Author's Note: Two jobs at once is pretty taxing, but the good news is I'm garnering bits of money to start a savings account. Once I have enough, I plan to drop the less enjoyable job (or the lowest paying) and have some time to myself again.
Also, this is likely coming out relatively soon after the previous chapter and that's because you could consider last chapter, this one and the next the last three in the arc. Technically, 65 and 66 will still be focusing on the fallout that happens at the dragon's gate, so the official third arc doesn't begin until 67, but these three are the big ones.
Pixelsaber: The chapters where I could cut back on action I did so I could really splurge on this battle. It's big, brutal, and long. Introducing Legault is an odd feeling. Unlike you, I've never used Legault after getting him aside from getting supports. With his involvement with the fang, I'm going to have to work hard to represent him well. Hopefully I pull it off. Finally, Ephidel and Limstella both were made using Mark's Quintessence while he was still alive, over a long period of time. I'm trying to imply that Nergal's going to have a lot more morphs like that at his disposal now that he gathered what Quintessence he could from Mark upon his death.
Tom-Ato13: The original conversation was never meant to imply a harem, simply to expand upon the different upbringing Lyn had. As a more tribal culture, it wouldn't be surprising for smaller tribes or tribes with set power structures to practice polygamy and in their world that's perfectly natural. This clashes with Lyn's more special upbringing by her two parents and being half Lycian. The advancement on romance I'll admit has been very slow, mostly because that just felt more natural. Sure, in the original arc I managed to develop the feelings they may have had for each other, but saying it while fighting a war is not always the best idea. With both aware of the other, it's also made it more difficult to make a move. Once they were on the island, essentially all thoughts of romance were pushed to the side in favor of 'finishing' their fight. Thanks for the review!
Please enjoy.
Chapter 63: Dragon
I Erik of Laus, hereby declare the following,
For the foreseeable future until the Lord of Ostia declares otherwise, my state will be under the stewardship of one of Ostia's council members.
I will lead a reform of the knights, training them to the standards Laus requires to protect its people, to replace those lost to Darin's rebellion.
I declare that I and no member of Laus will have any contact with Lord Darin or the Black Fang, under punishment of death by guillotine.
I renounce my father, Lord Darin, from his position as my father and Lord of Laus.
I sign this document of my own free will, in agreement with these statements,
Erik of Laus
Found in the Ostian Archives
"Grah!" Dorcas shouted, throwing his hand axe at the cavalier. It dismayed him to see the trusty axe batted away, falling outside of the door where it was now out of reach. There were too many of them for him to count with his eyes, but Dorcas guessed there were likely ten.
"Strawberry, forward!" Lowen shouted, spurring his steed to the front. He locked blade with the first cavalier, who was trying to push his way into the room. Thankfully, the door was small enough that Lowen and Dorcas alone were enough to block it. They had sent Priscilla back with Wil, so those two could be safe, but their predicament was now much worse. When the first reinforcements had arrived, they thought there might be more, but not this many to handle with just two.
"There's only two!" The cavalier shouted, to compound Lowen's worries. "We can wear them down!"
Lowen signaled Strawberry back, Dorcas filling the gap and using his steel axe to block the lance that poked around the first cavalier. With a mighty heave, Dorcas cut down the enemy in front of the door, horse and all. However, a moment later the gap was filled by a second sword user, who managed to stab Dorcas in the side as he attempted to back away. Dorcas collapsed, and Lowen quickly leapt from Strawberry, instructing her to pull Dorcas away. With just his lance, he stood at the door, the fear in his eyes hidden thanks to his eye length hair.
"For Pharae!" The shout caught his attention, Lowen letting out a deep sigh of relief. Sir Marcus had come.
"For a hell of a fight!" A second shout followed. Dorcas groaned in spite of the pain. Bartre had come as well. He was surely grateful for the rescue, but Bartre's enthusiasm was difficult to manage with a wound.
