Author's Note: I have a part now! I can't really explain more, but it's a nice supporting role in a local theater for a November/December show. It's going to be really nice to be involved in the production and I'm really looking forward to it. Meanwhile, just gotta keep trucking it. Last week I was covering for a boss who's on honeymoon, so forgive me for the lateness of the chapter.

Geudesbrawl: Good points! I addressed the point you made about the weapon and updated the chapter with it. The X said is unfortunately something that's bound to happen, but I'll try to avoid it where I can.

NotteBoy: Thanks! I'm not sure whose class changes we will see in full effect, to be completely honest. For example, Hector will likely only use Axes throughout the entire story, despite him learning swords in game. Eliwood may or may not get the horse, and Lyn may not put her mentioned bow skills to use when Wil and Rebecca already have that covered pretty well (Not to mention another nomad we'll see soon). Bartre's strength has always been in his axe, so I'm not sure he needs a promotion like the healers or magic users will get to double as attackers or healers in their own rights.

Pixelsaber: Good point! I never realized that after this chapter only pre-premotes are given to the party. Aside from one or two units yet to come, of course.

Guest: Interesting you think Lyn and Will have been through more. Florina, aside from the first couple chapters (Lyn finding him on the plains and obtaining the Mani Katti) has been there just as often if not moreso. Also yes, Hawkeye is awesome.

Nintend101: The hard part about omitting 'X said' is that if the conversation is more than two people it easily becomes far too difficult to tell who said what. Once I know that, I can't just leave dialogue on its own most of the time. I'll try to find better ways to mix it up. Also yes, Lloyd kicks ass.

GhostRhyme: Personally, though I know this is probably dooming said ship, I've never been a huge fan of the 'they argue so they love each other' relationship. I believe most people's defense is that because they are so open and honest with each other the relationship works, but one that seems as close to antagonistic and Lyn and Hector due throughout the game never felt like a romance to me. I can understand how they managed to reach a friendship, but, hate me for saying it, Eliwood and Lyn is a much more believable pair than Lyn and Hector. This makes it difficult to believe I could write that ship in a believable way, but I never know where I'm going where I'm writing, so at the end of the day you may see it happen. I don't know.

Guest: Thanks! Awkward lovebirds are always pretty fun to write and read about, aren't they? Occasionally we could all use a little bit of sap. Or honey. Or a waterfall of sugary nonsense bliss. Shut up it's cute.

Please enjoy!

Chapter 69: Kinship's Bond

Hector,

Meeting in Ostia, especially right now with the rumors of the Black Fang circulating more than ever, would be a poor decision. I feel it better to meet and talk outside the ears of others. As you know, my inexperience means we still have several spy networks from other nations keeping close tabs on important discussions. However, you didn't get your skills in dodging out of court without merit: I myself am quite good at doing the same.

I'll meet you five days from the main city, in the old castle I took you to back during that little excursion when you were ten. I'm sure you still remember that, considering it's how you became so interested in using the axe.

You found an old rusted woodcutters axe and swung it against the wall. To our surprise it crumbled away, and though the axe also broke and fell to the ground, the look in your eyes was one of immense wonder. Hopefully, you haven't broken Wolf Beil against any walls. It was quite expensive to have that made, you know.

Be careful, Hector. I'll see you shortly.

Uther

Hector crumpled the letter in his hand. It was just like his brother to make a simple 'I'm on my way' as embarrassing as possible. At least they had received his message before getting any closer to Ostia. It just so happened they were arriving at that castle just now, so waiting there for his brother would make the next few days a good chance for them to rest and recover. The journey here had provided some good opportunities and many of the company were trying to learn new skills or improve.

Most notably, Serra's light magic had already surpassed what Will what usually capable of. Though Hector suspected Will was better at magic then he was allowing himself to be, Serra's quick learning was even more surprising. Lucius made for an excellent tutor, his patience with her just right to teach her. Serra herself had been rather confusing lately. Rather than her usual blabbing self, she actually seemed to be… avoiding him. It wasn't something he was used to, but for the time being he didn't have time to dwell on it.

Priscilla and Erk were actually teaching each other. As Erk taught Priscilla anima magic, Priscilla began to show him how staffs worked. Eventually, they would likely both be handy with each type of magic, which could only be good for them.

