Author's Note: I had a small debate over whether to do another character chapter or to keep moving with the plot, but I think going forward is the better way to go for the time being. So here we go! A few notes: Little Shop was a lot of fun, I've started up my new play, work is keeping me hecka busy and this chapter took way too long to write. At least it turned out pretty well in the end.

As always, please review if you have the time. I love hearing what reader's think.

Chapter 75: Four-Fanged Offensive

Dearest Eliwood,

Thank you for spending the night here with me. I know you must do much to protect Lycia and our world from Nergal's clutches, but to have you for a single night was enough to keep me strong. Being alone in this big castle is still hard for me. The guards and servants are all very kind to me, but it pales in comparison to having my family around.

As you head to Bern, I must warn you: The royal family is in quite a state of disarray. The current King's Mistress has a child by the name of Guinevere, who he dotes on far more than his true son. I've heard whispers from our 'friends' that if he could, he would make her his heir instead. The young prince seems like a kind young man, so I can't say I fathom the King's mind. If you must deal with the royal family, however, be careful. Bern is not as stable as it would appear.

Come back to me at the end of this, Eliwood. I couldn't bear to lose you.

Love,

Your Mother

Heeding the advice of the Archsage, Athos, we have now set our path to Bern. Bern is the greatest military force on the continent. Luckily, the Lycian League has always enjoyed close relations with Bern. Recently however, the League has grown uncertain. King Desmond has begun to flaunt his military strength at every opportunity. Lycian nobles are no longer allowed to move within Bern's borders freely. That's not to even begin to mention Sacaens. As a precaution, our group now travels under the guise of simple travelers. Luckily, Merlinus acting as a merchant caravan has bought us great credibility.

Will closed his notebook as he watched Merlinus finish closing the shop for the day. With Oswin and Isadora acting as mock guards and Rebecca acting as his fellow seller, they were making their way slowly towards the Shrine of Seals.

"It's strange." Eliwood muttered next to him. "This is but a small village, yet it's bustling like a castle town."

"I spoke to a few villagers when I had the chance." Will said. "They say Prince Zephiel's coming-of-age ceremony is in a mere ten days."

"I suppose that means there's no helping the excitement. Carefree fools." Hector grunted. "No idea what Nergal's up to at all."

"Hawkeye, don't you know where the Shrine of Seals is located?" Eliwood asked.

Hawkeye shook his head. "I've heard it is north of Bern, but it's location has always been secret. I doubt anyone outside the royal family knows how to reach it."

"So there's no other way to reach it than deal with their nobility." Lyn muttered darkly. Perhaps she was remembering her short stint as acting Marquis.

"Without our identities and motives being revealed? Yeah, like that'll happen." Hector scoffed. "I'm surprised enough as it is that we've yet to be ousted. There's gotta be some other way to find it."

"I can provide you with a general location." Pent said airily from nearby. When the group looked at him in surprise, he chuckled. "I am privy to some of Etruria's highest military secrets and information. When Etruria first learned of the Shrine's existence, we investigated. However, none of our operatives returned. Bern's defenses are… formidable."

"So even reaching the shrine may mean we're in for a fight, with the strong possibility of capture." Will muttered sadly.

"Afraid that's not the worst of it." Pent said. "Should your identities be discovered; I've little doubt Bern will use it as an excuse to invade Lycia."

"That, above all else, must be avoided." Eliwood said firmly.

"That's where Lousie and I come in." Pent said calmly. "Recall we have been invited to the prince's ceremony, and duty demands I attend the post-ceremony festivities as well. However, I should be able to greet the queen privately at some point."

"You can do that?" Eliwood asked.

"Queen Hellene was born in Etruria. She and I are related, albeit distantly." Lousie said softly from Pent's side. "When we meet, Lord Pent should be able to ask about the Shrine. Most likely, she'll not tell us much, but anything would help, would it not? Rest assured, we won't reveal your presence to her."

