Fire Emblem: Vengeance from the Plains

by HeatWave

In the dark of night, a lone girl comes to the rescue of a young man traveling upon the plains. Little could she have known that her actions that night would lead her on a journey frought with peril, and a destiny beyond her imagination.

3. Chapter 2: Footsteps of Fate

A half stifled yawn was the only indication of his intentions, but it was more than an adequate warning for the young knight.

"Are we there yet?"

Kent sighed, it was bad enough that he'd been requested for this mission… but they hadn't even given him a say in who he'd be stuck with for the next few months. Sain may be a competent knight, in his own right… but he would have been Kent's last choice for companionship on this kind of journey.

"Sain, if I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times… you'll know when we get there, ok?"

"Alright, alright… sorry. Have a little patience huh?"

"You did not just say that to me."

"What? A guy can get restless out here in this barren place, you know?"

Kent shook his head in frustration. The irony of it all was obviously passing right over Sain's head. This guy's hopeless.

Sain, on the other hand, was grinning inwardly. He knew full well what he was doing. It just got so boring on this trip that exasperating Kent was his only real means of entertainment. Fortunately it never seemed to get old, and Kent was only more than willing to play his game.

"Where are we, anyway?"

Kent sighed again and pulled out the map they'd been following ever since leaving Caelin. It was an older map, but thus far had proven fairly accurate. "If I'm reading this right, and the landmarks haven't changed… we should be little more than a day's journey from the city of Bulgar, Sacae's commercial center. We should be able to find some clues there."

Sain sighed, "Finally… I need to get off this horse."

Kent had to agree. It had been a long journey, longer still with such company.

"Do you think we'll find her?" Sain asked.

"Who knows," Kent replied. "It's a big territory. The only clue we have is that the Lady Madelyn ran off with some Sacaean Prince…"

"I believe the Marquess's words were, 'Sacaean Savage'," Sain corrected.

"Whatever…" Kent brushed him off. "She ran off with him and has had little contact with anyone from Caelin since, just the letter the Marquess received about a year ago."

"Yeah, I'd say this is a pretty hopeless journey."

"Hopeless or not, we're going to see it through. There's no way I'm going back to Caelin until we've exhausted every option."

"Or ourselves."

"Deal with it. You knew this would be the case when you signed up."

"I know… I know…" Sain sighed. "Still, that's not much to go off."

"Well, there was one other thing. Apparently the letter mentioned something about the 'Lorca Tribe'… hopefully that'll be enough of a clue to help us get their general location. At least it should narrow the search."

"Hopefully… ah well." Looking positively glum, both knights knew their chances of success were minute. Sain wasn't about to let that get to them though. He quickly sat up in his saddle. "Very well!" he said with mocking gallantry, drawing his sword and pointing it forward. "Onward sir knight! We go at the bidding of our Lord!"

Kent smiled in resignation as Sain began to sing the anthem of the Caelin Knights with exaggerated enthusiasm. At least he keeps things interesting, he thought to himself.

---

Mark was searching frantically for Lyn, who he'd lost amidst the bustle of the town around him. He'd only been distracted for a moment…

"Mark! Over here!" Lyn's voice called from around the corner.

Gosh, I take my eyes off that girl for just one second. Mark followed the sound of the voice and came to an abrupt stop at the sight of the town's main plaza, bristling with activity and commercial enterprise. It was an impressive sight, certainly a bit of a change from the desolate plains of the countryside they'd traversed over the last week, but he'd seen bigger.

Lyn was only too happy to show off the pride of her homeland. "This is Bulgar, the biggest city in all of Sacae," she said to him, with a sweeping gesture of her arm. "They've got everything you'd need here, so we should purchase supplies for our journey."

"Agreed, but you go on ahead, Lyn. I've got a few things that I need to get for myself before we leave."

"Are you sure?"

"Well, a new scarf, for starters…"

She laughed, "No, I meant will you be ok here by yourself?"

Mark looked around, making note of several of the more prominent features of the city and filing them away. Of particular note was the towering structure located towards the center of the plaza. As long as he kept that in sight, he shouldn't have much trouble making his way around town. "I'll be fine, Lyn. I'll meet you back here in three hours. Just try not to get into any trouble while I'm gone, ok?"

Lyn laughed again, "Ha! Speak for yourself… you're the stranger here, remember?"

Mark scoffed and waved her away and started off into the crowd, "Pfft, I'll be fine," he repeated. "Just don't be late getting back here, ok?"

"I won't. Be careful!" she called to him as he disappeared. She wanted to follow him, knowing that the first time in an unfamiliar city could be daunting for a person, but she recognized that he seemed comfortable enough. He'll be ok, she reassured herself.

Mark on the other hand was making hastily for the east wall of the city. Bulgar was our destination, at least for the time. If anyone had gotten out alive they would have made their way here. He knew his companions had been paranoid though, and despite coming from the west, they would have circled the city, entering through the Eastern gate to throw off any pursuers. The circumstances he'd left them in might not have allowed for them to take the extra time, however, so he'd have to check both gates. It was a long shot, and it wouldn't guarantee that he'd find anyone… but it was a start. With grim determination and a small sigh of hope, he began his search.

---

… The Marquess is going to be heartbroken. Kent rubbed his forehead, distraught.

"Are you sure that's what they meant?" Sain asked, "It might have been a branch… or a subsidiary, I don't know."

"No, they were quite clear. Apparently the Lorca tribe met disaster some months ago, shortly after we received the Lady Madelyn's letter. They've either been wiped out or scattered… we'll never be able to locate them now."

"So… what, we just go home now? All this time, for nothing?" Sain was pacing now, obviously not happy at the thought.

Kent rose to his feet, "No… we've got to keep searching. The Lady Madelyn may have perished, but her daughter yet lives. She's out on the plains… but they weren't sure where. Still, if there's a chance that any member of the tribe survived with information we have to find them." He sighed again. "Unfortunately this means that we will likely be delayed in our return. I'll have to send a message out to the Marquess. He'll want to know about this turn of events."

"What?" Sain was shocked at the thought. "You intend to break the poor man's heart even more? He already feels horrible about the whole thing!"

"What choice do we have Sain? He gave us a window of little more than five months… we'll never be able to get back before then if we have to go chasing rumors and whims."

Sain seemed thoughtful. "Well… maybe not… or maybe…" Grabbing the reins of his horse he started off towards the plaza. Kent looked up at him as he walked away.

"Uh… Sain, where are you going now?"

"We've only been here a half a day. We may as well take this time to mingle among the crowd. You never know what we might find out."

"Sain, that's ridiculous. The odds that we'd find any useful information are…" Kent trailed off when he realized Sain wasn't listening and had continued further into the crowd. "Wait, Sain!" Growling under his breath, Kent grasped the reins of his own steed and followed after him. This is going to be a long journey.

---

"Someone seeks the convoy." In the depths of a distant alley, two lone figures had separated themselves from the crowds of the bustling city for a meeting of dark purposes.

"Are you certain? Do they seek the one who escaped us?"

"There is no evidence that they know of the convoy's plight, their description was clear and precise, but would only be useful to eyes that saw a healthy train."

"And you are sure it was the same convoy?"

"The details coincide. They followed the standard tactic, inquiring at the west gate before the east, despite the convoy's known route."

"With that band very little was ever 'known'. Luck favored us with the information that led to their discovery, but things may yet take a turn for the worst. One is much more difficult to track than many, and we have no accurate description of the one who escaped. If they yet have friends within the city we can take no chances. This is worthy of report. What of the perpetrator?"

"He is alone, and is being tailed as we speak."

"Good, keep your man on him. Report immediately if he leaves the city."

"I obey." He paused for a moment before continuing. "…there is one other thing."

"Be quick, my time runs short."

"A coincidence, if you will. One of my men has claimed of two Lycian knights who have inquired concerning the Lorca tribe."

"They seek the princess?"

"So it would seem. She herself was seen entering the city but three hours hence… with another."

"Who?"

"We don't know."

"Probably the same man reported by the survivor of Batta's patrol that was attacked not a week ago."

"Could it be the same one we seek?"

"It's possible. The locations of the incidents were not so far separated that they could not be linked. The men had claimed he was rescued by a woman... Indeed luck may yet be with us. She will not remain in the city long. Now would be our best chance to finish the job. Send the brigands to deal with her, it would please Lord Lundgren. He could prove a valuable asset in the future. Kill the other. If he has the book, bring it to me."

The meeting adjourned, the two men separated and resumed their paths, the messenger returning to the city's hidden network. The other however, took a different route towards one of the city's darker places. Any information concerning the convoy was to be reported at once, all the more if the target was near. If all went well, there may yet be an opportunity to correct the mistakes that had been made that fateful night.

---

Mark walked dejectedly through the plaza, and he didn't rightfully care who saw him. Not a word, not a clue… they didn't make it at all, he sighed again. Three hours of inquiry had turned up nothing, granted most of the time had been used up moving across the city from one gate to the next, but still… nothing. It finally began to sink in that he really was alone now, and he still had no idea why.

"Mark, Mark!" He looked up to see Lyn running towards him.