Lyn seemed to be redoubling her sword training, sparring with Marcus, Guy and Kent on a regular basis. She was also studying the bow with Wil and Rebecca. She improved quickly, far too quickly for Hector to feel comfortable. Was she training the hit him from a distance in the weak points of his armor? It'd be useful in battle, sure, but he was beginning to dread their next spar.

Florina was actually beginning to use swords as well. When Hector had asked, Florina had blushed furiously and turned away from him, but after a moment she answered 'just in case.' Hector's theory was that Pegasus Knight's could and often had their lances knocked away in the heat of battle. Unlike a lance, which was longer and more likely to be batted away, a sword would keep her protected and at least let her keep a weapon in combat. In that sense, it only made sense when he noticed her sister come over and begin instructing her on how to use the sword while riding the Pegasus.

Finally, Will was once more trying to train in swordplay, but so far he was proving more terrible then Hector could've thought. So far, he had worked with Eliwood, Guy, Lyn, Marcus, Kent, Sain, and himself. None of these had improved his skills much. Similarly, he hadn't been able to produce another divine spell since the fight in Badon. Was there some sort of block still holding him back? Will seemed resolved enough… maybe it was because he had held himself in check so long he didn't know how to cut loose? It may just be a matter of time.

Hector sighed and rotated his shoulder cuff idly. It was then he noticed Eliwood, Will and Lyndis approaching. "Yo!" He said, raising a hand in greeting.

"You've got word, right?" Will asked.

"Yup." Hector replied. "Brother says to stay put. He's headed this way now. He'll be here within five days."

"Lord Uther is coming here himself?" Eliwood wondered.

"So it seems." Hector shrugged. "You know Ostia is filled to the brim with spies from foreign powers. Seems he thinks it'll be easier to talk here."

"Wouldn't leaving Ostia generate far more attention?" Will asked. "I know he attended the Lycian Conference before, but this time is…"

"Brother's the one I learned my skullduggery from." Hector chuckled. "He'll get out of Ostia with a few faithful and head here. There's no need to worry."

"How unconventional." Lyn muttered. "Must run in the family."

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing. I'm looking forward to meeting him."

"We can continue this chat inside." Will said. "It's getting late."

The four headed back inside the castle, making their way to the aged throne room.

Inside the throne room, most of the party was gathered. With night beginning to close in, their other activities came to a close as Lowen began to make preparations for dinner. Nils sat nearby, his flute held lightly in his hand as he stared at the fire. Ninian was sitting next to him, but despite her vigor her worries for Nils trumped it. "Nils, are you sure you're okay? You seem… distant."

"I'm fine." Nils managed, smiling weakly at his sister. "Just a little… tired. I think if I… sit for a few days… I'll be… bet…ter…" His eyes closed, Nils collapsing on the floor.

"No! Nils!?" Ninian cried in surprise, as the Lords returned. "Nils!"

"Nils?" Will cried quickly, hurrying over as well. Lyn followed quickly after, as did Hector and Eliwood.

"Whoa!" Hector said, kneeling down next to Nils. "The heck's wrong with him?"

"Nils! Open your eyes!" Ninian shouted desperately.

"Ninian!" Eliwood barked suddenly. "Calm down."

Ninian blanched for a moment, before falling silent. Lyn touched Nils forehead gently. "He's running a fever. Should we have a healer tend to him?"

"I don't think Heal or Mend can take care of natural illness." Will said. "Still, maybe if we move him into a side room and let him rest there-"

"You mustn't!" Ninian suddenly cried again. "You mustn't move him."

"Why?" Hector asked.

"Hector, it's alright." Eliwood spoke calmly. "She must have her reasons for asking that."

Ninian nodded. "If he rests for one night… he should be okay."

"Heals quick, does he?" Hector asked. "Alright then, I won't move him. I'll tell the others to do the same."

"No, the reason… the real reason we can't move him…" Ninian continued, placing a hand to her head. "Danger approaches."

Hector cursed. "They would show up now, wouldn't they!"

"If we can't move Nils…" Will began. "No, this is a throne room. We'll make this our base and guard all possible entrances. They won't ever get a chance to touch him."