Marcus arrived first, his Silver Lance baring down on the sword user who blocked the door. Hearing the cries, the remaining eight had scrambled to get into formation, but the one in front of the door couldn't take his eyes away from Lowen's lance, which was poised to strike.
With him down, Lowen joined the other two in fighting the cavaliers. Strawberry came back, allowing him to mount and draw his sword from its sheath. Marcus bore down upon the formation leader, his lance a flash of lightning as it struck him dead. With Sir Marcus, Lowen felt failure was no longer a possibility.
Bartre roared with energy as he tackled the horse he was fighting to the ground. Lowen marveled at the insane strength the man must possess to do that. Bartre then proceeded to overpower the terrified cavalier and finish him, before moving on to the next one without so much as batting an eye.
Lowen clashed with the cavalier he was fighting, thankful that three were fighting Marcus and two Bartre. It allowed him to fight the one enemy at his best. Lowen found it difficult to engage multiple enemies even now, especially without a long range attacker to back him up. He mused that William generally had a front-back strategy with him, perhaps because he realized this very flaw early on. Lowen knew he still needed to get stronger, but for now he settled on disarming his opponent and driving his lance through their gut. Another down.
Marcus' lance flashed, blocking one attack after another. The third managed to circle to his non-dominant side, taking aim at him, but Marcus was prepared for that as well. Drawing his sword from its sheath, he met the cavalier on that side as well. The cavalier's surprise (really, they should expect him to have more than one weapon) allowed him the chance to finish his first opponent with his Silver lance, which was far too strong a weapon for the enemy's iron to hold strong. The second enemy quickly filled the first's spot and Marcus engaged them both, his sword and lance working independently while also strangely simultaneously. Within a minute, both Cavaliers had fallen. Marcus doubled over, wheezing heavily from the fight. It was not that he had thought it would be easy, but the exertion was far more than he had expected it to be.
Bartre meanwhile laughed as he fought the terrified footmen. Their horses lay dead from wild swings of Bartre's axe, their sword defense almost proving useless against his mad barrage. However, in that barrage, they were beginning to spot a pattern. Bartre tended to favor swinging from right to left. His left to right swings were always slower and tended to angle upward. When he next swung from the left, one of the foot men took a chance, charging in and smacking the axe with his sword. Bartre grabbed the man by the throat, but the second footmen charged in, his sword stabbing into Bartre's side. Bartre growled in pain, but as he collapsed his grip crushed the first man's throat. Gasping, he also fell to the ground. "Take comfort that I've ended a monster for you, brother." The final cavalier said, raising his sword to kill Bartre.
Lowen's lance struck him in the back. He had just enough time to gallop over and save Bartre from his ghastly fate. Lowen let out a sorrowful sigh. "Sorry, but he's our monster."
"Nice work, Lowen." Marcus said. "Let's get Bartre and Dorcas back to Priscilla for treatment. I don't want to leave Merlinus alone any longer."
"Yes sir!" Lowen said, saluting proudly. It was the first time he remembered a clear compliment from the man. Perhaps it was due to the dire situation.
"Lord Eliwood, I present you the contents of a Black Fang treasury." Matthew said, sweeping his arms impressively as Eliwood entered the room. Canas and Fiora followed just behind. In the corner, though they chose not to comment, was the corpse of a Black fang member, his throat cleanly slit by Matthew's daggers.
"There's a lot here." Fiora commented.
"How much can Apples carry?" Eliwood asked.
"We can manage most of the good equipment here." Fiora said. "The gold will have to stay."
Matthew snapped his fingers. "Shucks. Here I was looking forward to a nice bonus."
"Lord Eliwood, the structure appears weak here." Canas noted. "I believe just outside here is the entrance to the main building. If there's another weakness to take advantage of…"
"It's worth a try." Eliwood admitted. "Let's get to work. Fiora, please handle the rest."
"Leave it to me." Fiora said with a small nod.