…ok, maybe not entirely alone. "Hey Lyn, how'd it go?"

"Everything is just about ready. We just need to pick up some water pouches. Did you find everything you need?"

Mark sighed again. "Unfortunately, no."

"I see you at least managed to pick up a new scarf," she said, grabbing at one of the ends to examine it. He'd done so for the sake of appearance only; after all he had mentioned it. Besides, one thing he'd always been taught was to keep his neck protected by any means necessary.

"I like it," Lyn exclaimed upon concluding her examination. "That color goes well with your cloak."

Mark scoffed silently and rolled his eyes. Women, he thought. It's always gotta look good. Of course, looks had nothing to do with his choice of this particular scarf, but he wasn't going to say it. Whether she liked it or not mattered little to him.

She stepped back, as if noticing his morose attitude for the first time. "Is something wrong?"

"No, no… I'm fine." He offered her a weak smile, but she could tell there was no strength behind it.

"Well, you look awfully tired. If you want we can stay here a day or two… I mean, we haven't really even discussed a destination."

"True, but I think it best that we leave here soon, we can discuss our destination once we have everything we need."

"Okay, but if you feel you need to rest just let me know, I need you thinking clearly if we're going to be a team."

"Don't worry Lyn," his smile this time was a little more reassuring. "If there's one thing I know how to do it is thinking," …unless I'm running for my life being chased by a bunch of bloodthirsty vikings… but he left that last part unsaid. No point in making her anxious. Besides, he'd sworn that he would no longer let fear be a defining factor of his skills. I've got to keep a level head from now on if I'm going to find anything out.

She grinned, "I hope so, or otherwise I may just have to ditch you."

He cast her a sidelong glace. "Ditch me? This was your idea after all."

"I know, but it's just until I find a better tactician."

"What? Is that all I'm here for? Practice!?"

"Well… maybe you could be practice… if you could spar with me."

"Ok… so that's the defining factor is it? I can't fight… I must be useless."

"I certainly don't want to be doing all the work between us."

"Oh sure… pay no attention to the fact that despite my inability to engage in contests of brute force I was able to completely eliminate one of the enemy! What would you have done if I hadn't…"

Her stifled laughter told him that he was overreacting again, and he stopped talking. She's got me down pat, he thought. It certainly didn't take her long to figure out how to agitate me. Gonna have to work on that too. He took three breaths to calm himself, when he opened his eyes again she was still giggling.

"You take too much pleasure in tormenting me."

"That's because it's so easy to do," she said, entering another fit of laughter, but this time her merriment did not go unnoticed.

"Oh, my heart! What a dazzling vision of loveliness!"

The observation so caught her off guard that her laughter instantly ceased. "Hm?" she asked in puzzlement, seeking the source of the comment.

The young man made it no secret that he'd been the one to speak when he boldly stepped forward and grasped her hand in his own. "Wait, O Beauteous one! Would you not favor me with your name? Or better yet, your company?" he said giving her a playful wink and a tender kiss on the hand.

Lyn was so shocked that she didn't move for several moments, and her hand remained in that of the bold youth that had so forcefully taken it. Her jaw hung slack, and for a time she couldn't get it under control. "I, uh… um… eh…" She stammered looking to Mark for help.

It was all Mark could do to keep from laughing out loud at the sight of Lyn so distressed. He purposefully took a step back and indicated his intent to remain aloof and watch it unfold with a sly smile, not even daring to interfere. Oh no, I'm not helping you out of this one… not after everything I've had to put up with these last few days.

Lyn looked back towards the eager-eyed young man, realizing that no help was forthcoming. She finally regained control, though still not fully. Gently she pulled her hand from the suitor's grasp. "Wh… where are you from, sir knight, that you speak so freely to a stranger?" she asked incredulously.

"Why milady, I thought you'd never ask!" said the exuberant knight, bowing low. "I am from Lycia. I hail from the Caelin canton," acting even more boldly he again took her hand and clutched it to his bosom, giving her a wanton look. "…home to men of passion and fire!"

Lyn removed her hand from the stranger's grip with a little more force this time. As her brain finally began to catch up with her tongue, she responded with a bit of fire of her own.

"Shouldn't that be 'home to callow oafs with loose tongues'?

The young knight was undaunted. "Ooooh, you're even lovelier when you're cruel." Lyn's eyes blazed as she glared at the young man, but she let prudence take its course. Again she turned to Mark.

"Let's go, Mark. I've nothing more to say." With a huff she spun around and strode off into the concourse, leaving the boy in the street. Mark joined her, barely containing his laughter. Lyn pretended not to notice.

Upon seeing the departure of his heart's desire the young knight called out once more, "Wait! Please…" Any further comment was interrupted as Kent rode up beside his partner.

"Sain! Hold your tongue!"

Sain turned to his superior and exclaimed with no apparent loss of enthusiasm. "Ah, Kent! My boon companion! Why so severe an expression?"

"If your manner were more serious, I wouldn't have to be so severe!" Kent growled. "We still have a mission to complete, Sain!"

Sain was unconcerned. "I know that," he replied. "But how could I remain silent in the presence of such beauty? It would have been discourteous!"

"What do you know of courtesy!?" Kent exploded. "You're an embarrassment to the Knights of Caelin when you act in such a manner. We're not here to go a' courting! We're under orders!"

Sain grinned under the assault. "Ah, but the Marquess said nothing against catching the eyes of a fair maiden or two in our search. If I may obtain one as the likes of her, this mission may yet be a success!" Without waiting for another word Sain started off, hot in pursuit of the maid of his dreams. Kent smacked his forehead in frustration and followed after him.

---

"Oh, you should have seen your face… priceless!" Mark hadn't laughed this hard for some time… he'd forgotten how good it felt.

"A fat lot of help you were, I might add," Lyn pouted. "You could at least have tried to interfere."

"Oh no… not on your life," his grin nearly stretched the width of his cheeks. "You had that one coming… who am I to tempt fate? Would that I was so forward I could turn you that red." He burst into another healthy round of laughter at the thought.

Lyn folded her arms gruffly across her chest, "You're not being fair!"

"Who wasn't fair?" Mark retorted. "You probably traumatized the poor boy, and here he was just trying to pay you a compliment."

"Hmph… men like that have no shame. He'll pull the same moves on the next girl he sees. I merely put him in his place for once." Lyn paused to pay the merchant. "There, that should be all we need. We can make it to any of several trading centers with these supplies."

"I'm ready when you are," said Mark, still chuckling.

They went back to the local stables to retrieve and load up Lyn's horse. Lyn was a little worried about the idea. "I'm sorry girl," she said to the horse, more to comfort herself than the animal. "I know you're not used to such a burden." The mare nuzzled her master, as if to reassure her that all was well.

"She'll be fine," Mark said. "She seems a strong animal. Besides, we don't really have a choice otherwise. Neither of us would get very far carrying most of that."

Lyn gave her mare an encouraging pat, and together they started for the gates of the city. They hadn't gotten too far when Lyn groaned loudly.

Mark looked up to see the same young knight who had so daringly approached her blocking the road up ahead. Mark's gaze returned to Lyn and he saw her disgust. It was obvious that she was not looking forward to another conversation with the knight, but unfortunately there was no way around. Mark, despite his enjoyment of the situation, felt a pang of sympathy for her.

"If you want I can—" he offered.

"No," Lyn cut him off with a sigh. "I'll handle this." She boldly strode up to the young man, who, Mark noticed, was this time accompanied by another who wore a suit of armor of a very similar style, though his was red instead of green like the first.

"Excuse me!" Both of the men turned at her forceful exclamation. Mark could see the eyes of the first light up as he recognized her. The second, too, seemed surprised at her appearance. Lyn, however, wasn't about to give them an opportunity to speak. "You're blocking the road. If you would be so kind as to move your horses…"

The first young man stepped forward as if to speak but was interrupted by a sharp blow from the elbow of his red haired companion, who immediately began to clear a path for the travelers.

"Of course," he said, maneuvering his animal into a less impeding position. "My apologies…"

"Thank you," Lyn offered as they began to walk through. "You, at least, seem honorable enough."

"Why, milady… you wound me!" the green knight interjected. Lyn wisely ignored him. Mark on the other hand, was studying the knight in red, whose face held a strange expression as he stared intently at Lyn, as if trying to remember something. His curiosity finally won the better of him and he called to Lyn before she got too far away.

"Milady, Pardon me, but… I feel we've met before."

Lyn turned in surprise and studied the man more closely. She at least felt no immediate recognition. "I beg your pardon?" she asked.

The green knight jumped in before his companion could respond. "Hey! No fair, Kent! I saw her first!"

Lyn's eyes went wide and she flushed red as she realized the implication's of the green knight's words. With a scoff she turned about once more. "It seems there are no decent men among Lycia's knights!" she declared over her shoulder before calling back to Mark, who was still studying the two. "Let's go, Mark! I've run out of patience!"

Mark offered the two a half smile with a shrug, indicating his powerlessness with the issue before running after Lyn to catch up.

