Author's note: This chapter is intermixed with portions of the game from the previous chapter and leading into next chapter. This is to help create a coherent storyline going forward. I'm sure you know the event to which I'm referring to, but for those who don't you can be pleasantly surprised. Maybe you can be surprised even if you do know it. It's also the first time I've had a chapter focusing more on a single character with only a few others rather than trying to get a nice bit for everyone. Still, I feel it was needed.

As always, please review if you get the chance. This week is my driver's test, so hopefully I pass without incident and get access to the car I now own.

Chapter 55: The Consequence of Choice

To Mother and Father,

I know I don't write very often. I apologize for that. Kind of. You know how important my work is for Ostia. While I'm on duty, it's hard to write, so I hope you can forgive the periods of silence.

Currently, I'm helping locate a missing person. I'm working with my lord's younger brother, which is quite the change of pace. I'm surprised he's let me accompany him without too much fuss, considering how much more honest and abrasive he is than his brother. However, I'm keeping myself useful.

Listen there's… a girl I'd like you to meet. She may not be the most ideal girl you've imagined, but I… I really like her. I'd like to ask her to stay with me. Of course, she'd have to meet you first. Oddly enough, I get the feeling you'll get along better with each other than with me. She's on assignment right now, but once it's over I want to bring her to you.

Her name is Leila.

See you soon,

Matthew

Lyn opened her eyes, staring at the swaying ship above. She wasn't a big fan of the sea, she finaly realized. Perhaps it was because of the series of events the past few weeks had sent her way, but the last thing she wanted was to continue staying on the ship. Of course, that wasn't an option.

Finding Ninian adrift, Will fainting, Florina's command of the troops… So much had happened three days ago. A part of her still had difficulty accepting it. Maybe if she went for her morning walk it would help clear her head. Somehow, she was beginning to doubt anything would help. Her thoughts continued to circle in on themselves, making it harder and harder to know what she wanted to do and why.

When she had lived in Caelin, it had been difficult. She wasn't used to the life a Lady of the Court was expected to live, but somehow she had made it through. Ever since Caelin had been attacked… it felt like nothing made much sense. She had lost her Grandfather, reunited with her friend, had her best friend declare she was going to win his heart from her… Lyn sighed again.

Florina had certainly been acting differently lately. She was beginning to long for the days a short few months after they had come to Caelin.

"Aieeeeee!" Florina shouted, bolting out of the Pegasus stable and strait into Lyn's arms.

"Florina? What's wrong?" Lyn asked in surprise.

"Lyn!" Florina shouted, both in relief and terror. "What's wrong?"

"Bee!" Florina exclaimed, pointing terrified into the stable.

"Oh, is that all?" Lyn chuckled, before taking a look into the stable. As she did, the offending bee flew out and into the sky. Thankfully, it didn't linger around her face as most bees did. Florina might seriously have fainted if that had happened. "Well it's gone now."

"Thank goodness…" Florina sighed in relief.

"You know, that reminds me of when we first met." Lyn giggled.

Florina blushed heavily. "No, not that… come on, Lyn…"

"I went out hunting and was surprised to find a Pegasus wandering around worriedly in a circle. Then I looked up, only to see you stuck hanging off that tree branch…"

"What was I supposed to do!" Florina exclaimed exasperatedly. "All those bees suddenly came out of nowhere! It was so frightening!"

"You weren't crying about the bees anymore at that point." Lyn said. "Wasn't it then because you didn't know how to get down?"

Florina blushed even further and looked away. "Why do you keep talking about it?"

"Because it's a precious memory." Lyn smiled. "I was surprised at the time to learn you were a Pegasus Knight."

"But I worked hard!" Florina exclaimed. "Can't you drop it please?"

"Oh alright." Lyn said, giggling again. "It's not like I'm going to tell anyone. It's our little secret."

"It better be." Florina growled, though it sounded more cute than threatening. "It's a promise."