"So… this is where the Pharaen Noble and his friends are, eh?" An older man with a grizzled mane of blue hair and a grizzled blue beard to match muttered, gazing upon the old castle. He was decked out in full knight's armor, his a trusty horse beneath him and a bow slung across his back. He also carried an impressive Silver Sword, one he had used through many battles and always come out the other end.

A young man with green hair kneeled before the commander. At the tip of his hair, a tuft of silver was for some reason present. He was decked out in traditional Bernese armor, the ones used by their Wyvern knights. However, he was no longer of their order. Even so, a few feet away a large and angry looking wyvern awaited his return. "Yes, Commander Eubans."

"Very well." Eubans said with a firm nod. "Heath, your unit will attack from the west. Your mission is to put an end to the entire group. Make no mistakes."

Heath looked up in surprise. "Are you serious, commander? Marquis Laus abandoned us and vanished. We have no reason to engage this group. Considering what happened last time…"

"We answered Marquis Laus' call." Eubans returned. "We will honor that duty. Regardless, you know we cannot remain in Lycia any longer. We have rebelled against Ostia and failed. Our entire mercenary troop will be hunted, not forgiven. However, if we take their heads here and now, we may yet join the Black Fang in Bern."

Heath's expression darkened. "I'm opposed to this plan. There are women and children in their group. What you ask… It's something no knight… no decent person could do without shame!"

Eubans grabbed the young boy by the scruff of his neck and raised him to meet his eyes. "Listen well, Heath. You're a wanted man, a fugitive of Bern. Would you prefer me to take you back and hand you over to their Wyvern Riders? We might even be knighted in return, given honest work and a nice bed, with meals to fill our empty stomachs."

Heath didn't answer, looking down at the ground as he knew Eubans already knew his answer.

Eubans let out a bark-like laugh as he dropped Heath back to the ground. "Thought as much. Everyone wants to protect their own skin. Now, get your unit together. We attack!"

Heath silently turned, mounted his wyvern, and took to the sky, his small unit following behind him.

Uther sighed as he rested his ear against the wall. "It's going to be too difficult to get in now. It sounds like remnants of Eubans forces are having their last stand."

"We'll protect you, Lord Uther." The cavalier next to him stated. "Have no fear."

"It's not me I'm worried about." Uther muttered.

"I'll go." The soft voice of a bowmen on horseback said. The man hadn't said a word the entire journey, so Uther was a bit surprised. However, he knew why this man wanted to go.

A small smile spread across his face. "Go then."

"Understood." Hailey spurred into action, the horseman drawing his trusty bow as his notched an arrow. "Lyn…"

"Horsemen guard the main entrance! Oswin will front our forces at the eastern door! Magic users and archers are to back him up!" Will shouted quickly. "I need Eliwood to lead a small force to the treasury room! This is much like the previous encounter, but we need to keep any gold or weapons out of their hands!"

"Will there even be anything left in there?" Eliwood asked.

"Most likely." Will said. "There's no proof though. That's why the force is small."

"Alright, who's going with me?"

"Isadora, Legault, Fiora, Dart and Canas are with you." Will said. The five quickly gathered together around Eliwood. "Once you've gotten in the room, you secure it, even if that means you're not joining in the fight anymore. Understood?"

"Got it." Eliwood said.

"Will, what about me?" Lyn asked. "And the other foot soldiers?"

"I want you on the east door as well as Guy and Matthew." Will said. "You three are nimble enough to strike out and return without getting caught by the enemy, so that way we can also make sure Oswin isn't taking too many blows to his armor."

"I'm on it." Lyn said.

"Florina, I need you up with the horsemen. Can you make sure anyone who needs healing is treated by Priscilla and keep that front line in place? Hector, Dorcas and Bartre are on standby to switch with any one of our cavaliers when needed."

"Got it." Florina nodded.

"Lucius, you and Raven are here with me. We'll be protecting Nils and Merlinus, just in case someone breaks through."

"I understand." Lucius said.

"Yeah, what about me?" Serra asked.

"East." Will said. "Keeping Oswin healed is your top priority."

"Of course it is." Serra said, hurrying off as well.

"I don't like being kept out of the fight." Raven growled.

"With your arm I'm not even sure if you CAN fight." Will returned.

"You notice too much." Raven muttered, looking away.