Kent was beside himself with frustration. "Wait, please! It's not like that!" he called after them. Unsurprisingly, he was ignored as they continued onward. With a snarl Kent turned on his presumptuous companion. "Sain, you lout!" he shouted.

"Huh?" Sain was surprised at the venom in his voice. "Not like that? I thought you were…"

Kent interrupted his fellow knight as he stepped towards him. "I am NOT you!!" he shouted thrusting a finger into Sain's face for emphasis. He wished he could afford to take the time to really lay into his companion while his temper was hot, but if his hunch was correct… He strode past Sain, leading his horse. "Come, we must follow her. I suspect she might be..." He walked off, leaving the thought unfinished.

"Be what?" Sain asked, puzzling for a moment before it clicked. "She's our mission? You're joking!" He looked up to see Sain already in rapid pursuit of the pair. Sain set off after him. "Wait!"

---

Lyn was still fuming when they finally reached the city wall. Mark followed at a safe distance. "Grrrr… I can't believe those men! Do I really seem to them like that kind of woman!?"

Mark could only shrug. "Well, I guess I can't fault them all that much."

Lyn whirled on him, "And what is that supposed to mean!?"

Mark reeled defensively. "Whoa, whoa… I'm just saying that if they've really come from Lycia, it's been a long journey for them both. It's only natural that the desire for companionship of a young woman, such as yourself, may sometimes drive a man to act in ways he may not, under normal circumstances, act."

"And that makes it ok? 'Oh, Lady Lyn," she said mockingly, "comfort those poor men, for they are weary of travel'," her voice turned venomous again. "That's all the excuse they need to treat me like a mere object!?"

Mark took another step backward, realizing that he was only digging his own grave. "I… I didn't mean it like that! Honest! I was just trying to say…" he paused as he noticed Lyn suddenly become distracted, staring at a point over his shoulder behind him, something back through the city gates, he realized. For a moment her eyes went wide, then she grabbed Mark's arm and took off in a direction away from the city.

"Run!!" she shouted. "We're being pursued!"

Mark glanced back as he picked up his own momentum. He caught sight of two men angrily pushing themselves through the crowd at the gates, obviously intent on overtaking them. "I only see two men behind us," he said as he turned around to give evasion his full priority. Lyn's horse matched their pace, following her master obediently.

"Could it be those knights from town?" Lyn asked.

They both glanced back again, but upon closer observation of their pursuers they both came to the same conclusion. Lyn was the first to say it.

"No… It's not them. These men are out for blood."

Mark was uneasy. Still… there's only two. Not the favorable odds that most bandits would prefer... a synapse clicked within his brain. "Wait, Lyn! Stop!!" He grabbed her arm and brought them both to a sudden halt.

Lyn struggled briefly in his grip, wanting more than anything to get away from the bandits behind them. "What is it, Mark!?"

"Look, Lyn!" Mark said, pointing in the direction they had been headed. "No bandits would attack with fair odds," he explained. "See those trees? I'm willing to bet there are more of them hidden away. If we keep going that way we'll play right into their hands."

Lyn finally stopped, realizing what he was saying. "Then what do we do? Should we fight through the ones behind us and make it back into the city before the others can interfere?"

Mark was grim. "I don't think that would be wise. If they're already after us, it's because we must have an enemy within the city proper. The fact that they're willing to attack us so close to the gates is a clue in and of itself. If we go back to the city we'll more than likely face assassins in the shadows instead of brigands in the sun. At least here we can see what we're up against."

"But… who would be after us? We haven't done anything!"

I think we both know the answer to that question, Mark thought, but he left the comment unsaid. Blast it Mark, if they knew where to find the convoy on the trail the odds are they knew it's destination as well. They probably staked out the city the moment they realized someone had gotten away, and now you've put Lyn in danger as well. You should never have come here! Lyn studied Mark's grim expression. When he didn't answer immediately, she tried again.

"What should we do then?"

Mark surveyed the area, and pointed to a direction off to the right that seemed the most clear. "We'll go that way; there are fewer places to hide there. We'll have to find a way around the trees until we can lose them in the hills beyond." Lyn nodded that she understood, but before they could start off another voice interrupted them.

"Impressive, but it's already too late for you," said a middle aged voice as a man revealed himself from his concealment behind a nearby boulder. Lyn gasped at his appearance.

Mark studied the newcomer with a weary eye. He looked gruff and experienced, and had a great scar over his right eye. His tattered clothes and the stubble on his chin told of a man who did not normally live the civilized life, and the look he gave the companions told him that he was no friend of theirs.

With a low chuckle the man gave Lyn an appraising look. "Well, well… Aren't you the pretty one!" he said with a crooked grin.

It was at this point that Mark realized with surprise that he was not, in fact, their primary target.

"Your name is Lyndis, is it not?"

Lyn gave another sharp gasp. "Wh… what did you call me?" she said with a breathless voice. "…Who are you?"

"Such a waste, an absolute waste," the man said to himself, ignoring her question. "The things I'll do for gold…" His face suddenly turned very nasty. "Ah, well. Time to die, darlin'!" He turned around and called out loudly, "C'mon out, boys!"

True to Mark's words, three more gruff men stepped out from their hiding places some yards ahead of them in the trees. With another wave of his hands the man with the scar indicated to the two bandits behind them to cover their intended escape route. The only way out was back towards the city, and Mark was now more than ever convinced that that particular option was not the most favorable.

Oh, no! Lyn glanced around at the group in despair. "Mark… there are more than I can handle…" Mark glanced down at her worriedly, there was no doubt that she was scared, but her face was grim and determined. "…but I'll not give up! Stay close to me, Mark… we'll fight our way though!"

Mark surveyed the scene… the odds were not good. He counted six enemies against the two of them. With these odds they'll show no restraint… they'll attack us all at once. If I don't fight, Lyn would never be able to defeat them all… and even then…

"Hey! There she is!"

"Huh?"

"What?" At the sound of the voice, both parties became aware of a new group joining them. Lyn groaned despite the situation when she saw the two young knights who had accosted her earlier. Taking immediate grasp of the situation, both knights rode forward, placing their steeds between Lyn and her assaulters. The knight in green turned towards Lyn with a relieved sigh.

"Whew… Finally caught up…" Giving her another wink, the bold young man turned and faced the bandits as he lowered his lance. "Hold! You there! What is your business?"

"Our business is none of your concern, kid. You just turn around and head back the way you came, and we'll pretend we didn't see you."

The knight was indignant, "You think yourselves men of honor? Yet you employ such numbers against a girl? Cowards, every one of you!"

Lyn's face went red with fury as her ears were assailed by the bigoted words of such a shallow man. Her whole body tensed as she prepared to deliver the biggest insult she'd ever given in her life.

"You!" she shouted. "You're from—!"

Her tirade was cut short by the knight in red. "We can discuss that later," he said with a stern glance at his companion. He then turned to the bandits before them. "It appears these ruffians mean to do you harm." He then raised his voice so they could all hear him. "If it's a fight they want, let them look to me!"

His companion nodded affirmative and motioned towards Lyn. "Stay back! We'll take care of this!"

Lyn was in such a rage that her brain couldn't even begin to think clearly. She screamed at the two pompous neanderthals before her, "No! This is my fight! Stay out of my way!"

Mark stepped forward in an attempt to remind Lyn of their current position. "Uh… Lyn, now might not be the best time to let our pride get involved here," he said with a whisper, attempting to avoid agitating her any further.

He failed miserably, and Lyn brought the full force of her anger to bear upon him. "I don't care what our situation is! I will NOT accept any help from these two!"

"Well, I can't just stand here and do nothing…" the green knight interjected.

"Still your tongue, scoundrel!" Mark yelled at him angrily, but his face conveyed a different message to the knight. Let me try to calm her!

He pulled Lyn close. "Lyn, listen!" he whispered. "I know they may not be the most stellar examples of chivalry, but I believe their help is sorely needed. We can deal with them later, but right now I think it best to work together."

Lyn's pride was still strong. "I will not lower my standards to accept help from such… dastards!" she said, spitting out that last word with much venom.

As Mark tried desperately to calm Lyn's fiery disposition, Kent and Sain glared at the brigands, daring them to make a move. The appearance of the two knights in full armor had caused the band pause, but Kent knew that would not last for long. The odds were still in their enemy's favor.

"I say we just rush them now," Sain whispered impatiently.

"Hush, Sain. If she is the mission we were meant to complete we will need her good grace. In this her attendant is attempting to help us. You will hold your tongue from this moment on unless you are spoken to, understand?" He glanced towards the two as they spoke, taking particular interest not in their words, which he couldn't hear, but in their body language, which was only too obvious. As their conversation progressed he began to understand.

Mark was aware that time was short before the bandits would finally attack, and was working desperately to help Lyn see reason. Finally he saw no other alternative, resorting to one last effort to instill sanity into the proud woman's mind. "Lyn!" Mark's voice was stern. "I trust your skill with the sword, but I have little faith in my own. If you insist of fighting this battle yourself…" Mark paused, reluctant to speak his next words. "…I will not lead you."

Lyn was shocked, so much so that her own anger was momentarily forgotten. "W… what!?" she exclaimed.