It took a short while, but they managed to break through the wall with Canas' flux spell. Sure enough, on the other side was the main building. Also, thankfully, they spotted another structural weakness. "The moment we break through, there are most likely going to be enemies." Canas said, pushing up his monocle.
"Are you ready?" Eliwood asked. The two men with him nodded. "Do it."
The wall exploded with the force of Canas' spell, and Eliwood rushed straight in, Matthew just behind. The two rolled to the side almost immediately as a heavy knight attempted to skewer them with his lance, Eliwood clambering to his feet just in time to clash with a lance user. Matthew jumped to his feet just in time to parry a swordsmen, a small grin on his face as his second dagger came around, slitting the man's throat. All that practice with Guy really paid off.
Canas' next spell was a Nosferatu, which hit the heavy knight full on. The knight collapsed, his energy entirely gone. Canas then clambered into the chamber, a small smile on his face. "Ah, I feel refreshed. Breaking those walls had nearly drained my magic completely."
Eliwood spun to avoid the lance strike, before bringing his rapier around to pierce the man's arm. He followed it up with a jab to his other arm, then the leg, then the other leg. As the man fell, Eliwood finished by jabbing his rapier through the man's throat. Only then did Eliwood relax. "We did it…" He breathed. "But we don't appear to be in the throne room. Matthew, can you find the way?"
"I can sure as heck try." Matthew said. "Be back soon!" He vanished into the shadows.
"I've returned." Fiora said from behind. "I'm sorry I took so long."
"No worries, we've only just finished here." Eliwood said, cleaning his sword. "How's the back way looking?"
"We're not in great shape." Fiora said. "Dorcas, Bartre, Oswin, Wil and Dart all have serious injuries and are being treated. Marcus and Lowen are guarding them with Rebecca. William and Lyndis are heading over to meet with Hector's group, though they have a new person in tow, a member of the Black Fang."
"A traitor to their cause?" Eliwood asked.
"It appears so, since he wasn't bound." Fiora said.
"Good, extra hands are hard to come by." Eliwood said.
"I also passed by Serra and Wallace. They appeared to be arguing about whether or not he should return to the fight. I thought it best not to pry." Fiora said.
"Yeah, he's a stubborn one." Eliwood said. "I understand. Thanks for the update."
"I may have found a way, but there's a bit of blockage." Matthew said, reappearing. "What do we do?"
"Let's check this block." Eliwood said. "If we can get through it, we should probably try. Any surprise we can land on them rather than the other way around is a good thing."
Erk glanced at Renault. The man wasn't moving an inch, his eyes firmly affixed on the trapdoor. Well, it was true Will had asked them to stay there and make sure no one came out, but Renault was doing it so intently that it was as if the man was avoiding speaking to him. Admittedly, last time they had talked it had been about morphs and Nergal, which seemed to be a touchy subject. Add to that Erk himself wasn't that great and conversations and… well…
Let's just say he never thought there would be a day when he'd be wishing Serra would show up. At least she'd say something, even if it was completely idiotic.
"So I've got Shy Pegasus Girl, Sacaen Swordsman, Red Knight, Green Knight, Mercenary and Monk." Hector counted on his fingers. Counting himself, that was seven people. "Are we all going to fight Darin?"
"You… you can't assume he's alone." Florina said. "And… and everyone has a name."
"I know, I'm just too worked up right now and my brain doesn't remember." Hector muttered. "Sorry, alright?"
"Uh… no I… it's fine." Flroina said, sighing as she looked away.
"Well your attitude says it isn't, but thanks I guess." Hector shrugged. "Hang on… isn't that the door?"
"It is." Florina said. "Kent, Sain, can you take up opposite ends?"
The two knights nodded. "Guy, you stick to Hector. Raven and Lucius, you stick together as well. I'll bring up the rear. Enter at your discretion."
Kent stuck his ear to the door. The only sounds from within were strange chuckles that sounded every few seconds. They weren't long or loud, just… chuckles. From what or who, there was no discernable way to tell. They would just have to breach and hope for the best. He signaled Sain, who nodded firmly. With a cry, their horses' raised their hooves and bashed the door in.