Eliwood skewered the axe user neatly through the chest. He was lucky their armor wasn't strong enough to withstand his rapier. Nearby, Legualt slit the throat of the other axe user before returning to picking the lock on the treasury door.

Dart and Canas finished barricading the entryway that lead to the front courtyard, which would prevent any reinforcements coming from the front going around to encircle the throne room. Fiora, however, spotted something odd. "Lord Eliwood, there's a Wyvern Rider approaching us while holding a white flag."

"A white flag?" Eliwood muttered in confusion. "What could that mean?"

"It's a sign of surrender." Fiora said. "Most commonly used by Bern and Etruria, but Ilia teaches it as well."

"I… see." Eliwood said.

"It's most likely a trap, milord." Isadora said. "Allow me to-"

"No." Eliwood said. "I'll handle it."

Eliwood allowed the single Wyvern Rider to approach, though Isadora remained close by. When he landed, the rider dismounted, still holding the white flag in his hands. "Are you the commander of this group?" The young man asked.

"I believe it is I who should ask your name first." Eliwood said calmly.

"Yes, of course." The rider replied. "I am Heath. A Wyvern Rider in service to Euban's Mercenaries. I wish to surrender myself to you."

"Why?" Eliwood asked.

"I've no desire to hurt women and children." The rider replied. "I am a soldier, but… I'd still prefer to be human, too."

"We're under attack by your group this very moment." Eliwood said. "It's not that I don't understand, but you must see how this might look. I cannot guarantee your safety."

"It's fine." Heath said. "Allow me to fight by your side."

"Against your former comrades?" Eliwood said. "I find that even more suspect."

"It's personal." Heath said. "I must stop Commander Eubans, with my own lance."

"Lordy-loo~" Legault whistled. "I got the door open for you."

Eliwood sighed. "Isadora, escort this Heath back to the throne room. You can aide Marcus at the front doors and let Will decide what to do with him."

"Understood." Isadora said, saluting. As Dart, Canas, Eliwood and Legault entered the door and shut it behind them, Isadora led Heath back towards the throne.

The Axe user bore down on Oswin just as Guy pulled away from dealing with the archer who had been firing at him from a safe distance. Thankfully, Oswin had prevented any major hits, but this time the axe sunk into his armor, and he could feel the gash opening on his shoulder as his armor finally beat back the enemy's axe.

Lyn rushed forward, her Mani Katti a flash of movement as it removed the mercenary's axe arm at the elbow. The man screamed in pain as he fell over, but a moment later a Wyvern dove down from the skies. With Horror, Oswin realized a moment too late he'd be unable to pull Lyn to safety. Lyn raised her Mani Katti just as the man raised his lance, before an arrow pierced through the man's back.

With surprised, the man fell off the mount, the Wyvern crashing to the ground as two arrows revealed themselves to be implanted in its underside near the tail. Lyn looked past the wyvern in shock as a familiar figure rode up, his bow drawn as he fired an arrow at a nearby mage, who quickly retreated out of range. "Being hunted again, Lyn of the Lorca?"

"Rath!" Lyn cried in surprise. "Rath of the Kutolah! Well met!" She clasped his hand in joy as the man dismounted for a moment, heading inside the throne room while Oswin retook the front. "What are you doing here?"

"After we parted ways, I've been traveling as a mercenary." Rath said. "Eventually, I got my men work in Ostia. I've been guarding someone you've been expecting to meet."

"Lord Uther?" Lyn asked. Rath nodded. "I see. I'm glad you've done so well for yourself. You haven't changed a bit. Your timing is impeccable."

"When I heard the battle, I assumed you would need help."

"Are you offering?"

"If you desire it."

"I think the answer is a given." Lyn chuckled. "It's quite the dangerous mission we've got in front of us."

"I see. Then I offer my services to you once more. I'll inform Lord Uther once we've cleaned up here." Rath said, smiling softly.

He looked over at Will, who was talking to a female paladin and Wyvern rider he didn't recognize. For a moment, their eyes met. He saw a small smile cross Will's face and a grateful nod in his direction, before he returned his attention to the other two. Drawing his Bow, Rath headed towards the front. With a small smile, he saw Kent and Sain holding the front doors. It was a reunion that he felt had been some time in coming. "Rath!" Kent called in surprise!