"Lyn, as an apprentice tactician I was taught well to recognize when a situation was certain to end in defeat. I cannot promise my guidance in such a situation. I… cannot lead you into this."

Lyn swallowed hard as she realized he was serious. She well understood that without even Mark's help she stood no chance against them at all. As the fire of her pride burned low she lowered her head in resignation. "Very well," she said, but her pride had not yet lost all vigor. She gave Mark another stern glance. "…but this fight only!"

Mark nodded. "You have my word." He turned to the two knights to announce their decision, but Kent, having finally put almost all of the pieces together and understanding the relationship the two shared, beat him to it.

"Milady," he addressed Lyn in an appeal to the very pride that had grossly misunderstood him, "do you trust the words of this man?" He indicated Mark, assuming Lyn would once again misinterpret his comments.

The ploy worked. Lyn stepped forward, intent on Mark's defense before the braggarts could talk him down in her presence to boost their own fragile egos. "Mark is my tactician, I would heed the commands of none other, and I trust him with my life!"

With his assumption confirmed, Kent nodded. "Then I may have a solution to our predicament." Turning to Mark he called loudly, "You there, command us." He turned back towards the bandits as he continued, "I am Kent, a knight of Lycia. My companion is Sain." Turning once more to Mark he gave him a solemn promise. "We will follow your orders in this battle."

Lyn's train of thought had been so set on one particular course that the revelation of Kent's true intentions astonished her. Kent, seeing that his ruse had worked, addressed Lyn once more. "Is this acceptable, milady?"

Lyn, beginning to understand her error in judging the red haired knight, assented. "Yes, it is. Mark and I will lead!" She looked to Mark for final confirmation. Mark nodded. "Let's go!" she said.

The bandit leader had finally had enough. "If ya'll're done with your little powwow, we've got a job to do. We just want the girl, but if yer all intendin' to fight, well… it's yer own heads." With a wave of his arm the bandit leader gave the order. "Have at 'em, boys!"

"To me, knights!" Mark ordered. "Their greater numbers give them the advantage. Gather together to best protect our own backs!"

Sain turned to Kent, and the latter could see the desire to charge in the formers' eyes. He shook his head and started back, Sain reluctantly followed.

The bandits, for their part, approached cautiously, but the leader held back. Good, Mark thought. That's one less immediate threat. They obviously understand the danger of a mounted knight, but they also understand that their strength lies in their numbers… that will prove their greatest weakness.

Once Kent and Sain had joined them, Mark lowered his voice as he spoke, so as not to give away the strategy he had devised. "They'll use their numbers to their advantage… more than likely this means they'll try to encircle us, but they'll attack together." He pointed toward Sain and Kent, "Your job is to keep them busy and disorganized. At my command, charge your nearest attackers and scatter them. Use hit and run tactics only and keep your distance… One man is all that is needed to keep you occupied if able to engage in close combat, and that leaves the others open to attack en masse."

"And what of myself?" Lyn asked, not wanting to be left out of the fight. "Lyn, you'll take the man on the left. When the knights charge you must charge as well. Dispatch your foe quickly to even the odds, then move on to the next." He turned again to the knights. "You must keep them separated or they'll gang up on Lyn as she's obviously their main target. Use killing blows if the opportunity presents itself, but otherwise deploy scare tactics. Don't put your animals in danger! A fallen rider is too vulnerable for too long."

The knights nodded and Mark issued one final command, "Take up defensive positions!" As everyone moved into place Sain bent low for one final word with his new commander.

"You!" he whispered low, "You are called Mark?"

"I am."

"I want to impress my beauteous one! Let me attack first!"

Mark rolled his eyes. "You have got to be kidding me… are you really that dense?" He received a cheeky grin in return.

"Direct my arm!" Sain implored again.

"Fine," Mark consented, "when I indicate it, charge your horse full speed between the first and second men from the left, and I mean between them. Direct your weapon to the man on your right if you can, but focus on your true goal, which is to separate Lyn's target from the other four. Scatter them, so Lyn can combat her foe with even odds for as long as possible."

Sain grinned his thanks, and likewise took position. Mark stood in the middle and readied his dagger; he hoped he wouldn't need it.

True to form, the five bandits slowly began to encircle their targets as they approached. Mark waited until they were a respectable distance apart, but before they had completed their encircling maneuver, then he whispered the command.

"Sain!"

"Attack!" Sain shouted as he charged forward. The maneuver was unexpected, and the bandits moved frantically to get out of the way of the approaching knight. Sweeping his lance before him he galloped towards the confused men, but his lance passed through thin air. "Whoa! I missed!?" he said to himself in astonishment.

Mark saw the strike fail and sighed. Figures he'd be all talk and no action.

Kent saw it too. "Mark! Allow me to make up for my companion's blunder, I am at your command!"

"Kent, follow Sain's path," Mark said, "and remember to keep the other four engaged!" Without another word Kent charged forward. The bandits, still recovering from Sain's own charge, were slower to react, and Kent's blade caught one across the shoulder before he could get away from the galloping horse. The man went down, wounded, but not out of the fight yet.

"Lyn, go now!"

The now lone man had no time to realize his predicament before Lyn's flashing blade was upon him. Desperately he tried to ward off the blows and escape, but she wouldn't let him.

Kent and Sain held the line, constantly charging back and forth to attack any of the other bandits who attempted to get too close to Lyn and her foe. As they moved about the battlefield Kent noticed his companion was not having as much success with his blows as he was.

"Sain! Why aren't you using your sword?"

"The lance is more heroic," came the quick reply. "A knight should look heroic, don't you think?" Sain charged again, but whiffed another strike.

Kent pulled up beside him, "You're hopeless." He said, and struck out at another bandit, who managed to jump back from the whirling blade in time. "If you don't take fighting more seriously, you're going to find yourself on the end of a blade!"

Kent and Sain both took pause, placing themselves between Lyn and the others, barring the path. "Truth be told," Sain said as they readied for another charge, "I… forgot to buy a sword."

"Forgot? Or were you simply too busy dallying with the ladies?" They charged forward again, and this time Kent was able to down the bandit he had previously struck with his sword, taking him out of the fight.

"Don't be so mad!" Sain continued at the end of their charge. "I'll be fine with a lance. I'm that good!"

"I'd prefer to rely on your skill, not your empty bragging! Here," he said, pulling another sword from its scabbard. "Take my spare blade and use it to attack next time!"

Sain caught the tossed sword. "Are your sure?" he asked hesitantly. Kent's only response was another furious charge through the midst of the group. "My thanks, Kent!" Sain called after him.

"You're almost more trouble than you're worth," Kent said under his breath. "Almost…"

Mark watched the battle unfold from his position, one was down, but the others were starting to get wise to their tactic. This is taking too long. Coming to a quick decision, he raised his voice to the knights, "Kent, help Lyn!"

Kent heard the cry. "Sain, keep them busy," he charged his companion. With a nod from Sain, Kent galloped to Lyn's aid. Charging through, he caught the man with a clean slice across his back. The bandit however, had seen the strike coming at the last moment had managed to roll with the attack, keeping the damage minimal. Pain, however, is nevertheless difficult to ignore, and it was with great effort that he got back to his feet.

Kent came up beside Lyn. "He's almost defeated," he said. "Now, let's deliver the final blow!" Again Kent charged, feigning to the left side while the man dodged to the right in response.

Lyn was there to greet him. With a cry she dove past the man's defenses, striking a clean blow and felling him.

"Well done," Kent congratulated her, but couldn't say any more when a shout interrupted his thoughts. He glanced up to see Sain engaged by the three remaining bandits. The men had moved into one of the many groves spread about the region and were using the trees to gain a mobility advantage against the knight and his large animal.

"Sain, hold on!" Kent shouted, spurring his horse to his friend's side, realizing that he would be too late as one of the men had circled around a particularly large tree and came in at Sain for a killing blow from behind.

Sain saw him coming and struck with his sword, but his swing was wild, and the man ducked back behind the tree to avoid it. The bandit deftly rolled around and came out the other side, swinging his sword high. At that moment a small object suddenly whistled through the air, striking the man in the back of his thigh. The bandit grunted, but grit his teeth and finished his swing. The pain however, had foiled his aim, and Sain was able to duck away from the fatal blow.

"Sain, withdraw!" Mark shouted.

"Gah!" Using the opening created by the momentary distraction, Sain retreated frantically, pulling out of the grove and back into open plains. Kent came up beside him.

"Sain! Are you all right?"

Sain breathed a sigh of relief. "Yes, yes I am. I was able to dodge in time." Sain grit his teeth in frustration. "I can't believe he evaded my sword stroke so easily."

Kent rolled his eyes.

"This is no jest." Sain said indignantly.

"Look closely," Kent said sarcastically, "you have to pay more attention! The enemy is hidden in the woods. The branches make it difficult to attack," he looked at Sain with impatience, "…don't they?"

Sain ignored the sarcasm. "You're right. I was so focused on attacking… I didn't see."

Kent sighed again in frustration. "Sain, your lack of attention may someday cost you your life!"

Sain looked hurt. "Fine! I understand already! Let it go, Kent!"

