and you're probably right." Hector said. "I'd better get some food and rest then, eh?"

"Yeah, you'd better." Will said with another grin. "And Hector? Thanks."

"Don't worry about it." Hector said, slapping will roughly on the back. "We've got this."

"Hey, have you thought about a back-up plan?" Hector asked Eliwood as they trailed behind Will and Canas. Lyn was just behind them, her footfalls heavy and her breath agitated.

"In case we fail Fargus' test?" Eliwood asked.

"One Hundred Thousand Gold is a huge amount…" Hector mused. "I suppose if worse comes to worse I'll make the trek back to Ostia."

"You're going to ask your brother for the gold?" Eliwood asked, surprised.

"Don't be stupid." Hector grimaced. "I won't kneel at my brother's feet and beg for money. I've got some ceremonial garb I didn't bring with me since its damn near useless. Add in the armor, helmet and some books and I should be able to sell it off for a nice price."

"I'm not sure I like that idea, Hector." Eliwood sighed. "Are you sure about that?"

"Completely." Hector said. "No one, not even my brother would be willing to part with that much money. We can't just drain Santaruz, Laus and Caelin of the funds they need to keep afloat. It's not as if Ostia is all that much better off than them, though my brother would never admit it."

"I see. With those funds we could bet it in the arena, and slowly raise the gold. It'd go a bit faster than it has been." Eliwood sighed.

"Pirates." Lyn grumbled angrily. "How can we simply claim there is no other way without at least trying?"

Eliwood turned to Lyn, who was now walking alongside him and Hector. "What choice do we have? I'll tell you now, Marcus has been searching every day for other options and not a one has presented itself."

"It's foolishness to trust the goodwill of pirates." Lyn stated. "Bandits on land, pirates at sea, what's the difference?"

"Well to you, maybe there isn't one." Eliwood admitted. "Both qualify as lawbreakers and murderers."

"Ah, right, your family was…" Hector began, but trailed off when he noticed Lyn's glare. "My parents died of an illness, so I can't claim to know exactly how you feel, but… Will really seems to feel this is the best plan."

"I do trust Will." Lyn said. "I do, I'm just… conflicted. Knowing they were the ones who helped him escape the Dread Isle in the first place is the only good thing I have to hold on to."

"You've got the equipment you need for the fight?" Eliwood asked.

"Of course." Lyn said. "Don't take me for a fool."

"That wasn't my intention." Eliwood said. "Apologies."

"I brought a short bow as well." Lyn elaborated. "I've been training in it, so by now I should be a decent shot. If I need to, I can retreat to the rear and support from there now."

"Impressive." Hector whistled. "Can't say I'm multi-talented like that. I just swing my axe good."

"At times you have difficulty even with that." Eliwood chuckled, much to Hector's chagrin.

"So then, these are your five?" Fargus asked. The evening sun was beginning to set in the sky, but the lights around the arena were light. Fighting by oil lamp wasn't unheard of, but none of them could say they had done it often during their travels. In the stands, the rest of Eliwood's Elite sat, watching the events unfold. On the opposite end, Fargus' crew sat, drinking and laughing merrily at the captain's latest game.

"Yes." Will said firmly. "And I take it these are yours?"

"Yup." Fargus grinned. "Dart, Jake, Anna and Krunk."

Will glanced at the four others. Dart seemed like a classically built pirate. Large upper body muscles complimented by solid legs. The major difference between him and Fargus was Fargus' height and Dart used two smaller axes, one in each hand while Fargus favored the giant variety of axe. Anna was much nimbler looking, holding a short sword that was thin like a rapier. Her body was also built, but much more like an acrobat than a pirate. Jake held a hammer. A huge, hulking hammer that he held in one of his huge hands. Oddly enough, he and Anna were busy flirting. Will surmised the two must be married. An odd combination, in his opinion. Krunk held a large solid bow, but also had a large axe like Fargus' strapped to his back. So he would be the rear force and join the fight when he was needed, eh? The amount of front-line potential Fargus' team had far outstripped their own. So his tactics would have to make up the difference quickly and efficiently. "Canas, you have non-lethal magic, correct?"