"I've got your backs."

"Much appreciated!" Sain called happily, his lance a flurry of movement. "Let's give these mercenary's what for!"

Eubans knew, in his heart, where this would lead. He knew ever since they had been abandoned that it was a slow march to the end. Yet, he could not let go of his honor. He could not abandon what he held above all else. If he did… he would lose all rights to lead. The captain who abandoned the ship stood no chance of regaining his crew's trust. It was a simple question of loyalty.

Honor was everything in the mercenary profession. Brenden Reed hadn't managed to create the most renowned Mercenary group through vile means. He had played the hero, winning the hearts of the common folk. Common folk loved knights, chivalry, and honesty. Banditry was despised. So, for people who knew only how to fight, yet were no longer allowed to by the very lands they served… there was only one way. To band together and fight for their own place.

However… Laus had used that desire against them. The ideal of a new world, one where their past indiscretions no longer mattered… it had suckered him into believing the words spoken to him. If he had only… but it was too late now.

"No regrets. My life and death are my own." As he approached the front gates that led to the throne room, three men stood before him. One was a Sacaen sitting atop a horse, a bow held firmly in his hands. The other was a young Sacaen holding a sword in one hand and a tome in the other. Could he use both swordplay and magic? If so, it was no wonder this group gave them trouble. The last… "Heath."

"Commander." Heath replied.

"Traitor… you truly know nothing of honor." Eubans drew his silver sword. "After I took a gamble on those eyes that desired redemption… you choose failure once again."

"No." Heath said firmly. "I chose the life of which I wouldn't be ashamed. Commander… it's not too late. Give the order to stop. If you do…"

"Naïve." Eubans spat. "You're no knight. You're not even a mercenary. You're a child! Children know nothing! They understand nothing! Your precious morals will lead you and everyone else to their graves!"

He charged. He knew how it would end. How it had to end. And yet… he barely felt the tear stinging his eye, as the Sacaen's arrow pierced his arm. He barely felt the rage at betrayal as Heath's lance stabbed through his abdomen. He barely felt the regret for the rest of his men, as the magic unleashed from the tome engulfed his body.

Euban's horse came to a halt, his body falling from atop it. Heath closed his eyes sadly. "Thank you for everything, commander."

"Clean up the rest of their forces." Will said to Kent, Sain, Marcus, Lowen and Isadora, who galloped ahead of them. "This is the end of Euban's mercenaries."

"The fate of those abandoned by their leaders is a cruel fate indeed." Rath said softly.

Behind them, Lyn stood silently, gripping her sword.

Uther chuckled. "So, you're alive after all. You were so long gone that I thought you went and died. Another couple of days and I may have just arranged a funeral rite in your honor."

Hector looked away from his brother angrily. "I wrote. It's been busy, you know."

"Yes, Leila sent me a much more detailed report then you managed. I'm glad she's alive, by the way. You could've mentioned a bit more about her condition to me." Uther said. "Eliwood, I'm sorry about Lord Elbert. I was powerless to help."

"No." Eliwood said. "Nothing could have been done… that's been the hardest part to accept. We were thoroughly routed by Nergal and his forces. More importantly, we needed to talk to you."

"About helping Pharae?" Uther asked.

"Caelin and Santaruz as well." Lyn said. "If… if you can."

Uther smiled slightly. "I see. I'll make what arrangements I can."

"The main reason I wanted to meet is to ask some questions." Will said. "Do you know anything about Nergal?"

"Nergal?" Uther said curiously. "Only what I've read in the reports. He appeared a year ago and seized control of the Black Fang."

"Only a year?" Will said in surprise. "He's been behind them far longer than that. At least five years, by my estimate."

"Truly?" Uther said, scratching his chin. "That's a problem. I've never had any idea what he's after, and now my timeline is completely wrong as well…"

"The dragons that vanished in the Scouring." Eliwood said quietly. "He plans to bring them back."

"What!" Uther exclaimed. "Can that even be done?"

"I'll explain." Will said, for the first time taking the initiative to do so. The story was a somewhat long, confused tale, but Uther got the necessary information to understand their plight. He fell deep into thought, his hands kneading his brow at regular intervals. Eventually, they stepped out and allowed Uther to gather his thoughts.