"Those were the days…" Lyn sighed, only half listening. "You and me, riding on the plains, wind blowing across the grass…"

Lyn shook her head. What good was reminiscing right now? It wouldn't help her solve her problem. If it was even a problem. Not even two months had passed since she was last on the plains burying her grandfather and she already missed them. Furthermore, she was beginning to miss her best friend. It felt like they hadn't talked at all since then. Was it a coincidence? Or was Florina choosing to avoid her on purpose? Will also wasn't as… close as she remembered. Sure, she knew he had gone off to get stronger, to improve his tactics and body, but now he was so busy talking and hanging out with others that she felt… left behind? Alone?

Grabbing her sword, Lyn decided it would be best to get some stance practice in. Maybe a good workout would help her clear her head. Figure out just what it was she really wanted. Fate worked in strange ways, however and along the way she ran into Wil (the archer, not the tactician), who was looking a little at a loss. "Wil? What's the matter?"

"Eh?" Wil asked in surprise. "Oh, I'm fine. I think. Just have a lot of stuff to think about lately. You know how that goes, right?"

"Yes… yes I do." Lyn said, with a small smile.

"Are things okay for you, L-Lady Lyndis?" Wil asked, seeming to stumble over his wording. "I know things have been crazy, but lately it seems like you haven't been… What's the word… peppy?"

"I'm… figuring it out." Lyn said, crossing her arms under her bust. "It's been difficult dealing with so many things outside of my element. Not three years ago I had only ever lived on the plains."

"Ah, that's right." Will said. "I sometimes forget that."

"And you?" Lyn asked. "You have seemed much more active since we left the castle. Why is that?"

"Ah, well… I gotta admit, the prospect of traveling and a new adventure got me pretty excited." Wil said, scratching the back of his neck. "There's so many things to see!"

"True." Lyn admitted. "You're from Pharae, right? I went there briefly to visit Dorcas, but I haven't lived there like you have. With Eliwood's house being the rulers… I assume it's pretty peaceful?"

"Well yeah, it's nice." Wil said with a shrug. "It's near the sea and the smell of the brine will often ride on the waves. I haven't been home in a long time though."

"You should have come with us to visit Dorcas." Lyn said.

"Maybe." Wil admitted.

"Well your parents are at least doing well, right? You must write them fairly often." Lyn said, with a small sigh of longing.

"Eh!?" Wil said, blanching. Lyn eyed him suspicious. Wil seemed to be trying to think his way out of it as he opened his mouth. "Well… not… that… often."

"That won't do." Lyn said firmly. "Go write them at once! That's an order!"

"An order?" Wil asked in surprise.

"Yes." Lyn said firmly. "Now go. Shoo. Write them."

"Ah… uh… right away, milady." Wil said, before scurrying away.

Lyn shook her head. Wil's peculiarities were beyond her. Maybe that's why this drifting from Will and Florina was affecting her so much. She felt closer to them, more connected. It was a similar feeling to knowing Ninian, who had once so enthusiastically announced her support of her feelings for Will, had lost her memories of both her and Will.

Kent kneaded his eyebrow in annoyance. The last few days had been rather taxing. He felt like there were a fair few secrets flying around camp. Raven's was just one of several and Will's readiness to accept these secrets and keep them bothered him. Will's problem had always been the secrets of his past. He only improved after all his secrets had been stripped from him, laid bare for them to see and judge. Why would he continue to go to bat for people like Raven when he experienced the same level of distrust himself? Was it because of that distrust? He just wasn't sure he understood.

"Kent!" Sain called. Kent jolted suddenly, surprised to find his partner sitting across from him, concern etched on his features. "Is something troubling you?"

"Nothing." Kent replied quickly.

"Then why are you staring off into space like that while holding your forehead?" Sain pressed knowingly. "What are you looking at?" Sain glanced over, only to see Lady Lyndis passing by. "Oh? So that's it?"

Kent sighed. "I'm merely worried about the state of our company." He explained. "It's our duty to protect our liege, is it not?"