"Lord Pent, Lady Lousie, that's…" Lyn began, but Pent cut he off with a smile and wave.

"Should we not return by the full moon, return to Lycia and come up with a new plan. Understood?"

"What would become of you two?" Eliwood asked.

"Everything will work out." Pent chuckled. "It wouldn't be a bad life. Abandoning my post, living on the run with Louise at my side…"

"If it's with you, my lord, I care not where we go." Louise said with a smile.

Hector resisted his deepest temptation to gag. There was sugary interaction and then there were these two. He was surprised their hands were ever off of each other, the way they continuously showered each other with praise. "Well… we pray you succeed."

"Pent." Hawkeye said, before extending his hand. Pent took it, though slightly confused.

"Yes Hawkeye, it was a pleasure to… this is!"

"The master entrusted me with this. It is… a key. However, at this time I feel it best to place it in your hands."

"And… if I do not return?"

"You will. Without fail."

"I… understand."

"Lord Hawkeye, we will surely meet again." Louise said, taking her husband's hand. The two slowly made their way away from the group, before merging into the crowds.

"Well well! If it isn't Nino!" The burly and non-shirt wearing Brother Reed chuckled as the short green haired girl bounded up to them. Nearby, his brother surveyed the town, looking for whatever it was the Fang had been sent here for. He'd be honest: he could care less.

"Hi Linus! Hi Lloyd!" Nino chirped happily. "What's going on? Are you working?"

Lloyd paused his surveillance to turn to the young girl, smiling. "I suppose we are, yes."

"What about you, squirt?" Linus asked. "Where you going in such a hurry?"

"I have a job to do!" Nino reported happily. "I'm carrying messages for mother, so I have to do my absolute best!" She then produced a letter, which she handed to the brothers. "See you! Let's do something when your job is finished!"

"Of course." Linus said, ruffling her hair affectionately. Nino beamed before hurrying off.

Lloyd chuckled in spite of their grave circumstances. "She's a good lass."

"Yeah. Hard to believe she's that woman's child." Linus scoffed.

Lloyd broke the seal on the letter, before reading the contents with a quick glance. Sighing, he passed the letter to Linus. "It seems the details of our job has changed."

"Yeah… don't like the look of it, either." Linus grimaced. "Is that woman trying to take on all of Bern now?"

"Somehow, I feel it's far worse than that." Lloyd said with a sigh.

"This waiting is hard." Rath sighed. "There must be something we can do."

"I know what you mean, but Will told us to lay low." Guy said. "From my understanding, Sacaens are a little more unwelcome in Bern than other places."

"Fools, all of them." Rath muttered.

"Well, never let the master hold your chain!" Legault grinned. "Why not help me try and gather some information on the Black Fang?"

"Information?" Guy asked. "Like what?"

"Well, the Black Fang's headquarters are here in Bern," Legault began, "though I never knew of the location. The Black Fang is so much different than it once was. Any information we could gain would be beneficial, right?"

"Good idea." Will said. "Thanks, Legualt."

"Think nothing of it." Legault chuckled.

"We split up and try to blend in." Will explained. "Groups of two, got it?"

"And be careful." Hector warned.

"Oh, like you're one to talk." Lyn chuckled. "I'll keep an eye on our loaf here."

"I take offense to that." Hector returned. "Especially after-"

"Let's not talk about that now!" Lyn said quickly, pushing Hector away from the group. "Or I could just tell Serra about that one time-"

Their bickering continued as they vanished into the crowd. Eliwood sighed. "Sometimes I can't tell if they're friends or not." Ninian giggled. "Is something funny?"

"It's just… listen to yourself grumble! You sound like their chaperon, Lord Eliwood!"

Eliwood crossed his arms. "Truly? Is that how it sounds to you?"

"Uh-huh." Ninian broke into another fit of giggles.

"I like it when you laugh." Eliwood said suddenly.

"Excuse me?" Ninian asked, as her giggles began to die down.

"Oh, it's nothing. Come on, let's go." Eliwood said, offering her his arm. Gratefully, she took it.