"Naturally." Canas said, pushing up his monocle. "I plan to use Variations of Flux and Nosferatu. Nosferatu is a spell that drains the opponent's physical energy, but does them no true harm so long as I modulate the power of the spell properly. Used incorrectly and of course there would be a risk of killing them, but have no fear, I am no novice. Same with Flux."

"Good." Will said. "I'll use Fire, Lightning and Shine to distract and disrupt their rhythm as I can. I'm sorry to say a majority of this fight falls on you three."

"Don't worry." Lyn said calmly. "If there's one thing I can handle with ease, it's a fight."

"I'll overpower them somehow." Hector grunted. "Just keep those orders coming."

"You've got this, Will." Eliwood said, placing a hand on the tactician's shoulder. "Trust in yourself and trust in us."

The ten warriors took up positions on the battlefield. Fargus loud out a loud bellow, signaling the start of the fight. Immediately Dart and Jake dashed forward, with Anna following just behind. Krunk took up the rear post, his bow already drawn and an arrow at the ready. Fargus remained in place, smiling as he watched Will's Warriors charge.

Lyn and Eliwood brought up the front of their forces, with Hector just behind. Will and Canas remained back, but by the annoyed look on will's face, Fargus had done exactly what the young tactician hated the most: Forced a fight on the front. Tacticians did love their little back attacks and surprises, but with the forces locked together so early he wouldn't be able to pull as many tricks.

However, it was clear his little forces weren't any slouches in battle. The Sacaen girl in particular engaged Dart with a fire not unlike his best mate from the old days. The red haired Eliwood was much more composed, but less skilled than the girl. The danger he presented was in his special awareness. He quickly drew Jake into a one-on-one away from the other two, leaving the heavily armored Hector to engage Anna. Anna's speed was superior, but Hector's armor didn't take any discernible damage from a wooden sword. He would be the hardest to defeat, and even harder to exhaust, it seemed. Fargus would likely have to handle him himself.

The man with the monocle was now muttering to himself. Will also had his arms crossed, eyes firmly fixed on the battle as he ran scenarios through his brain. Fargus sighed. They wouldn't have time to draw out the fun with the way this was going. He nodded to Krunk, who immediately launched his arrow high and fast in the tactician's direction. Will drew his own blade, deflecting the arrow rather impressively. Or perhaps Fargus should take that as the tactician being caught off guard? Not dodging certainly wasn't in his nature, if their previous meeting was any indication.

Lyn was overpowering Dart rather quickly. The poor young guy had already lost one of his dual axes into the dirt (When weapons hit, they were no longer usable, that had been their agreement) and now was dealing with Hector after the blue haired lord switched with Lyn, who was now battling Anna on par. No, she was better. Better have Krunk fire another arrow.

As Fargus turned to Krunk to signal him, a dark force suddenly sprung forth from the ground, striking the archer firmly on the chest and bowling him over. Rushing to his side, Fargus sighed to see the man already in a faint. "No more need to bother with a plan, then." Fargus growled, gripping his axe. "Let loose lads!"

Instantly the state of the battle changed again. Eliwood, who had been fairing rather well, suddenly found himself overpowered and in a chokehold curtesy of Jake. Anna as well was suddenly matching Lyn's moves much more efficiently, much to the Sacaen's chagrin. Dart, unfortunately, had been hit roughly on the back of the head and knocked out by Hector. Fargus quickly took over, preventing Hector from running to Eliwood's aid.

Will quickly rushed into the front himself, entrusting the rear position to Canas, who was beginning to chant again. The fine tuning to prevent real damage was causing his spell to take a lot longer to cast, but the result had been better than he could have hoped. He threw out a weak fireball to try and distract Jake, but the burly man took the blow to his shoulder without so much as a wince. A moment later, Eliwood collapsed to the ground in a faint.