Inside, atop the throne, sat Darin. He was the one who was chuckling. At his side were two heavy knights and two shamans, which immediately reacted to the group and charged.
"Sain, Kent, draw off the Knights!" Florina shouted. "Raven, Lucius, same for the shamans! Guy, back Hector up and defeat Darin! I'm with you two!"
Darin heard the shy girl's shouts and stood. For once, they understood just how intimidating Darin could be. His stature, his poise, his armor, the weapons he held… all were the marks of a top-class warrior. One who had seen war, lived war and beaten war. "You dare challenge me?" He said, his voice joyous. "I, who rule the world?! You must be mad."
"You're the one who's mad, Darin." Hector growled, his Wolf Beil raised.
"Out of your goddamn mind." Guy muttered, raising his Killing Edge.
Florina remained silent, but readied her slim lance. Instead of her iron or javelin, it would be best to use the thin lance and pierce a weak point in Darin's armor. Trouble was… she couldn't find one.
"Fall!" Kent shouted, his lance swinging high as he stabbed into the exposed neck of the heavy knight. His opponent toppled to the ground, and he collapsed from his horse. The Knight had landed a blow on his leg and Kent knew he would be no help with Darin now.
Sain reeled back from the blow. He had disarmed the knight, but the man refused to fall, managing to pull Sain from his steed. Sain fought on, his steed retreating a safe distance so as not to get in his way, his lance a flurry of movement as he traded blows with the knight. Unfortunately, the knight's armor was heavier than any he had fought before, and soon Sain found his arm in a vice-like grip, before the enemy knight snapped it. "AAAAARGH!" Sain shouted in pain, falling back. In that moment, he dropped his lance, drawing his sword with his hand that remained firm. The Knight charged, his arms outstretched, and Sain jabbed his sword into the exposed elbow joint. The sword sank in, but Sain pulled it out immediately, turning to the man's other arm and performing the same feet. As the Knight yelled in pain, Sain jabbed his sword a third and final time into the man's exposed face.
Raven swung his sword easily, cutting the mage cleanly through his enchanted robe. The mage coughed, spluttered, attempting to finish his spell, but fell before he could. Similarly, Lucius was finishing his opponent on the other side of the room. Seeing Sain and Kent both in pain and bleeding, Lucius hurried to attend to them. Raven, in spite of himself, turned his attention to the fight with Darin.
Guy was launched from the stairs, tumbling to the bottom in a heap. Bending down, Raven could tell the Sacaen had at least a broken rib, if not his leg as well. Glancing up, he saw Hector and the Pegasus girl fighting Darin with all their might. Hector's axe swung without hesitation, and Florina's lance work was accurate, but Darin was better. He moved better, protected himself better and his counters hurt them far more than theirs hurt him.
Hector's Wolf Beil connected with Darin's dominant hand, a sickening crunching noise occurring as Darin's hand was removed. Darin, not even seeming to care, grabbed his lance with his remaining hand, stabbing Hector in the gut. Hector's armor was strong, but no match for the force Darin had at his disposal. Raven cursed his ill-luck. Of course he'd be the only one who could help at a time like this. "Lucius, take care of Guy!" He shouted, raising his sword and charging up the stairs. Florina's lance connected, skewering Darin's knee in the process. The Lord fell to one knee, but still raised his lance to deliver the finishing blow to Hector. "Damn stupid prince!" Raven growled, pushing Hector out of the way just in time. Raven stared into the face of madness, as Darin's lance pushed into his outstretched arm.
Raven fell, clattering down the steps even as Lucius yelled in fear. Florina knew she only had one chance. Grabbing her iron lance, she struck at the back of Darin's exposed neck. His head lulled back, her spear bouncing uselessly off the lord's helmet. She retreated fearfully, hoping Hector was just out of range, but a strange thing happened.