"If you truly understand, then act like it!" Kent returned

"Kent, Sain… regroup!" Mark called.

Kent worries too much, Sain thought to himself as he and Kent rode back to where Mark and Lyn waited. …He's going to grow old before his time.

Gathered together again, they took a moment to regain their breath, as did the bandits.

"Well done everyone." Mark congratulated them as they huddled closely. "They've taken to the trees, but the odds are much more even now thanks to Kent and Lyn."

"Mark! Give me another chance!" Sain pleaded. "I failed you once before but give me another chance… I'll not fail you again!"

Kent looked at Mark stoically, as if he disapproved of the man, but he made no immediate objections. "I'm ready for battle. Command me as you will!"

"Kent, Sain; the remaining bandit has retreated to that grove to the south, flush him out, but watch out for their leader, he's disappeared on me."

"On it!" Sain said with enthusiasm and started off, Kent followed without comment.

"It seems like a wise decision to leave that bandit to the knights," Lyn said. For my part I'm going to take care of the other foe."

"He's taking refuge in the trees to the left," Mark said. "Be careful. Even if he's injured he can still be dangerous."

"Don't worry about me," Lyn said, and started off. Mark followed behind her. When they reached the trees he held a finger up to his lips and pointed off towards one direction. Lyn nodded, understanding that he wanted her to check that way. Before she continued he whispered into her ear.

"When you're done here get to the knights quickly. Find the leader. If he gets away we'll have bandits trailing us throughout our journey."

Lyn nodded again and moved into the trees. She had taken only a few steps when she heard a startled yelp of pain. She rushed to the source and found the man who had emitted it. He had a shocked look on his face as he stared into the trees, and Lyn noticed a bloodied dagger in his hands. A wound to match the blade could be easily seen on the bandit's upper leg.

When he saw Lyn come at him from the trees he threw the dagger in desperation and reached for his axe, which he had apparently dropped, but he was too slow. Lyn easily dodged the wild knife and dashed in towards the man. Reaching him before he could bring his axe to bear, she cut him down where he knelt with a quick swipe of her sword. Without wasting a moment she then sprinted towards the next grove, where the two knights hunted the remaining members of the band.

Mark watched, hidden in the trees as she left. Then slowly and quietly, he slipped to the ground to retrieve his dagger, doing his best to avoid looking at the body on the ground. Reaching his minuscule blade he picked it up and examined it closely until he saw what he was looking for. Hm… thought so.

---

Meanwhile, Kent and Sain were moving through the trees, chasing the remaining brigand. The man was quick on his feet, dodging through openings that the horses could not follow through, but it was not a thick forest, and wherever the man went the knights quickly found an alternate route.

Finally the bandit hit a straight path that cut through the trees and sprinted down it at full speed. Sain came up behind him and grinned to himself. I don't care how fast you are, you can't outrun my horse! He urged his steed forward and set off in rapid pursuit, but as he raised his blade to strike the man down a large branch suddenly dislodged itself from a tree above him, striking him across the brow and knocking him from his mount.

Sain was groggily trying to get back to his feet when the man with the scar jumped down from the tree where he'd cut the branch loose. He approached Sain, who was still dazed from the hit.

"Accursed knights," he grumbled. "…always tampering in others' affairs."

"You got 'im good, boss," the other bandit said, returning to his leader's side.

"Keep your eyes open, idiot! The other ain't that far away."

"I know, I know," said the minion, scanning the brush.

Sain lay on is stomach, having difficulty getting up in his armor. "Hey, little help here morons," he said bitterly.

The bandit leader obliged him with a fierce kick to the gut that rolled him onto his back.

"Thank you…" Sain muttered weakly, trying to get his breath.

The leader sneered. "Since you seem to be in such a hurry to die, I'll not keep you waitin'. When you cross blades with Zugu, you best be ready to meet your maker."

Despite his pain Sain began to chuckle. "Zugu? Your name is Zugu?" Just saying it was too much… he burst into laughter.

Zugu himself smirked as he raised his axe, "I like a man who can die laughin'. Bye, chum." He swung the axe with a fierce overhead strike, but neglected to take into account the forest around him. The axe caught a branch just above him and lodged itself deeply therein. Taking the queue, Sain rolled onto his side and jammed his heel into the man's shins.

Caught entirely unprepared, Zugu released his axe to clutch his shin in pain. Sain scrambled to get back to his feet just as the axe released its hold on the branch, giving Zugu another solid bonk to the head on the way down.

Trying to rub both his shin and his head at the same time, Zugu called out to his compatriot amidst a slew of expletives, "Boz! Kill him!"

Boz rushed to his leader's foe, attempting to attack while he was still regaining his footing, but he was too slow. Sain picked himself up on one knee and lifted his sword just in time to block the oncoming attack, and what would have been a killing strike was weakened to a glancing blow. Sain struck back and their weapons locked, but with a mighty shove Sain was able to push his attacker back and give himself enough room to climb back to his feet.

Brandishing his blade with both hands, he grinned at his opponent. "I'm not ready to die just yet! There's too many woman to meet!"

Zugu watched as the two clashed and reached for his own weapon, momentarily forgetting the injuries he'd sustained. His thoughts burned with rage at the man who would so boldly make him seem the fool. He charged at Sain, who was too occupied with the opponent before him to notice the danger behind him.

Zugu, however, had the perfect view of the red clad knight, who was likewise about to strike his own subordinate's blind spot.

"Watch your back, you fool!" The simultaneous cry from both Zugu and Kent caused the two combatants to spin about, just in time to catch the blades that had so very nearly ended them.

Ever the smug one, Sain offered the bandit leader a crooked smile. "Nice recovery."

"Outta my way, boy!" the elder man demanded. Pushing aside the knight's own blade he crashed into him bodily, shoving him to the ground. The force of the push landed Sain flat on his butt, but he managed to keep a hold of his sword. He ducked to the side as the heavy axe thudded into the dirt he'd just vacated. Grabbing hold of the shaft before the bandit could recover it, Sain countered with a fierce swing, forcing Zugu to release his weapon and jump back to avoid the strike.

Finding himself once again without an axe in hand, he looked around for a backup plan. He saw a large rock nearby and picked it up, hurling it at Sain, who was still trying to get back to his feet. The rock clanged into his breastplate, dealing no real damage, but the force was enough to throw him back to the ground. Zugu retrieved his axe and stood over the annoying boy. "You make fer a good fight young'un, and I like your spunk, but this has gone on long enough."

Catching movement out of the corner of his eye, Sain turned towards it and instantly came to the same conclusion. "You know, I believe you're right."

"Huh?" Zugu turned just in time to see Lyn charging towards him at top speed. He was forced to retreat once more as Lyn's swipe came at him, slicing through the space he'd occupied only a moment before.

Lyn glared at the man, breathing heavily from her sprint. "Leave him," she said to Sain. "This… is my fight!"

Sain once again had to climb back to his feet. "The truth of that I doubt not, milady, but to let you face such a foe as this one in your current winded state without rendering assistance would do me much harm."

Lyn once again glanced at the battered and bloodied knight. "My state? Have you looked at yourself recently?"

"A flesh wound," Sain said dismissively.

Lyn sighed, there was obviously no convincing this braggart otherwise.

Zugu charged them before they could say anything else. "I'll have both your heads!" he shouted. With all his strength he attacked furiously, but the combined defense of Lyn and Sain could not be broken by one man. His situation worsened when Kent, having dispatched his own foe, entered the fray.

Zugu broke off his attack and stepped back, breathing heavily and bleeding from several wounds of his own. "Blast!" he said with labored breaths. "There was only… supposed to be a lone… girl…"

Lyn stepped forward. "Why did you try to kill me? Answer me now and I may spare your life!"

The bandit grimaced, knowing that his chances had gone from good to slim in a matter of minutes. "Sorry girlie, but I knew when I accepted this job that it was gonna be either you or me. I'm not ready to go blurting out me secrets just yet."

"It doesn't have to be either of us!" Lyn countered. "Rare is the person who kills without reason. You made it clear that you had one, but I can only claim to do so in my own defense. Give me your reason for attacking and I will decide whether or not my reason stands!"

Zugu chuckled in spite of himself. "Whether by your blade or by that of my employer, I die nonetheless. To placate the one is to incur the wrath of the other. No, this ends with us now!" With a lunge he struck out at Lyn again, but his injured body was no longer at full potential, and Lyn easily sidestepped the assault. The bandit's eyes went wide as her own blade pierced him through, and he dropped to the ground with a final moan.

Lyn likewise dropped to her knees with a sigh. "That's the last of them," she breathed. In an instant Kent was at her side. He offered her his hand, but otherwise kept his distance, still aware of their earlier misunderstanding and not wanting to bolster it. "Are you alright, Milady Lyndis?"

Lyn waved his hand away. "I'm fine… just winded is all."

"Lyn!" Everyone turned to see Mark running towards them. "Is everyone alright?" he asked. He came up short in surprise as Kent moved to stand before him, his eyes burning.

"Do you always leave the fighting to others? Is it so standard for you to send others to risk their lives while you yourself remain a distance away in safety? How can you call yourself her friend, or even her companion!?"