"I do best on my own, so forgive me if I vanish into the crowd now." Legault said, bowing slightly. After another moment, he was gone.

"I'll take Leila." Matthew said. "She's not at full strength, but we won't appear suspicious wandering around as a couple. If I hear anything you'll know."

"Rath and I will do what we can. While remaining inconspicuous." Guy said. "That alright with you?"

"Yes." Rath replied.

"Will, could I…" A soft voice came from behind him. He turned to see Florina. "Umm… could I come with you?"

"Of course." Will said kindly, offering her his hand. Hesitantly, she took it. The recon groups all set out into the crowd, blending in with varying degrees of success.

"Is this true?" Lloyd asked.

"I'm afraid so." The figure handed Lloyd a notebook. "It's all chronicled here."

"I thought they were in Nabata!" Lloyd cursed, flipping through the pages. "Did you-"

"Merely copied, sir. It wouldn't do to tip him off."

"Of course." Lloyd sighed. "You do love seeing where the chips fall before hedging your bets."

"Anyone of the Fang would do the same."

"It doesn't matter." Linus growled. "We've found them, so we take care of them. Simple."

"I suppose you have a point… but no, the timing's not right. Attacking them while they're inside the town goes against our creed. Shall we tell father and await his orders?" Lloyd crossed his arms. "I'll go and tell him. Linus, keep watch."

"Why don't you and I finish them now?" Linus growled.

"We have to have patience!" Lloyd barked. "This group defeated Uhai! All you need to do is watch where they go. That way our spy doesn't need to give himself away. Understand?"

"I won't give myself away. You know me better."

"That I do." Lloyd said, reassured. "Then, in a while."

Both Lloyd and the shadow moved away. Linus rolled his neck, making sure the both of them were gone before grinning to himself. "Even if you tell me that, to ignore the game nibbling at the line… Hey! Igor!"

A surly looking man with an eyepatch came out of the nearest bar, where he had been waiting for Linus' instructions. "What is it, boss?"

"We're going hunting!" Linus declared. "We'll taunt them and pull them into the center of town!"

"Hold on! You're not really going to ignore Lloyd's orders, are you?"

"Lloyd doesn't want the villagers harmed. That's what he said, right? So, all you do is make sure you don't harm them."

"I understand, but…"

"Come on!" Linus spat. "I need to show my brother we can do this! I'm counting on you, get it?"

Igor sighed. There was no winning when he got like this. "You never listen to anyone, ever! Fine! We'll do this!"

"I have bad news." Legault whispered, appearing from behind Will.

"Geez!" Will jumped. "That scared me!"

"Sorry." Legault said quickly. "but this news can't wait. The Fang is here."

"Are you certain?" Will whispered back.

"The people in town are mostly party goers, but among them there are those clearly accustomed to battle. The scent of blood hangs around them like it tends to with us fang fellows."

"HEY!" A voice shouted, catching their attention. "You're that traitor, aren't you?"

"Black Fang…" Will muttered.

"You have the honor of dying at the hands of the Four Fangs! Our commander is Linus, the Mad Dog!" Igor roared, brandishing an axe. Very quickly, the crowd dispersed, yelling and screaming as the ran for cover. "Come and have your throat ripped out."

Will reached into his cloak, feeling his tome. "This just got dangerous."

Legault drew his daggers. From her back, Florina grabbed her lance. Despite the few looks she had received from the crowd, she was glad she had brought it. Within moments, Rath and Guy had appeared as well. Igor's men matched their own, but behind him Will could see the Fang's forces marshalling. At the top of the hill, a man without a shirt, wielding a Silver Sword and Shield, glared down at the group.

Drunk off his ass. His favorite catch-phrase. Well, okay, today it most certainly wasn't his favorite catch-phrase. Because he had to wake up. When he woke up, he wasn't drunk anymore. When he wasn't drunk, he hurt. His head hurt. That was the only downside of alcohol. Waking up in the morning. No he didn't have suicidal thoughts, if that's what idiots were thinking. He just preferred the excitement, the buzz of not caring what his actions would bring. If he didn't care, he didn't… Ah damn his head was pounding.