"Yeah, of course it is." Sain said, waving a hand airily. "Say, Kent?"

"What?" Kent asked.

"As your older, wiser companion, let me give you a bit of advice." Sain said, leaning in conspiratorially. "It'll never work."

"What are you talking about?" Kent asked in confusion.

"You can't hide these things from me, partner." Sain said with a strange grin. "I can tell just by that dumb look plastered on your face."

"Do not presume to know what I'm thinking!" Kent growled. "I get the feeling you think I'm talking about something entirely different from what I'm actually speaking on!"

"Isn't it all the same?" Sain asked. "All for Lady Lyndis in the end, right?" He shrugged merrily. "Besides, let's not play pretend here. She's beautiful, kind, strong… how could anyone not have feelings for her?"

Kent sighed. "I just… you as well, Sain?"

"Of course!" Sain exclaimed happily. "Falling for beautiful women is what we cavaliers do. I suppose I should let you do this for yourself though. As your partner it's the knightly thing to do… I'll at least stay out of your way. That much I can promise."

"H-hold on!" Kent said, backtracking. "I never said what I intended was-"

"Because, you know… I really owe you one." Sain said, cutting Kent off without intending to. "Right, well, you'd best be after her, like right now. If you ever need my vast library of experience with women, it's at your disposal. I get the feeling you'll need it, right?"

Kent sighed again. "I will grant that talking with women is not my strong suit."

"Right then." Sain said. "First it's important to try. Then, you come back here and I'll give you a basic lesson in flattery. Trust me, it makes a lot more sense after you've tried it for yourself."

Kent sighed one last time, before hoisting himself from the table. "Fine. I'll try."

"Good on you!" Sain shouted happily.

As Kent left, Serra sidled into the chair opposite him. Sain grinned. "If it isn't the sweetest Lady Serra. No matter how often I see you, you always present a fresh and lovely appearance."

"You've always had a good eye for beauty, Sain." Serra said slightly happily, brushing her hair behind her ear.

"'Tis but one noble trait that runs in my good house. However, I surmise that is not what has brought us together now. A shame, for we would make a fine pair." Sain said.

"Well, we don't know about that." Serra said, eyeing Sain up and down. It was likely her first honest appraisal of him. She had never paid him as much attention as she pretended the year before.

"A bit coy, are we?" Sain asked. "Ah, perhaps you prefer to delay the pleasure so that it is all the sweeter?"

"You're very good at maneuvering." Serra said imperiously. "Most girls probably get tricked into saying yes with that one."

"I try my best." Sain smiled.

"Have you ever loved anyone from the bottom of your heart?" Serra asked suspiciously.

"Perhaps. Perhaps not." Sain smiled mysteriously. "That's not something for a lady uninterested in the man she shares drinks with to ask, now is it?"

"I suppose you have a point." Serra agreed begrudgingly.

Kent found Lyn on deck. She had already begun practicing her form, but he found it was at least half a step slower than usual. This meant she was agitated. Now he was worried about disrupting her concentration or train of thought, in case it was bad timing. However, he found he couldn't leave without at least trying to talk to her. "Lady Lyndis." He said, bowing politely as she stopped and turned to him. "How fare you?"

"Kent…" Lyn said, her voice low and uncertain.

"Is something the matter?" Kent asked. "Your sword arm is unsteady and you are half a step behind your usual form."

"You know me too well." Lyn sighed. "Have you been watching all this time?"

"Not the full time, no." Kent admitted. "I came sometime between three and six minutes ago. However, I do plan to keep protecting you. I could never face Lord Hausen otherwise."

Lyn sheathed her sword. "Kent, just because my grandfather was who he was, doesn't mean you should be worrying over me that much. I do just fine on my own. Just… just fine…"

"Lady Lyndis…" Kent said, concern returning to his voice. "Forgive me for saying so, but you haven't been your usual self in over a week. What is the matter?"