"I… I…" Mark was speechless. It had never occurred to him that the knight would react so harshly.

Even Sain was surprised. "Whoa, Kent…" he started, but Lyn was faster.

"Were it not for Mark, your own companion would lay slain on the field at this moment," she explained. The fight had tempered her earlier rage, but she would not let such an injustice pass her by unanswered. "It was Mark's dagger that spoiled the aim of the bandit in the trees."

Mark cringed as she said it. Blast, he thought, I was hoping she hadn't caught that.

"Twice now has Mark directed me in battle against the odds, and twice now I owe him my life," Lyn continued. "For that I can only say to him," she paused and favored Mark with a small but sincere smile of gratitude before continuing, "fantastic work, Mark!"

Kent was thoroughly confused. This went against everything he had been trained to believe, against every manner in which he had been taught to act. A good leader led the battle, he did not just direct it. "But… how can you say that? It was your own skill with the blade that saved your life, not the doings of this man!"

Lyn's eyes flashed dangerously. "It was Mark's plan that saved us all! It was his direction that allowed me to use my sword with the best of efficiency and chance to emerge the victor! It was through his guidance that my sword was able to keep me alive, and not just me, but you as well! If you continue to assault him with such false accusations then it is my blade that you must answer to, for I will not have you speak of him in such ill manner again!"

Kent reeled as he realized the seriousness of his error. Dropping quickly to one knee before Lyn he humbly bowed his head. "I… I meant no disrespect to you milady. Forgive me!"

"I don't have any more strength to be angry," she said. "But now Mark and I must bid you farewell. Your help was appreciated, but we must go."

"Wait, milady!" Kent pleaded. "I have yet one more favor to ask of you, if you will but hear me out!"

Lyn sighed, wanting nothing more than to leave them behind. "Be quick," she said.

"I apologize again, milady, but it is a story of some length."

"In that case," Mark interrupted, "I suggest we worry about that later and get moving for now."

Kent cast him an angry look for the interruption but held his tongue.

"What's wrong Mark?" Lyn asked.

"We're still too close to the city here, Lyn. If these bandits did indeed come from a source inside the walls it won't be long before others come looking for them. We should get some distance between us before that happens."

Lyn sighed again, but nodded. "Very well," she said, turning to the knights. "You can come with us if you must, but we'll have to be fast. Once Mark feels we've gone far enough we'll make camp and hear your story."

Both knights looked towards each other while Mark silently thanked Lyn for the vote of confidence. Sain looked to Kent with a shrug, indicating his indifference in the matter. Kent mulled it over a bit longer before realizing that without any other leads, remaining here would be pointless. If it was her… they could afford to lose a day to find out. He turned to them.

"Agreed. We will accompany you, and you in turn will hear us out."

"Good, let's get going. I don't want to be here when round two comes looking for us."

---

They traveled in silence for several hours, with each mulling over their own thoughts. Lyn led the way, knowing the land far better than any of the others. The knights followed closely behind her, as if frightened that something else might happen. Mark trailed behind them all, pondering… pondering the words of the red clad knight, the words of Zugu, the bandit leader… pondering even Lyn's own words and wondering if she had really meant them, or if they had merely been a byproduct of her righteous defense… or if he was even worthy of the confidence displayed.

Lyn had her own issues to deal with. She wanted nothing more than to return to speak with Mark, but she dared not even turn around to face the knights lest she spark another conversation, which she was only too eager to avoid. That and what Zugu had said to her… what he had called her… She glanced back over her shoulder briefly. Thankfully the knights had kept quiet thus far, but they kept close to her as well… uncomfortably close. The green knight was relaxed, but the red knight…

His guard is still up, she mused to herself, as if he's expecting something to happen. She noticed too that Mark was trailing further and further behind and the look on his face bothered her. He too was constantly looking over his shoulder, but not so much with worry as with longing, as if searching for something… or as if he was leaving something behind.

She faced forward again, her own thoughts temporarily interrupted. How far must we travel, Mark… how long until you tell me what really happened that night? Do you not trust me, or is there a deeper secret that you cannot reveal? Must you face it alone? She sighed. A lot had happened within the last week, and she wasn't sure what to make of it all.

The red knight caught her gesture. "Something troubles you milady?"

She waved him off. "I'm fine. It seems to me that you would do best to be worried about your own companion." She turned to the green knight, unwilling to even speak to him, but she could no longer stand the sight of the battered form who had, by far, fared the worst of the battle.

"You… Your name is Sain, right?"

Sain's eyes brightened at having been formally addressed by the young woman. "Yes!" he answered exuberantly, giving her another exaggerated bow. "Sain, the gallant man of Caelin. That's me!"

Lyn rolled her eyes, "If you insist… Why have you not healed yourself yet?"

Sain laughed boisterously. "Ha! Fear not my lady! Though battered and bruised I do appear, I am a quick healer, and will be good as new come tomorrow morn!"

Lyn sighed again, not quite believing that it had been her that had started this conversation. "In my personal opinion, you should keep the improvements that were made to your face. I myself am a little more worried about the blood trail that you're leaving behind for anyone and everyone to find… though I'm also curious to see just how much you can lose before that attitude of yours finally begins to run dry."

"Huh?" Sain looked at his arm and realized that there was indeed a moderate wound inflicted thereupon. "Hey! I've been injured?" Even Kent had to scoff at the clueless-ness of his compatriot. "Whoa, what a cad I am!" Sain continued, amazed that he hadn't noticed until that moment.

"I would probably want to get that examined," Lyn finished.

Sain, as resourceful as ever when it came to the ladies, didn't take long to make the best use of the situation as he turned back to Lyn. "To wrinkle that perfect brow of yours with worry for me…"

"Uh…" Lyn was incredulous, not believing that the man would deign to try again. She stopped him before he could get any further. "I was thinking of giving you a vulnerary, but…" she started forward again with a wave of her hand, "It looks like you're fine. So, never you mind."

Sain quickly rethought his strategy. "No, wait! I'll take it!" he pleaded. "Please! I'll take it!"

Lyn turned around reluctantly, but she pulled a vulnerary out of her satchel and tossed it to him. "Use it sparingly."

Sain caught it deftly and unstopped it. His cavalier attitude quickly returned as he held aloft the necessary salve. "If I must, I'll use the vulnerary and put my lady's mind at ease!" he said with exaggerated gallantry.

Lyn gritted her teeth, disbelieving the audacity of this man. She was just about ready for another explosion when Mark decided to make a timely intervention.

"Lyn, we should start heading towards those hills before it gets too dark. We can set up camp there without having to worry about anybody stumbling upon us. As for you," he turned to Sain, tossing him a roll of cloth, "tear off what you need and use it to bind that wound."

Sain finished applying the salve, "Ah, much better!" He accepted the offered cloth and began to tear off a length of it before returning it to Mark. "Thanks, Mark!" He turned back towards Lyn, "And you have my gratitude as well, my angel!"

Lyn groaned again.

Mark walked over to Sain and took the roll from his hands. Then, leaning in, he muttered under his breath, "I highly suggest you remain quiet for the rest of the evening. You've tried her patience enough today. Push her any further and you may find yourself suddenly without a tongue. Consider yourself warned."

Sain gave no offer of acknowledgement, but he remained silent until they had reached the hills and began to set up camp. As Lyn and Mark laid down their bedrolls Mark took the opportunity to discuss their options.

"Are you sure you want them sticking around for the night?"

Lyn took a breath and regained control of herself. "It's alright… I did promise after all. We'll hear what they have to say, and then we'll decide what's going to happen."

"We still haven't figured out where we're headed," Mark pointed out.

"Well, as I had mentioned before, there is one place I would like to stop at, but we'll talk about that tomorrow." She set her bedroll down on a patch of soft ground and smoothed it out. Glancing up towards the sky she studied it for a moment before deeming shelter unnecessary for the night. "And now," she said, turning towards her unwanted companions, "for these knights of Lycia."

Sensing her attention the two turned about. "Yes, milady?" Kent asked.

"You were going to share your story with me?"

Kent hesitated, glancing at Mark. "…yes…"

Mark sighed. It's obvious he still doesn't trust me… or even like me. I guess if Lyn's going to get the whole story she can tell me about it later if she deems it necessary. "Lyn, I'm going to go collect some firewood, it's probably going to get pretty cold tonight."

"Wait!" Lyn complained before he could get too far, knowing perfectly well what he was doing. "We…" she searched frantically for an excuse to make him stay. "We can't build a fire… Someone might see it!"

"Bah," Mark responded. "That's the beauty of the plains. Trying to sort out one fire from the myriad usually visible from the people scattered about would be like trying to find a grain of sand in the desert. We'll be fine." Having dodged her excuse he moved to make a hasty retreat before she could think up another one, but once again she grabbed him before he could get too far, turning her back to the knights.

"Mark! Don't you dare leave me alone with these two!" she hissed at him under her breath.

"You'll be fine," he grinned at her. "They want to talk with you alone anyway. Don't worry, I'll be nearby." With that he escaped, leaving her in the company of the two knights.