"What's all this then?" He muttered angrily. "A skirmish in town? Fine, I'll get in on this, my axe could use some fresh meat. But which side is in the right? Can't tell one from the other, to be honest… guess I'll just slip in among these fellas…"

He tottered over to the nearest group, hoping his luck would hold out.

Nearby, in a house just on the outskirts of town, the young girl with green hair sat in a chair, waving her legs idly as she waited. "I'm sure he told me to meet here but… ah, the weather is perfect for taking on evildoers today too! Yet here I am, running errands… again… I wish I was more worthy and could help Lloyd and Linus in battle…"

From the shadows, without any ceremony, Jaffar suddenly appeared. His face was mostly hidden by his large red scarf, and he stared at Nino dispassionately.

Nino jumped. "WAAH!" She almost opened her spellbook, but managed to stop herself before launching a fireball. "Don't scare me like that, Jaffar! Besides, what were you doing? You're never late for anything!"

"My last job took longer than I expected." Jaffar stated simply.

"What? There are things that can slow you down? I would have never expected that." Nino giggled.

"Give me the next mission."

"Oh, right. Mother gave me this to give to you and… huh?" she dropped the letter. Leaning down to pick it up, she noticed there was a nasty tear in the leg of Jaffar's pants. From it, she could see nothing but red. "Wha-what happened! You're covered in blood!"

Jaffar's face too, though she couldn't be certain, looked somewhat paler. "…It's a scratch. Pay no heed."

"Scratches don't bleed like that!" Nino demanded. "Now let me see!"

"Forget it." Jaffar said, moving his leg out of her reach. "Next target, hur… ry…" Suddenly, he collapsed.

"Jaffar!" Nino squeaked in surprise. Hurriedly, she went to work, using all the first aid knowledge she remembered. "Come on… wake up… wake up! What should I do?"

Dart hadn't missed a beat when the battle began. Grabbing those two idiots (The archer love-birds that were a constant pain in his arse) he managed to win themselves a nice little base of operations that the other members of their group had slowly been gathering too. While the most important members were still on their own, Dart barely worried if they'd end up dead. The Dread Isle had given him a good amount of confidence in both his and their sturdiness, even if he'd never admit it.

"These people must be Black Fang!" Wil said unhelpfully from his left, shooting an arrow into the fray.

"Well duh, of course they are!" Rebecca unhelpfully shot back, unleashing an arrow of her own.

"Well, I just meant… yanno… be careful?" Wil said, sparing a glance Rebecca's way.

Though she blushed slightly, Rebecca didn't respond. "Stupid couple." Dart growled. Looking around, he spotted someone he never had expected to see again. "Hey, lovebirds! Get me to that house over there!"

"Love-" Wil began while blushing.

"We're not like that!" Rebecca quickly covered, cutting off her childhood friend.

"Just do it!" Dart barked angrily. Quickly the two followed his orders, spinning their bows and firing instead to help him clear his path.

"I thought I recognized you!" Dart barked.

He groggily looked up, wondering why a pirate was standing in front of him. Oh, the other people were dead. Shit, he'd chosen the wrong side. Well, things happen. "Do you think you can just come up and-"

"Yeah, the guy out of Belger… Geitz!" Dart chuckled.

Geitz, in spite of himself, did recognize the man in front of him. Interesting how life worked out for him sometimes. "What're you doing here, Dart?"

"I like to raise trouble on land now and then. How about you? Still working for your father?"

"DON'T MENTION HIM!" Geitz barked angrily, far more loudly than he'd intended. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm not part of that family anymore."

Dart wasn't one to push buttons. He wasn't one of those annoying archers. "Well why are you here then?"

"Nothing." Geitz admitted. "Was wandering around when this battle erupted. Say… think I could join up with you?"