"It's…" Lyn began, before stopping. She shook her head. "No. I'm sorry Kent, but this is something I must figure out for myself."

"Is there nothing I can do?" Kent asked.

Lyn sighed again. "No, there… actually, there is something I wanted to ask, Kent."

"M'lady?"

"Why do you stay with me, by my side?" Lyn asked. "Is it because I'm the granddaughter of Marquis Caelin?"

"Eh?" Kent asked in surprise. He would think the answer was obvious. Yet… was it so obvious?

"It's… no I didn't mean that." Lyn said quickly, correcting herself. "I'm sorry, I came off as mean. I'm just trying to figure out some things. With Florina and Will. I'm not entirely sure what to do."

Kent nodded. He had noticed the three were acting a tad bit strange. Mostly Lyndis and Florina, who had not spoken in over a week by this point. Will was simply busy with other matters. However, with her having asked them to join her tribe, her feelings for them were likely… complicated. On top of which, Florina's crush on Will was something even he recalled rather well. If that was the case… he could see why she was having troubles. "If I may, Lady Lyndis?"

Lyn shrugged. "Go ahead."

"Sain suggests simply trying to talk." Kent said. "I wouldn't normally suggest it myself, but it seems these issues cannot be worked out if no words are exchanged. Whether you understand what you feel or not… is communicating not the most important part?"

"Hah!" The booming laugh of Wallace caught their attention. "You've got it, kiddos. All this worrying may be a staple of youth, but you can't be affording to hesitate right now!"

"Is not hesitating sometimes necessary?" Lyn asked. "We hesitated to use that one course in your training manual that involved circling the domain at top speed, which was in the long run for the best."

"If they had learned it those soldiers of yours may not be dead." Wallace countered.

Lyn grimaced. Kent also looked displeased. "Lord Wallace, that's hardly-"

"It's not her fault." Wallace finished. "That's the point you want to make, right?"

"Well… yes." Kent agreed.

"Doesn't matter." Wallace said firmly. "You can tell me Eagler's death isn't my fault all you want, I can never feel that isn't the case. Sure, it was Lundgren who held the hostage. It was Eagler who chose to fight. But it was me who chose to kill."

"But… we're only human, Lord Wallace." Lyn said. "We can't do crazy things like run the domain at top speed."

"Can't you?" Wallace asked. "You look more and more like your mother every day, but I thought you had more of your father's spirit inside you than that."

"Now that you mention it…" Kent mused, "Weren't you in the knight brigade twenty years ago?"

"You mean wasn't I there when little Lady Madelyn went and Eloped with Lord Hassar?" Wallace chuckled. "And yes, I was."

"What?" Lyn exclaimed. "That's the first I've heard of that!"

"They were good friends. Especially Hassar." Wallace grinned. "He was tight-lipped, like the usual brand of Sacaen you tend to see, but he had your deep, honest eyes, Lyn."

"Can you… tell me about him?" Lyn asked.

"Sure." Wallace said with a grin. "But not right now. Right now, you've got your own feelings to sort out. All I'm trying to teach you is that your mother and father made choices they knew they wouldn't regret. Same for your little Pegasus Friend. Isn't it time you did the same?"

Grabbing Kent, Wallace dragged him off to train, leaving Lyn alone with her thoughts.

The black robed man sighed angrily as he heard the report. "Shame on you, Marquis Pharae. You freed the boy and the girl?"

The red haired man with a thick red mustache spat some blood on the floor. "I will not let you move unopposed." He declared.

Darin wrung his hands together nervously. "Wh-what should we do, Lord Nergal? With both of the siblings gone, we can no longer hold the ceremony!"

"How many times must I tell you, Lord Darin?" Elbert pleaded with the purple haired Lord. "You are being used! If you help him bring dragons back into this world, you'll only help him destroy all mankind! Don't you understand that?"

Darin began to laugh. His laugh was deep and wild, nothing like the man Elbert had once known. "Destroy mankind? Dragons may have been a threat to mankind in ages past, but with Lord Nergal's power we have nothing to fear! Lord Nergal can control dragons!"