Darin looked at his missing hand. Then his knee. Then the floor. A large amount of blood was accumulating all around him. "Blood?" He said, confusion etching his features. "Is this… blood?" He asked again, as if any one of them could answer. "Ephidel… where are you? Your master… needs you… I am… the ruler… of this… world…"
He collapsed to the ground, for some reason unable to move any longer. As he looked at the floor, he could swear he saw it fading away, the small face of a purple haired child forming instead. "It's okay, father. You don't have to fight anymore. It's time to go."
"Time to… oh… gods." Darin mumbled. "What have I…"
Darin coughed, then moved no more.
"Lucius!" Will shouted, finally arriving at the scene. With him was Erk, Lyndis, Wallace, a strange new fellow and most mercifully Serra. Serra shrieked at the state of the place, hurrying over to Hector and beginning to treat him immediately.
"I'm… okay… Raven." Hector growled.
"Shut up and let me do my job, Lord Hector!" Serra demanded. "I'll take care of him too, just shut up and get healed."
"This is… horrible." Lyn said. "Florina! You're alright!"
Florina landed in front of the pair sheepishly. "I'm sorry… I should've been more careful, but Darin was just too strong."
"No, they were all strong." Will said. "Over half our forces have been injured in the battle. I'm… unsure if we can storm the Dragon's Gate."
"We don't have any choice!" Eliwood's voice sounded from just behind them. They jumped in surprise. "Sorry." Eliwood apologized.
"No, it's fine. I know you're right, Eliwood." Will said. "I just don't know how many of us can…"
"Myself, Canas and Fiora are still in top form." Matthew reported. "Renault and Erk are last we heard still well. Everyone else, on the other hand…"
"I should have Lord Hector back up in about a minute." Serra said. "Everyone else here should be brought back for treatment."
"When you do, get Marcus, Rebecca, Erk and Renault to come here." Will said. "It's not optimal, but we'll have to fight with the forces we have. We can't chance Nergal sending new troops against us. Have everyone else retreat to the rotted tree."
Serra sighed, but nodded. "I understand. I'll let them know."
"Let me come as well." Lucius said. "Renault may be an excellent healer, but with two light magic users…"
"Of course." Will said. "Once the others arrive, we'll brief them. When we storm the gate, there won't be any time to think. We take Nergal down hard and fast without mercy. He'll do the exact same to us if we show even the slightest sign of weakness. Do you understand?"
The group gave a small, uncertain nod.
The group consisting of Will, Lyndis, Eliwood, Hector, Lucius, Renault, Erk, Wallace, Florina, Matthew, Canas, Marcus and Rebecca inched slowly towards the next door. Eliwood wanted nothing more than to scream for his father, to try and find him, but he understood that losing their advantage of a surprise attack could very well mean their deaths.
Matthew gave them a silent nod, which meant they could enter the next room. Inside they saw… nothing. Well, nothing was not entirely correct. "It's frickin dark in here." Hector growled, holding his side. "Can't see a blasted thing."
"Quiet, Hector." Eliwood reprimanded. "We don't know where Nergal may be hiding."
"Eli…Eliwood…" A soft voice came from the ground. The voice was so unexpected, the entire group jumped. It was only a quick hold from Marcus that prevented Rebecca from firing an arrow at the speaker.
"Father!" Eliwood shouted, all thoughts of stealth forgotten. "You're alive!" He rushed over to the collapsed forming, grabbing his arm and slinging it over his shoulder, gently lifting the elderly man from the ground.
"Eliwood…" Lord Elbert said softly, a smile spreading across his face. He looked extremely worn out, as if ten years had passed since he had seen his son last. Suddenly, he shook his head. "No, forget about me. Take the girl and flee at once!"
"The girl?" Eliwood asked, looking around. IN the corner, staring off into space… was Ninian. "Ninian!" He cried in surprise.
Ninian didn't answer. Elbert coughed. "That girl… She's the key to the Dragon's Gate! Hurry! Now, before Nergal finishes his preparations!"