"Huh? Of all the stupid-"

"If you're raising trouble on land, let me in on the action." Geitz said with a shaky grin.

"Fine." Dart chuckled. "We're up against a tough bunch though. Sure you ain't gonna run away?"

"Well, I'll fight until I get bored." Geitz agreed halfheartedly. "I have nothing else to do anyway."

"Come on then." Dart said, raising his twin axes.

Geitz reached for the bow on his back. He supposed he could put in a little bit of effort.

Leila had grown tired of lying in a wagon. Her strength was almost returned, but Matthew and Lord Hector continued to baby her like she was a child fresh out of loins. She wasn't. Once the fighting began, Matthew and Hector had become preoccupied with helping the others. She was going to do what she did best: blend in. Pretending to be a fleeing woman with a bad leg (Which wasn't hard, her limp was still an issue at the moment), she knocked on a door where a small group of people allowed her entry. She would stay here until the fighting ended, but maybe she could… "Are Bandits common in Bern these days?"

"A traveler, eh?" The old man who she recognized as the owner of the house chuckled.

"Yes." Leila said, nodding slightly. "I had hoped to join in the festivities of the coronation."

"A grand event, that." The old man chuckled. "I was actually invited to that, you know. Used to work in Bern's royal palace. I was Prince Zephiel's teacher of history."

Leila gasped, with a bit of her usual flair. "How impressive!"

"The prince is a wise lad." The elder said with a wink of his eye. "He's the Royal family's first true prodigy. Yet King Desmond ignores his talents and allows them to wither. It's sad."

No more tragic than I'd already heard… Though confirmation from an inside source doesn't hurt. Leila mused.

"Those people out there aren't bandits." A woman suddenly said to her. "They're Black Fang."

"Black... Fang?" Leila asked in confusion, though with slight difficulty.

"The lord who ruled this area used to be an awful man!" The woman suddenly began, launching into a sermon. "Every night he would hold an extravagant feast beneath his castle. Meanwhile, he taxed and stole so much from the villagers that they were all but withering away, starving to death. One day… it ended. The lord was dead. The Black Fang had given him the death sentence, and rightfully so! To us, the Black Fang were heroes."

Though the woman's words were strong, Leila caught one thing of interest. "Were…?" she prompted.

"That's what makes it so hard for us normal folk these days." The woman sighed. "We had a champion, and they went and turned away. Changed, and not for the better."

"No, it's the fault of a singular woman." A voice from behind the lady said. Everyone turned in surprise. A woman, dressed from head to toe in black, looked at them.

"A… A member of the…" The woman shook, terrified of retribution.

"Peace, I'm on your side." The woman said, dropping her hood. Red locks fell to her shoulders. "My name is Anna."

"Anna… I feel like I've… heard the name. And seen the face." Leila admitted.

"You may have met one of my sisters." Anna smiled wanly. "We're quite wide-spread, you know."

"But what's all this about a woman?" The elder of the house asked, saving Leila the trouble.

"Have you heard of the four fangs?" Anna asked. "Maybe you have or haven't. the Silent Assassin, the Silver Wolf, the Mad Dog and the… fourth. I'm ashamed to say I've never heard the name or title."

"I can't say that I have." Leila said to the person next to her, as if striking up a side conversation.

"Me neither." The man next to her responded.

"That woman who leads the fang around by the nose… her name is Sonia. Don't forget it, and stay clear of her and the four fangs. They'll kill you without mercy, and leave nothing behind but a memory." Anna quickly rose her hood back up over her head, before exiting the house. Where she was going, or if they would ever see her again, was unknown.

"PRAY, TRAITOR!" Igor shouted, his axe brandishing. The group before him had fought back and defeated several of his men already. If he could at least get the traitor…

"Igor, back down." Linus said. "Begin your retreat. I'll handle the traitor."

"Sir…" Igor looked upon Linus with respect.

"Don't throw your life away for my sake." Linus said. "Even if I am a hot-head."