"Darin…" Elbert muttered, "You're already lost."

The black cloaked man, Nergal, sighed in annoyance. "I had planned to start a war in Lycia. The war I was planning would've generated a glorious amount of quintessence in one blow. You," He pointed at Elbert angrily, "were not equal to that task, it seems. Not to worry. I've other means at my disposal."

"Black Hearted Fiend!" Elbert shouted, spittle barely missing the cloaked Nergal's face. Nergal delivered a swift kick to his gut. "Ugh!"

"Hold your tongue." Nergal hissed. "There is still a task you must perform for me. Ephidel! Limstella! My beloved morphs, my beauteous works of art. I have new jobs for you." Ephidel and Limstella approached. They were nearly identical, aside from the differences the gender caused. Mostly, it was Limstella's long wavy hair and her attire that set her apart from the dark cloaked Ephidel, who looked so akin to Mark. "First, Limstella. You will go to Bern and contact Sonia. I want you to arrange a meeting with the King."

Limstella nodded. "Understood." She said softly, with a voice as smooth as silk.

"Ephidel, you will take this man… Marquis Laus, to exterminate the bugs coming to this island."

Ephidel bowed. "Yes, Master."

"That leaves you, dear Marquis Pharae." Nergal said, dragging the gasping Marquis up by his hair. "It seems your legacy is one of endurance." Elbert's eyes widened in terror. "The mouse who interfered with my conquest of Lycia is named Eliwood. I wonder… should I congratulate him on making it this far?"

"Eliwood?" Elbert gasped. "Eliwood is coming… here?" Nergal grinned. "No! Do with me what you will, but leave my son be!"

Nergal laughed. It was a mirthless laugh, almost robotic sounding in how bored it was with Elbert's pleas. "Remember the sibling you freed? She's coming here too. As a matter of fact, she's with your son. Quite the delicious twist of fate, eh?"

Elbert slumped, his resistance weakening. "This… this can't be."

"Eliwood and his little friends will die on this island." Nergal whispered softly to the Marquis. "The girl will be returned to me and the ceremony will take place. Despite the long hours of torture, you've remain undaunted. Such courage is what makes you the perfect sacrifice, Marquis Pharae.

"Eliwood… Turn back… Take the girl and flee… Please…" Elbert whispered, as if in prayer.

Nearby, a shadow dropped to the ground. Looking around carefully, she darted away from the room before she risked eavesdropping any further. "I can't believe it's come to this. I must inform Lord Hector of these events. If I hurry, I may be in time to catch them as they arrive." Leila whispered to herself, as she dashed into the corridor. There, she skidded to a halt.

In front of her stood Ephidel, a strange placid smile on his face. It was far creepier because of his glowing yellow eyes, which were no longer concealed under his hood. "Where are you going… Leila?" He asked, softly.

"Lord… Ephidel." Leila managed. She had been caught. She hadn't been careful enough. What was the contingency when this happened? Where was her satchel? If she could just reach the stench bomb inside, maybe she could distract him long enough. But reaching for her pouch was bound to be more suspicious. How should she play it? "I was… I was just going to check on the sentries, Sir."

Ephidel chuckled. "You overheard. Such a shame. Here I thought I'd get to play with you much longer before sending you to meet you sister… Jaffar!"

From the shadows behind her, a man emerged, cloth covering his mouth as he twirled daggers menacingly. "The punishment for traitors… is death." He said, his low voice soft as he approached.

Leila quickly reached into her pouch, while her other hand went for the dagger, She threw the dagger at Jaffar, while at the same time throwing the bomb directly into Ephidel's face. She bolted, sprinting out of the corridor and onto the balcony. Leaping over the edge, she grabbed her second dagger and smashed it into the side of the castle, sliding down the wall as she did so. Behind her, she could hear the enraged sounds of Ephidel ordering Jaffar to give chase. A moment later, Jaffar too had leapt from the balcony, using both his daggers to aide his descent. He was even closing the distance, if that was at all possible.