As Will desperately engaged the stronger pirate himself, Lyn finally managed to slow Anna down enough to disarm her, before grabbing her and throwing the woman roughly over her shoulder to the ground. With a quick stab into the dirt next to her, it indicated that she had delivered the 'fatal' blow. With Anna out of the fight, Lyn rushed over and took over to Will, who gratefully retreated. In the short exchange he had nearly been knocked unconscious twice. Jake was simply far stronger than he. "Careful Lyn, one hit can knock you out."

"I'll be fine." Lyn replied, clashing her wooden sword with the axe.

Hector had been disarmed, and with a rough kick to the shins (which hurt even with his armor on) Hector collapsed. Fargus grinned as he turned to the tactician. Well, the two Lordlings were out of the picture but the dark magic user was bound to be trouble. That was probably why in spite of his poor skills Will had joined the front. Well, it just meant he'd go through the tactician first.

As he charged, the second dark spell went off. Lyn's deadlock with Jake ended as the strong man fell to the ground, the dark spell having sapped his strength. She paused a moment to catch her breath, which gave Fargus all the time he needed. Will fired a light spell into his face, attempting to blind him, but he closed his eyes just in time, barreling into the tactician and knocking him aside. Will choked as he swallowed a large amount of dirt and Lyn barely had the time to block the swing of Fargus' axe with her wooden sword before it was knocked away, falling to the ground.

"Damn." Lyn cursed, as Fargus made a quick fake swipe at her shoulder. Lyn sat on the ground, disgruntled to say the least.

"Only two of you left now, boy." Fargus said. "You really think you'll win without your fighters?"

Will didn't respond. Fargus raised an eyebrow as he glanced over to where Will had fallen. He wasn't there. Fargus barely had time to register his surprise before he felt a sharp poking sensation in the back of his head. "Well, considering Canas is one amazing elder magic user…" He trailed off, coughing violently.

Fargus sighed. So the boy had used Canas' dark magic to portal in behind him? Risky didn't even begin to cover that move. Though, it certainly hadn't been something he had expected. "How did you pull it off, magic user?"

Canas pushed up his monocle. "When Will explained his theory of enchantment to me, I must admit I was a tiny bit skeptical. However, having now tested an alternate use for Flux myself, by using it as a portal by lower the power to near non-existence, it seems much more plausible than before."

"I didn't understand a word." Fargus grunted. "But congratulations, kid. Looks like you got yourself a ship."

"Lyn, come on now." Florina said kindly, as they sat at the tavern that evening. "It seems like we have no other choice."

"I know that!" Lyn said. "I haven't said a word, have I?"

"Your eyes say a lot more than your words do right now…" Florina said with a sigh. "It's probably going to be fine. Will said he traveled with the Fargus before, right?"

"I just…" Lyn sighed. "I don't like the idea of relying on pirates. On top of that, to be going to the place where… where all that happened to him… I'm a bit worried."

"I don't think Will would go if he wasn't absolutely sure we needed to." Florina said. "With that being the case, there's almost no way for us to convince him otherwise, right?"

"I did promise to help find Eliwood's father." Lyn agreed. "Bringing back those memories though…"

"What's left of them." Florina mumbled.

"Even so they'd be terrible memories, right? It would be like living in the Taliver fortress for weeks. I don't know if I could take it." Lyn said. "You know how Will overdoes things. If someone doesn't watch out for him."

"I'll watch over him." Florina said. The firmness in her voice surprised even Lyn.

"…Florina?" Lyn asked, a bit surprised.

"Lyn I…" Florina took a breath. "I've been fighting with it, but I can't keep pretending any longer. I like Will."

"You…" Lyn trailed off.

"I don't know what Will means to you, but I… I'm going to try." Florina said, nodding to herself. She stood up, finishing the last of her drink, before heading up to their room, leaving Lyn alone at the table, speechless.