"Yes, sir."

"Will, this is…" Florina muttered next to him, gripping her lance tighter.

"Linus of the Fang." Will said shakily. "I didn't expect to face one of the four so soon."

"Remember me?" Linus asked, his shield sparkling as he stepped towards them. "You've led us on a merry chase."

"Who… are you?" Will asked, wincing. His head hurt. Looking at this man left him with a feeling of dread. A feeling of sadness he couldn't explain. Like there was something on the tip of his mind that he couldn't remember… a smiling girl, kind words in the cold evening air.

"That's fine, don't remember." Linus growled. "Regret your actions in the next life!"

He leapt. His sudden action was so surprising Will and Florina barely had time to dodge. Quick as a whistle Rath shot an arrow at Linus, who blocked it with his shield. He smashed his shield into the oncoming Guy, before blocking Legault's dagger with his sword. "Another traitor, eh? I thought the Hurricane was better than that."

"Any man will choose life over death if he has half a brain~" Legault whistled, bringing his second dagger around to slash at the man's throat. Linus kicked Legault's leg, dropping the thief to the ground before raising his sword to strike. Quick as a whirlwind Legault rolled away, Will and Florina replacing him at the front.

Florina's lance struck out, blocked by Linus' shield. Will dropped low to the ground, taking aim with Shine. Linus' sword met the ground before him, blocking his shot at the man's legs. "Pray, sinners. I'll grant you that much time. All the evils you've committed until now, repent them, and sleep forevermore."

"The Fang's old motto ill suits hired killers like you." Guy growled, leaping in. His sword just grazed the Mad Dog's own. Guy blanched at the man's power. Five of them were currently fighting him, and not a one of them had landed a single blow. He wasn't a morph, but the man's power was not to be ignored.

"The old fang isn't dead!" Linus roared, his shield smacking Guy in the side of the head. Guy rolled with the blow, letting it take him out of Linus' sword range. Rath's second shot fired, grazing Linus' cheek as he dodged the attack deftly. "Just because that woman has Father's heart, it doesn't mean she has the Fang's! I fight for those ideals that Father needs to be reminded of!"

Florina's lance met with his sword, but his power has more than capable of pushing the smaller lance user away. This time, however, the flash of light from the traitor nearly hit. His shield, thankfully, blocked the attack for him. It's why he continued to use one, despite the Fang's best tactic being assassination.

"Hah, looks like you've picked up some new tricks, traitor. And here I thought you were too busy being led around by others to think for yourself." Linus chuckled.

"I couldn't care less what you think about me." Will said, preparing his next spell.

"Good! That's how it should be!" Linus roared to life. Now this was exciting. This was a challenge. He leapt once more into the air, his sword flashing as it came down towards the traitor.

The girl. Her lance was in front of him. His sword was deflected. No, she had a level of precision he hadn't expected. His sword was flying away from him. He put up his shield, slamming both the girl and the lance into the traitor. As they fell back, the Hurricane and Sacaen returned. The Sacaen's sword flashed angrily as it once more attempted to find flesh, but Linus once more denied him. His foot lashed out and kicked him away. The Hurricane's daggers flashed, and the Mad Dog's rein came to an end.

Legault felt his daggers pierce skin. Linus howled in pain, his shield dropping from his now injured arm. A moment later, the third arrow came whistling, landing strait into the man's chest. It was followed by several more, too fast for the already injured Linus to respond to. Linus coughed up a large amount of blood, glaring at the traitor. "I lost, then. My brother tried to warn me. You're strong… too strong."

Will remained silent as he approached. "Why… why do you know my name?" He asked, standing just within Linus' reach.

"I won't die yet." Linus said defiantly. "Not without taking you with me!" He grabbed, through sheer force of will, a small hand axe he kept hidden on his belt. He took aim, but paused when he saw the traitor still looking him dead in the eyes.

"…Do what you must." Will said quietly.

"Will!" Florina shouted angrily from behind him.