"Ninian." Will said kindly, crouching down and offering her his hand. "Come on. We need to go now."
Ninian didn't move. She continued to stare off into space. It was like meeting her back on the pirate ship all over again. Hector growled, grabbing Lord Elbert from Eliwood and slinging him over his shoulder. "I've got your father. You take Ninian." Hector said firmly.
"There's no time to hesitate." Lyn agreed. "Let's go."
"I understand." Eliwood said, hurrying over and helping Will pull Ninian up and onto his shoulders.
"You've got her?' Will asked.
"Yeah." Eliwood said. "Don't worry. She's light."
"Hector… you came too…" Elbert said, recognizing the blue head carrying him now that his vision was clearer. "Thank you."
"Don't worry about that." Hector said bashfully. "I'm going to start moving you now, so stay strong. We're getting out of this together."
"Jaffar." Will said suddenly. He had straightened, turning to the shadows of the room. From it, the assassin emerged, not looking him directly in the eyes.
"You cannot pass." Jaffar's deep voice said clearly.
"You… you're the one who did that to Leila!" Matthew shouted, rage suddenly overtaking him.
"I am." Jaffar replied.
Matthew drew his daggers. "No!" Elbert shouted. "You mustn't fight him!"
"Matthew, calm down." Will said, placing a hand on the thief's arm. "Jaffar is… far too strong for us to face right now. If we fight him, while trying to protect Lord Elbert and Ninian from him as well…"
Matthew grit his teeth, his grip on the daggers not lessening. "He won't let us pass, Will. I can at least buy you some time."
"Be a good boy and listen to the traitor." Ephidel's voice echoed.
Will shivered. "Ephidel."
"Even among the Black Fang, Jaffar is renowned for his skills. But I'm sure you remember that, don't you, William." Ephidel said pleasantly as he appeared from the shadows. "Though he did have one failure… you."
"Luck is a fickle mistress." Will said. "She makes fools of us all in the end."
"Then one simply need tame Lady Luck. By force if need be." Ephidel said simply. "You've done well, Jaffar. That is all. You are to return to Bern and begin your next assignment."
"Understood." Jaffar said, turning and vanishing into the shadows.
"I'll be the one to clean up his little mistake, of course." Ephidel spat. "Jaffar only failed to kill you because of the persistent worm you are."
"At least my emotions and desires are my own." Will said. "Not handed to me on a platter by Nergal."
Ephidel smiled. "I have an invitation for you, from my master. 'In honor of your hard-fought arrival, I've prepared a special show just for you.'" He said, parroting Nergal's speech.
"Stop it!" Elbert shouted. "You cannot release the dragons!"
"Dragons?" Eliwood cried in surprise. "What's this all about?"
"You will know shortly." Ephidel said with an insulting bow. "At the expense of your dear father's life."
Elbert suddenly screamed in pain, causing Hector to drop him to the floor. "Father?!" Eliwood cried in confusion, releasing his grip on Ninian as well. "What's wrong? Father!"
"Ninian?" Lyn asked in confusion, as Ninian began to circle her hands in the air.
"Pow…pow… er… power…" Ninian said, just loud enough for them to hear.
Elbert's screams intensified. "Father!" Eliwood shouted.
A shiver ran down Will's spine once more. This one much more sinister than the first. He turned, as if forced to, to face the man they had come to kill. Nergal's face was twisted in an inhuman smile as he watched the scene before him unfold. "Now, Ninian." He said, in a commanding voice. "Open the Dragon's Gate at last."
"Gate… Open… gate…" Ninian said, and despite Lyn trying to hold her back Ninian began to walk towards Nergal's outstretched arms.
Suddenly, the entire ruins began to shake. It wasn't a natural earthquake, the rumbling felt like it was touching the core of the heavens and the very fabric of their world beginning to tear as Will stared at the gate. "Yes…" Nergal said, his voice becoming more joyous. "That's it… now come this way, Dragon!"
"What the hell's with this rumbling?!" Hector shouted in confusion.