Across the room, Eliwood, Hector and Will finished the talks with Fargus. To travel to the Dread Isle, they were going to need supplies. Fragus knew a few people he could convince to give them some good rates on rations and other supplies, so he would take care of that with Will and Eliwood tomorrow. Hector meanhiwle would make sure everyone else in their group was ready to go. Any weapons that needed repairs would have to left behind and swapped for new weapons. Merlinus was determined to come with them, his horses even seemed okay to make the journey, at least across the sea. When they reached Valor, the horses may very well refuse to leave the boat.

"This is where we part ways." Hannah suddenly declared, surprising them all. "I cannot come with you to the island."

"Lady Hannah?" Merlinus asked, surprised in his own right. It had only been a couple days ago when they had been talking in the back of his cart. This sudden declaration seemed in contrast to her earlier words.

"I'm an old woman." Hannah said, smiling softly. "You've been gracious enough to take me with you, even as you've rarely made use of my talents for your own gain."

"That was…" Will trailed off. "I'm sorry, it's not that I distrusted you, I just…"

"It's perfectly understandable, young man." Hannah said. "Fortunes lie outside the realms of predictability. Weather can be easily told by studying the skies, the number of enemies can never be fully understood… I merely followed the whim of my own predictions at the time. I even reminisced a little about the past… fate is a strange thing."

"But why part ways now?' Merlinus asked. "I'm going to Valor! You can remain in the wagon as you have!"

"I… cannot see the future past this point." Hannah said. "I don't know why. Perhaps my gift has begun to fade, but all I can tell is... that island is the most dangerous place you'll ever go."

"I already know that." Will said. "It's just as you say."

"If it is that dangerous, you don't have time to be worrying about an old woman." Hannah said. "You need to bring everyone back alive. You'll need every trick you've learned, every strategy… every resolve. Even that may not be enough. You understand that, don't you?"

"Reaching the Dread Isle is one thing." Will began. "Coming back is something else altogether."

"I've seen too much death in my time." Hannah sighed. "So please come back alive."

"Of course." Merlinus said. "We'll be back. I'd like to share another drink with you."

"Ho ho ho!" Hannah chuckled. "Then you'd better finish up fast. This old woman won't be around forever."

Breath. Low. Soft. That was all she needed to do. Don't allow your chest to fall. Don't allow your mouth to open. Wait. If she waited, her Pegasus was sure to return. They had been through far too much together to leave each other alone. But these things… these were not humans. They were not the work of a sane man. Certainly, Ilia had heard the rumors of The Fang's hidden base. That was why the Pegasus Knights had come on this covert mission in the first place. But these… things. The monsters with golden eyes, they were anything but human. It had only been chance that her comrade's body had fallen on top of her own. It was chance that kept the strange golden eyed monsters from checking the bodies. They continued to stand there, motionless, like dolls whose strings had been cut. How long had they been there? How long must she remain? And how long until Hubert found her?

A strand of teal hair fell in her eye, and though she would've liked to brush it away she knew she couldn't. Her eyes were heavy. She supposed she would have to close them for a while. But she couldn't allow herself to fall asleep. If she fell asleep, no doubt her breathing would become noticeable. Maintaining this state was draining, and she had already been at it for what felt like over a day. No, the sun had set, but it hadn't yet risen again. So it had only been half a day. It felt like so much longer.

A very soft bite nearly made her gasp. After the initial shock passed, she smiled. How did he always manage to find her? Now, they just had to escape this situation together. Once they did, they could find their way back to the mainland. Somehow, they would survive the Dread Isle. Opening her eyes once more, she gently wiggled her fingers inside his mouth, their signal for the silent retreat. Without a sign of acknowledgment, Hubert grabbed onto the body on top of her, very softly beginning to drag it. Grabbing onto the body with both arms, she waited as they silently and slowly retreated from the area. The golden eyed puppets remained, staring into the sky just as absently as before. She kept her eyes on them until the trees swallowed them from sight.