When she got about ten feet from the ground, she pushed off the wall, leaving her other dagger behind as well. It was all but ruined anyway, so she didn't feel a huge sense of loss. However, it was her last functional weapon. It was far too difficult to sneak extra weapons when they had kept such close tabs on her. Making her way through the trees, she remembered the cave where she had stashed her supplies. If she got there, getting to the seashore would be much easier. After all, she'd have a carrier pigeon and paper to write with, warning them of the danger and where to land.

"I'm coming… Matthew." Leila breathed, climbing a tree to leap across to another. As she did, she suddenly felt a sharp stabbing sensation in her back. How had he… no… of course… he was the Angel of Death. He never missed his target… except for one. "Aaa… Matthew…" She whispered, tears forming in her eyes. She fell to the ground, as blood began to pool around.

"Well done Jaffar." Ephidel said, after catching up. "Your powers are beyond compare, as always."

Jaffar said nothing, merely looking at the woman beneath him. He held his other dagger in his hand, while looking at the one stuck in the young woman's back.

"Take her corpse and leave it in the forest." Ephidel ordered. "Let it serve as a warning to those fools."

"Oh?" Sain mused. He had been wandering the halls, only to find Priscilla sitting in a chair, emitting a soft sigh. "Those eyes… such exquisite sorrow!" He exclaimed. Priscilla looked at him, slightly confused. "What subtle and fine nobility they possess! You must be a highborn Lady of Etruria!"

"Eh?" Priscilla asked, amazed. "Umm… yes. I am the daughter of Count Caerleon, Priscilla. You are… Sir Sain of Caelin, correct? It's an honor to meet a knight such as yourself."

"Yes!" Sain said happily. "I am indeed that Sain! Sain of the Caelin Knights! That's me!"

"You didn't have to repeat yourself." Priscilla sighed.

Sain smiled slightly. So, she was that type of woman, eh? He supposed his luck was never very good. "Dear Lady Priscilla… NO! Let me call you Princess!"

"What?" Priscilla yelped in surprise.

"May I address you as such? Princess Priscilla?"

"I…" Priscilla seemed taken aback by Sain's forwardness. "I suppose I don't mind. If… If you feel that you must. You can address me however you like."

Sain bowed. "My deepest thanks, Princess Priscilla! Ah, what a splendid pleasure!"

"You… are a very odd fellow." Priscilla giggled.

Sain grinned. He may not be able to win their hearts, but at least he could help them smile.

"Eliwood!" Lyn shouted, approaching the young lord. It was finally reaching the evening time.

Tomorrow, they would reach the dread isle, at least according to Fargus. Will had shut himself up in his room to make more plans (though Eliwood felt more plans at this point were far from necessary) and dragged Florina with him. She had apparently agreed to become the group's back-up tactician, in the case a situation like the ship battle happened again. As such, Will was now drumming in the entire strategic handbook into the poor girl's brain. Well, the handbook that Will likely wrote as he went, that is. Somehow, he felt it best not to mention that to Lyndis. "Something the matter?"

"I was watching your swordplay." Lyndis replied. "You're quite good. Why do you never use such moves in combat?"

"I've practiced forms and against dummies plenty long enough." Eliwood said kindly. "When it comes to real battle, however, I'm far from perfect. My forms never seem to work as well as I'd like when I end up in a fight."

"Where did you learn?" Lyndis asked.

"My father, first." Eliwood smiled. "He taught me the basics. Then, I received some instruction from Marcus. I spar with Hector at least once every four months or so as well."

"Sparring hmm…?" Lyndis mused. "Interested in having a new partner?"

"Are you offering?" Eliwood asked. "I wouldn't mind. Sacaen swordplay is unique and hard to predict."