Lyn watched him go, unbelieving that he would abandon her so. Finally, after he had disappeared, she turned back to the knights with a huff.

Kent was well aware of what had happened, knowing that Mark had noticed his mannerisms. He also recognized Lyn's reluctance to engage them, but he breathed a sigh of relief nonetheless. At least that's out of the way. Finally he cleared his throat and began their story.

"Milady, we have ventured from Caelin, in Lycia, in search of someone."

"Yes, you mentioned that… hmmm…" her hand came up to her chin in thought. "Lycia…" she muttered to herself, and then brightened as it clicked. "That's the country beyond the mountains in the southwest, isn't it?"

Kent nodded, "Correct. We've come as messengers to the lady Madelyn, who eloped with a nomad some nineteen years ago."

Lyn's eyes flashed in recognition of the name. "Madelyn?" she asked in surprise.

"Our lord the Marquess of Caelin's only daughter," Kent explained. "He was heartbroken his own daughter would abandon him so. Eventually, the Marquess simply declared that he had no daughter."

"Well, I can certainly understand him having been so upset, but that seems to be quite an overreaction, if you ask me."

"Well…" Kent was hesitant to explain the whole story, Sain decided to come to his companion's aid.

"The Marquess didn't approve of the marriage, and had made it plainly clear to his daughter. She chose to continue despite it, knowing of her father's displeasure. That's probably why she left; she didn't want to have to face the Marquess after the fact."

"And what right did this man have to interfere with his daughter's life? If she finds happiness who is he to complain."

"On the contrary, her happiness was his ultimate goal, but he couldn't understand how she could be happy, being a lady of the court and married to some Sacaean sava—"

"Sain!" Kent interjected.

"What!?" Sain asked defensively. "They were his words, not mine!"

Lyn, however, had heard more than enough to know what he was about to say. "Hmph!" she said indignantly, "If that's what this man thinks of my people then I hope to never meet him, or I'll have a few choice words for him myself if I ever do!"

Kent palmed his face in frustration. Honestly… no tact at all.

When Kent didn't carry on immediately Sain made to continue. "Anyway, so his daughter runs off with some strange nomad…"

"What my associate is trying to say," Kent interrupted before he could dig a bigger hole underneath them both, "is that despite the Marquess's displeasure, his daughter did, in fact, marry the nomad and came here to Sacae." He stopped to sigh, remembering the state in which they had left the old man. "The Marquess's decision to declare his daughter nonexistent was made in haste and anger, and over the years the choice has pained him greatly," he said softly.

"Serves him right, but I still don't see what this has to do with me," Lyn said wearily.

"Well, after some time the Marquess finally came to the decision to make amends with his only daughter, but he didn't know where to find her," Kent explained wearily. "After so much time had passed she had simply disappeared with no clue as to her whereabouts."

"And then this last year, we received a letter from Lady Madelyn," Sain continued. "It said that she, her husband…" he paused for effect before finishing the sentence, "…and their daughter, were living happily on the Sacae plains." Sain's grinned inwardly as he realized that he had Lyn's full attention. He continued slowly, committing to memory the look of dawning comprehension that slowly spread over her face as they continued. "The marquess was ecstatic to learn that he had a granddaughter of nearly eighteen years." He paused again and sighed fondly of the amusing memory of the old man dancing around the castle halls at the news. "I remember the smile on his face when he announced that he'd suddenly become a grandfather." He then turned his smug grin towards the girl seated before him, awaiting the expected reaction.

"The granddaughter's name… is Lyndis."

---

Dusk is upon them… they won't be traveling any further today.

In the woods overlooking the alcove within the hills a lone figure stood concealed, watching as the group conversed. The two knights and the woman were seated, speaking about something of obvious import. The other had disappeared a while back… the tactician, the woman had called him. He'd seen that much from the battle earlier. Obviously it was he who had commanded the group, though he hadn't been involved directly with the fighting. Still, the clues fit. If the orders he'd received were indeed correct, that man was the priority target. He debated whether or not he should just set about eliminating that particular threat, but decided against it. His orders were clear: tail and report, but do not engage. That would be simple enough to do. Once they bedded down for the night he could make his way back to Bulgar. If he moved quickly enough they could return before daybreak.

He looked again at the group. The woman had been deemed a secondary target, to be eliminated if possible. The knights… well… they had brought death upon themselves when they had joined the group. He held no sympathy for them, just as he held no sympathy for anyone who opposed his benefactors. They were mere obstacles in the way of the greater goal. He smiled to himself. They have no idea what they've gotten themselves into.

He had just finished that thought when he suddenly felt something cold and hard press up against his neck. Before he could react the object slid across his jugular, and he could feel the wetness it had left behind. Instantly both hands went up to his throat in a vain attempt to quell the blood he knew would be rushing forth, but when his hands felt his neck he sensed something was amiss.

He had no time to ponder it before a rope entangled him, wrapping thoroughly around his neck and wrists and securing them in place. He whirled to face his assailant but failed to take into account the fact that the laces of his boots had been similarly tied together and he ended up on the floor in a heap. A heavy boot came down on his back as he lay there.

"Your technique lacks style friend… and effectiveness. You really should consider another line of work."

He chose to remain silent, in part due to his own pride, but also because he was left speechless at the effectiveness and ease of the manner in which he'd been instantly incapacitated. The sudden prick of a sharp object at his back made him tense in anticipation.

"You know, most people wouldn't have faulted me for using the knife right off the bat, but sometimes I find that a cold wet finger can be equally effective… wouldn't you agree?"

"You…" he said darkly, finally finding his tongue. "You're the tactician."

"Oh, good… you can speak… and you already seem to know who I am. Now that the introductions are out of the way I can start with the interrogation!"

"You won't get anything out of me… I'm already a dead man. I was a dead man the moment you realized you were being followed."

"Then you killed yourself when you began following me in the city, and cinched it when you walked through the gates in plain view. You think I can't count? There were six of you when you faced us… we only caught five."

"I was to assist, not to get killed."

"True. Your escape was quite well done I'll grant you that… very well timed; though your poor companion was sacrificed in the process." Mark glared down at the man underfoot. "I'm still surprised that you'd go so far as to knife your own ally just to try to throw me off. You obviously didn't realize that I'd hit you with the blunt end of my dagger for a reason. No, you were in the trees… there was no way I could have seen what part had hit you… best to make it obvious that someone had been struck, or we might realize that the injured party was still unaccounted for. And of course you had to let Lyn get close before doing so, lest your companion cry out in puzzlement and give you away. Yes… very well done, but not good enough!"

"And how did you know I was following you? For all you should have known I was running away."

"If that was your plan, that's exactly what you would have done… run away. Your scheme wouldn't have been nearly as elaborate. You see, my dagger has multiple points. The hilt has been sharpened ever so slightly that it could leave a minor wound. I never got a good look at you, but when you stabbed your friend with the full blade you left your own blood on the hilt. I didn't want you so injured that you couldn't continue with your mission, but injured enough that you were easier to find. Even a slight limp leaves a better trail than a healthy walk."

"I clearly underestimated you."

"Good, I'm glad you have the decency to admit it… now enough explanation." Mark pressed the dagger further into the man's back. "Who are you, who are you working for and what do they want with me!?"

"Heh," he chuckled. "The answer to that third question is simple… they want you dead."

"Great… progress," Mark said, sarcastically. "Now, how about the first two?"

"I told you already, you won't get anything out of me."

"Certainly not with a defeatist attitude like yours. You need to play your strengths, friend. Sure you've already made it obvious that your failure here means death by your employers, but they'll still have to catch you." Mark pressed his blade even more into the man's back for emphasis, "I, on the other hand, have little to keep me from running this dagger clear through your heart on a whim!" he snarled through clenched teeth.

"Then do so. There's no point in delaying if the end will be the same."

"Hmph… stubborn mule. No one said it would be that clean. I've often wondered how many stab wounds I could inflict on a man before killing him… or before he started to talk."

"Well here's your chance to find out."

Mark glared at the man on the ground before him. He felt his blood begin to boil. After all this time, after everything he'd lost… everyone who'd died; here was a chance to get some answers, except for the pride of a man! His patience ended abruptly at the thought and his anger exploded to the surface. "Fine!" He growled, and with a motion he smashed the man's face in the grass and stabbed his knife full force into his right leg. He hoped the terrain had muffled the scream enough so as not to attract any unwanted attention.

To his credit, the man bound before him managed to take the pain without screaming in agony, but this only served to provoke Mark further. In frustration he pulled the blade out roughly and immediately sank it into the man's other leg. When he finally stopped thrashing Mark picked his face up out of the dirt.

"There, that's two! Would you like to say anything now, or should I continue!?"

His next words were forced, strained through grit teeth… but clear. "You… have no… idea… what you… are dealing with!"

Mark shook his head as he realized there was no more point in continuing. "No… it seems I don't… and I guess I'm going to have to figure that out for myself." He sighed. It was another dead end… all that effort for nothing. There was only one option left at this point. "I guess I'll just have to see what I can gather from your remains!"

With a final sigh of relief, the man sank willingly into the realm of darkness as a result of induced unconsciousness.