"I can… barely stay standing!" Lyn cursed. Every single one of them was suffering under the same effect, unable to move as the rumbling continued.
"Nergal… what's happening?" Eliwood demanded of their enemy, who stood before them unphased by every shake.
"Here." Ninian said softly, her hands mimicking Nergal's own, as the gate before them began to open ever more widely. "Come, children of flame. Come… to me…"
To their horror, from inside the gate a single eye appeared. Not just any eye, but the gigantic eye of a lizard-like being, which then began to force its head through the gate. It was the enormous head of a red, firing breathing, living dragon. It let out a ferocious roar, forcing the party to cover their ears as they looked on in horror.
"It… can't be…" Hector said incredulously.
"No… it isn't…" Lyn said, shaking her head in fear.
"Is it… truly…" Eliwood said, his voice trailing away as he stared at the beast.
"A dragon." Will finished, his voice a mere fraction of what it once was. All resistance before this beast of old seemed futile. Even their voices failed them in its presence as it glared down at them all.
"Yes!" Nergal shouted triumphantly. "Use all of your strength! Squeeze every last drop from your body! Summon the dragons!"
Suddenly, the pattering of quick footsteps could be heard. From the entrance of the room, a small boy appeared, with no shoes on his feet and a small flute in his hand. "I made it! I only hope it's not too late."
"Nils?!" Will cried in surprise.
"You!" Ephidel shouted in anger. "It can't be!"
"Ninian, come to your senses!" Nils shouted, ignoring Will and Ephidel alike. "You must not do what they want!"
"N-Nils..." Ninian said, her head turning at the sound of his voice.
"Nils?" Nergal asked in surprise. "Not now! Ephidel, Stop him!"
"Stop Ephidel!" Will roared, his voice and the party suddenly springing back to life. "He can't be allowed to touch Nils!"
"You fools! The power… it runs wild!" Ephidel said, as Will, Wallace and Marcus quickly barred his path to the young boy.
"Ninian!" Nils shouted.
"Nils?" Ninian asked, the life suddenly returning to her eyes. Her hands fell to her sides and the dragon, who had been nearly half-way through, was suddenly roaring in pain as the gate began to close again.
"The dragon is crumbling!" Nils shouted. "Everybody get out now!"
As Nergal vanished with a swish of his cloak, the party began to retreat. Ninian shot past Will, Wallace and Marcus, who were holding the struggling Ephidel back. "No, you don't understand, the gate must remain open!" Ephidel shouted. "If not, the power will… get out of my way!"
Ephidel's blast of dark magic hit Will squarely in the chest, sending him tumbling away. "Grab him and get out, Marcus!" Wallace shouted. "I'll handle him!"
"The power… The power is…" Ephidel muttered, clutching his head. The dragon was beginning to turn grey, its roar becoming less and less powerful. "DIE!" Wallace's lance bashed the darkness infused hand aside, his lance stabbing into Ephidel as the morph screamed in agony. "The dragon… the dragon will… explode…" Ephidel breathed in his last moments. Wallace glanced up at the dragon in horror. The tip of it had not yet turned grey, but in just a few seconds, it would.
"CLOSE THE DOOR!" Wallace bellowed.
"Lord Wallace!" Lyndis shouted.
"CLOSE THE DOOR NOW! LISTEN TO ME JUST THIS ONCE, LYNDIS!" Wallace bellowed back.
Hector and Eliwood, despite Lyn's protest, did as the General asked. The doors slammed shut, cutting them off from their faithful companion. Will stirred only as Lyn's sobs began to echo throughout the hall. "No… No…"
"Wallace?" He asked, looking to the closed door.
Ah… Damn. Wallace sighed, his thoughts becoming pensive for the first time in a long time. That little lassie was right after all. Guess old Wallace was just too stubborn to listen. Shame too… I'd have loved to have harvested at least one batch of potatoes…
The only thing the group could hear were the sounds of an explosion behind the closed door.