"Just so long as you don't go easy on me. I'm very serious when I spar, and I hate people going easy on me. Wouldn't want you to get hurt though, so I figured I should warn you." Lyndis said with a smile.

"Of course." Eliwood chuckled. "I'll be ready."

"Speaking of…" Lyn muttered, spotting someone Eliwood recognized all too well. "I need to ask that oaf as well."

"Have fun." Eliwood said, deciding it was best to leave it be.

"Hector, have a moment?" Lyndis asked.

"What's up?" Hector asked, turning around. He didn't have his axe with him, but he did have an orange. She supposed even he tried to watch how much meat he ate without adding in some variation.

"You spar with Eliwood pretty regularly, right?" Lyndis pressed.

"Yeah. What of it?" Hector asked.

"I'm trying to line up decent sparring partners. While I haven't been… entirely amicable to you, Will and Eliwood speak highly of your skills. So would you be willing to spar with me?"

"You?" Hector asked, surprised. He looked Lyn up and down, before shaking his head. "Nah, I think that's a bad idea. I wouldn't want to leave a scar on a lithe girl like you."

"What?" Lyndis asked, her voice going dangerously low. "Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I'm weak."

"Eh?" Hector asked in confusion. "This ain't got nothing to do with being a man or a woman. My armor's heavy riding armor, see? Even though I use an axe, swordsmen like you generally don't stand a chance."

"Oh?" Lyndis asked, her hip cocking angrily to the side. "I see. So you've judged my strength already, then."

"I didn't say that." Hector shrugged. "Oswin taught once long ago that Swordsmen and heavy cavalry units are like water and… What's with the glare?" He asked, finally seeing just how angry he had made the Sacaen warrior.

"I challenge you." Lyn said firmly. "You'll see… You'll take back your words!"

"Uh…" Hector deadpanned

"LAND HO!" Krunk shouted form the crow's nest. "Captain! The Dread Isle's in sight!"

"Got'cha laddie! We'll weigh anchor here! Pull in during the early hours under cover of night!" Fargus barked. "You lot better get your sleep!"

"Right!" Eliwood replied. "Lyndis, Hector, come on!"

With Lyn's challenge on hold, the two followed Eliwood below. Tomorrow was going to be a big day.

"Thank you for the ride, Fargus." Will said, shaking the captain's grizzled hand.

"We'll wait two weeks. You finish up by then, got it?" Fargus grunted

"That's more than enough time!" Hector declared.

"I've also got a half-wit sailor who wants to do some sightseeing. C'mere, Dart!" Fargus barked.

The dual axe wielding pirate named Dart disembarked. No one could hear the small gasp Rebecca made behind them. "I'm here, Captain! Ready to serve!"

"Pleased to have you." Eliwood said, shaking Dart's hand.

"His only redeeming feature is his sturdiness." Fargus chuckled. "He should come in handy."

"Come on, Captain!" Dart cried. "I'm better'n that!"

"You've done so much for us… for me… a second time." Will said. "I can't thank you enough."

Fargus scratched his beard. "Come back alive then! That's all the thanks I need."

"Right." Will nodded.

"We'll be back before you know it!" Hector laughed.

"I suppose there are good people… even among pirates." Lyn whispered to herself.

"Fargus and his group aren't your average group of pirates." Will whispered, much to her embarrassment over being heard.

As they watched the ship sail back into the fog, they turned to face the forest in front of them. "Somewhere within that forest lies the Dragon's Gate." Eliwood muttered.

"No matter what it takes, we're coming back with your father." Hector said, gripping Eliwood's shoulder reassuringly.

"We'll all do our best to help you, Eliwood." Lyn agreed, placing her hand on his other shoulder.

"Let's make preparations to enter the forest." Will said. "I've set up the scouting groups, so make sure you never separate from your designated partner."

"Dragon's… Gate…" Ninian said, as if she were remembering something.

"Ninian?" Lyn asked, grabbing the girl's hand.

"It's… nothing…" Ninian said softly, though the look on her face seemed to suggest otherwise.