"Even my brother is brooding over this." Hector mused. "Yet he's a firm believer in quick decisions. He needs more time… this never happens."

"Form a simple rebellion to a threat against the entire human race." Lyn muttered. "Even though we saw it with our own eyes, it's still hard to swallow."

"I'm more concerned about what happens next." Will said. "Ideally, the lands could unite as a whole and fight as one, like they did in the times of the Scouring, but…"

"It hinges on whether they believe in the continued existence of dragons." Eliwood said. "Until the Dragons are flying the skies, I doubt anyone will choose to believe us."

"And by then it'll be too late." Hector grunted.

"Which means it's up to us." Will said simply. "We'll just have to figure it out. Besides, I still need to ask your brother about Athos."

"Right!" Hector said suddenly, remembering as well. "Let's head back in then."

"I've thought about it." Uther said, as the small group returned. "I would prefer not to place this burden solely on your shoulders. Yet, there is no other choice before us. Are you prepared to act on this resolve?"

"We are." Eliwood said.

"And you, William." Uther said, surprising the tactician. "My brother and his friends are already in your debt, yet you continue to try and do more. I wonder what your role in all of this truly is. Simply a pawn of fate? Or a lucky coincidence? No, I will not assume. I will offer any aide that I can. I wish you the best of luck." They all bowed politely. "Oh right. What of this Ninian girl?"

Ninian blushed and bowed deeply again. "It's… an honor to meet you."

"Both her and her brother have a special power." Hector said. "I'm not sure of it, but it seems they can sense oncoming peril, and Nergal as well."

"Then I ask you. Do you know where Nergal is at this moment?" Uther asked Ninian kindly.

Ninian closed her eyes for a moment. "To the east… he's very far."

"East…" Will muttered. "Bern?"

"That bodes ill." Uther sighed. "Bern is a powerful and militant country. If Nergal ensnares it… we're done for."

"There's still time… he's very weak." Ninian said. "We must… act."

"Then we'll have to head to Bern?" Hector said. "But what about…"

"Lord Uther." Will said, figuring he had waited long enough. "Do you know anything about the whereabouts of Lord Athos?"

"Athos?" Uther's eyes flashed. "Ah… I see. The legendary weapons, is it? Certainly, if Nergal manages to bring even a single dragon, the legendary weapons are the only known things to kill them."

"So…"

"Head for Missur." Uther said calmly. "It's the opposite direction from Bern, but if you head for the Nabata Desert, I believe you'll find what you're seeking."

"Thank you, Lord Uther." Will said with another bow.

After a night's rest, the team decided to head out. Uther, after agreeing to Rath's request to remain with Lyn and her friends, seemed to be making his own preparations to leave as well. Hector approached him just as his group was about to head back to Ostia. "We'll be going then, brother."

"Take care of yourself." Uther said. "Marquis' Pharae, Caelin and Santaruz as well. You may not realize it, but you've become an integral part of their strength."

"All three of them, huh?" Hector mused. "I know it's gotten out of hand, but it's not hopeless. Lord Elbert's death won't be in vain. We won't lose."

Uther chuckled. "You're beginning to sound reasonable."

"Hey!" Hector barked.

"What?" Uther said. "A big brother isn't allowed a moment of teasing?"

"You're coloring isn't looking so good." Hector said. "Is something wrong?"

"I just heard a tale that a madmen is going to end the human race by bringing dragons back to the world." Uther said with a raised eyebrow. "When I realize I've entrusted the fate of the world to a man who lives so haphazardly, I realize how short my life's been."

"Is that any way to be when I'm worried about you?" Hector growled. "Geez!"

"You should get going." Uther said with a soft smile. "Your friends are waiting."

"Pardon the overly long visit!" Hector said in his best noble impression. It was quite the horrendous sight. "I will take leave of you now! Most honored elder brother!"

"Hector." Uther said as hector turned to leave. "I didn't give you permission to die. Return to me alive, understand?"

"I'll bring you a tale you won't believe." Hector said with a grin. "Mark my words, brother. I shall return!" With a wave, he hurried back to his group.

You'd better. Uther thought softly, pulling out a handkerchief. I want to be around to hear it.