"What… the hell…" Linus tried to chuckle, but couldn't. He was in too much pain to do so.

"I noticed something during the battle." Will said. "You did your utmost to remove all of the villagers from the area before the fight even began."

"Of course. They've nothing to do with hunting you." Linus spat. "We only kill our target and those that protect them."

"You are trying to keep the old fang alive then." Will muttered, sadly. "The Black Fang that fought with honor. If that's the case, I need to ask… why are we enemies?"

"It's your fault!" Linus shouted in his face. "If you had never… bah!" He pulled out and arrow, before grabbing a hidden vulnerary from his belt. It seems the Mad Dog had a few fighting tricks. He downed it, the wound caused by Rath's first shot closing slowly. "None of this makes a lick of sense. Sonia goes and tells father you're a traitor and a criminal. Father agreed and I obeyed, but…"

"Sonia?" Will asked, as if there was something on the tip of his memory. "Why do I…?"

"Allow me to retreat. I need to get this sorted out." Linus said.

"What makes you-" Guy began, but he was cut off by Will raising an arm.

"Fine." Will said.

"William, there's a limit to how forgiving one can be~" Legault groaned painfully. "That kick really hurt, you know."

"Nevertheless, I feel it's what Eliwood would want us to do." Will argued. "I refuse to betray his expectations."

"Stubborn as he is…" Legault muttered. "Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you. The Mad Dog won't go down so easily a second time."

Linus bowed respectfully to Will. "I hope… the next time we meet… it will no longer be as enemies."

Will bowed backed, a little surprised. "I… I hope so too."

Linus turned and walked away.

"I agree. That was what I would have preferred to do." Eliwood admitted. It had taken a little time for everyone to finally check-in with each other (Dart had somehow recruited a guy to help him that was now busy getting drunk at the bar), but now Eliwood, Lyndis, Hector and William sat at a table, discussing what had just occurred.

"At the very least, we learned something about our opponent." Lyn said. "I do wish I had been there to help."

"The Black Fang seems to have some honor left after all." Eliwood mused. "Perhaps… they are simply being used by Nergal? It may behoove us to talk to the head, Brendan Reed."

"Resolve things without any more fighting…" Lyn mused. Perhaps the thought did appeal to her, in a way. Recently, fighting had held less appeal than it once had. The anger she had felt towards the world, the Taliver, her uncle, had all faded away and been replaced. She blushed.

"I don't like it." Hector disagreed. "This sounds like a terrible plan."

"Hector?" Will asked, surprised. Hector was usually behind Eliwood's decisions, so for him to suddenly refuse their idea gave him pause.

"Let's just wait for word from that Pent at camp. Best move out of the city, too." Hector said, standing up. Without any further discussion, he left.

"I wonder what that was about." Lyn grimaced.

"I've got to talk to my brother." Linus coughed, downing the last of his Vulneraries. "Better get these patched and hidden before I do so, though. Brother's not one to think straight with family involved." He chuckled at the thought of trying to defend his targets to his brother now. Maybe he wasn't so battle hungry as the stories would have everyone believe. "I know there's something off about that woman. We can't-"

His thought was cut off. Looking down, a new hole had appeared in his chest. He couldn't recall receiving that wound in the battle. Looking up, he spotted a woman with long hair and golden eyes, staring at him.

"You… how could… I never felt…"

"I wondered if killing you would make me feel something." The woman said, softly. "It didn't. I continue to follow Lord Nergal's orders… your Quintessence will serve our purposes well, Mad Dog Linus."

"Curs…es..." Linus spluttered reaching for the axe on his belt. "I've… blund...ered…" He raised the axe, his vision shaking. The throw was the weakest he had ever done, falling just short of the woman. "Bro…ther… I'm…"

The woman watched dispassionately as the Mad Dog fell to the ground, the once great man easily reduced to nothing but Quintessence. "How strange." Limstella muttered softly. "Why could Ephidel be afraid, when I feel nothing?"