---

Lyn's own eyes were nearly as wide as dinner plates as the knights continued their story. Her jaw was slack as she began to realize who they had to have been talking about. "L…Lyndis?" she asked breathlessly.

Sain took it all in as he explained further, "This was also the name of the Marquess's wife, who had passed away at an early age. That his granddaughter should bear this name thawed the Marquess's heart. Now, his only wish is to meet his daughter's family at least once." He smiled again, knowing that she'd made any further connection herself. "This is why we're here," he finished.

"But… but this is impossible! She would have told me! You can't possibly expect me to believe any of this! My mother… she… she…" Lyn buried her face in her hands nearly in tears. This is too much… this can't possibly be true!

Even Sain could feel the confusion flashing through the young woman's mind. His own expression softened as he realized what she must have been thinking about. "Unfortunately," he continued, "we didn't know that Lady Madelyn had died only a few days after sending her letter… We only learned this shortly after we arrived here in Bulgar."

"But we also learned all was not lost." Kent came in, realizing that he should probably take over the conversation from this point on. "They told us that her daughter yet lives. We had heard that she was living alone on the plains…"

Lyn looked up at him, her face a mixture of incredulousness and sorrow.

Kent continued hurriedly, suddenly feeling very nervous. "I… I knew it immediately. You are the lady Lyndis!"

"Why?" Lyn asked in softly in bewilderment. "Why would you think that…"

Kent turned away, unable to face her as he said his next words. "Your resemblance to your departed mother is remarkable."

"What? Did you know my mother?" Lyn implored.

"I… I'm sorry to say I never met her directly," Kent continued to avoid eye contact with her as he explained, "but I saw her portraits in Castle Caelin."

Lyn stared at the ground in thought, still unbelieving of the news that she had just received of her own heritage. "To the rest of my tribe I was always Lyn," she said mostly to herself. "But when I was with my parents… When it was just the three of us, I was Lyndis." Her face was now blank as she tried to sort through the myriad emotions running their course through her. "It… it's all so strange." She looked up at them once more as a thought finally managed to grab a hold on her mind. "I was all alone in the world, and now I have a grandfather!"

Sain offered her a small smile, and even Kent could avoid her eyes no longer, but she turned away in thought a final time. "Lyndis…" she said to herself more than to them. "I never thought I would hear that name again.

The knights remained silent, realizing her need to think things through. So focused on her they were that when her head suddenly jerked up in realization she startled them both. "Wait! That bandit! He called me Lyndis, too!"

"Wait… what?"

"He did… before you arrived; he called me Lyndis as well! I remember! No one else had ever called me that before!"

Kent was suddenly puzzled too. "Then… how could he have—." He turned to Sain as a thought crossed his mind. "You don't think…?"

Sain nodded as he made the same connection. "…he was a henchman of Lord Lundgren, wasn't he?"

"Wait!" Lyn implored, now thoroughly confused. "Lundgren? Who's that?"

Sain looked at Kent and shrugged, as if to say 'you started this'. Kent sighed, not wanting to have to explain this next bit. "He's the Marquess's younger brother."

"You mean I have a granduncle too?" Lyn asked excitedly, then pulled back as she recalled, "…but then… why would you assume that bandit was an agent of my own uncle?"

Kent looked at her, a painful expression crossing his face for what he was about to say. "Well, everyone assumed that the Lady Madelyn was gone forever. This made Lord Lundgren heir to the Marquess's title."

"But I don't understand," Lyn said, still trying to take in everything that she had learned within the last few moments. "That still doesn't explain why his men would be trying to kill me!"

As Kent continued to fidget uncomfortably, Sain decided he was tired of waiting. "To be blunt, milady," he said, deciding to finish what Kent had started, "your existence is an obstacle to your granduncle's ambitions."

Lyn's expression when from incredulous to downright unconvinced as she began to understand what they were saying. "That's—," she began in indignation, "but I have no interest in inheriting any title!"

"I do understand your position, milady," Sain continued, beginning to feel discomfort at the subject himself, "but unfortunately, your granduncle is not the sort of man to believe that. I do apologize for having to say this, but for your own safety I feel you should be warned. I believe the attempts on your life will persist."

Lyn couldn't believe what she was hearing. The emotions of learning that she still had a family were quickly overwhelmed by the realization that she had enemies in places she would never have bothered to look. "What should I do? With my tribe gone I've no one to turn towards… I don't want to be running from assassins for the rest of my life!"

Kent came to the only viable conclusion. "You must accompany us to Caelin, milady. Continuing on this way is dangerous. If we could reach the Marquess and explain what has been happening out here, he would surely put a stop to it!"

Lyn didn't know what to say; it was all too much to take in at one time. She looked at the knights, understanding the wisdom in their suggestion, but at the same time so very reluctant to leave the lands of her childhood. She sat speechless for a moment longer, running it all through her head before making a decision. "I… I feel I have little choice," she said hesitantly as she slowly got to her feet. "I will go with you, but I need some time to think." She started off through the hills seeking a moment to herself.

"Please milady!" Kent stepped forward in complaint. "It's getting dark… it would be best if you didn't leave the camp alone."

"I understand the dangers of the plains better than any other, you needn't worry."

"It is not the dangers of the plains I fear, milady," Kent said, hoping to deter her from leaving herself any more exposed than necessary. "Back at Bulgar we faced six assailants, but only five were accounted for. You may still be in danger here."

Lyn slowly turned towards him, and he couldn't read the expression on her face. "I
am aware of what I face… please… leave me be."

He watched her helplessly as she moved away, not wanting her to go, but unwilling to try to stop her. Sain came up behind him as she disappeared into a nearby grove.

"Heh, that went well."

"No thanks to you!" Kent turned on him.

"Hey," Sain took the berating in stride, "we'd have been here all night if I just sat there while you beat around the bush. Sure I figured she'd need some time, but at least she already has the whole story."

"Honestly Sain, you have no tact!", Kent countered. "This was a lot to push on her so quickly; you shouldn't have been so forward."

"Oh, stop complaining. She's already agreed to come with us… what more do you want?"

"I… oh, I don't know," Sain noted that Kent looked confused. "I just…" he tried to come up with the words but failed miserably. With a grunt he dismissed the thought, "Never mind. We'll worry about that later. For now you'd better get some sleep."

"What!? Already? The sun's just set!"

"I know, but you'll need to be rested when it's your turn for the watch. I wasn't kidding when I said there was one bandit still unaccounted for. I won't have him catching us off guard in the night."

Sain didn't think much of the idea, but began to prepare for the night nonetheless. "You honestly think he's following us after what we did to the rest of 'em?"

"I'd rather not take chances. I certainly don't want to have to face the Marquess if we happen to lose this last link to his only daughter."

Sain thought about it, and realized he wouldn't either. "True enough." He began to clear a fire pit in the center of the encampment before realizing that there was no wood, which brought up another point. "So… what are we going to do about Mark?"

"I don't know," Kent heaved a sigh. "Lyn seems to think rather highly of him, but all the same I'd sooner wish he wasn't coming with us, it could only complicate things."

"How so?" Sain asked, trying to understand Kent's sudden change of opinion. "I don't see any harm in bringing him along. You said so yourself earlier that he was trying to help us."

"There's something about him that I just can't trust." Kent thought about it for a moment before coming to a conclusion. "When he commanded us in battle, he held back. I've seen tacticians of his type before. They're dangerous. They have no value for the lives of others; all that matters to them is the completion of the mission."

"What makes you think that he's the same? I mean, if they've been together for so long—"

"That's just it, Sain. They haven't been together for very long." Kent sat down as he explained. "Lyn herself said that he'd helped her through only two instances, and if they had been companions for an extended period of time he never would have left her alone with us, nor would she have let him, regardless as to his excuses."

"It's probably out of our hands anyway, but if what you say is true, we might not have to worry about it. He might not want to come."

Kent was unconvinced. "Actually, I have a feeling he will."

"And what makes you say that?" Sain asked.

Kent lowered his voice before explaining further. "I think he might be tailing her. I mean, I know I can't be certain of this, but there is one thing I am sure of; that one has ulterior motives that drive him."

"So what do you intend to do?"

Kent huffed as he realized he didn't know. "I have no clue, but I'll have to talk to Lyn about it."

"You think she'll be willing to listen?"

"Well," Kent said, standing to begin preparations for his own bedding for the night. "There's only one way to find out."

---

"Lyn?"

At the sound of her name Lyn leaped to her feet, her sword instantly in hand. Mark jumped back in surprise, his hands held up in a sign of peace. Lyn relaxed when she realized it was him.

"Oh! Mark, I'm sorry… I just…"

"No, don't worry about it," Mark said, but as he approached her he noticed that something was not right. "Lyn… your eyes… have you been crying?" His face took on an expression of sudden horror as he realized his mistake in leaving her alone. "Lyn, what did they do to you!? Lyn I'm so sorry, I didn't think—"

"No! No, Mark," Lyn interjected in order to calm him before he could get too carried away, "It's not like that at all. Nothing happened between us… I mean, nothing like that. It's not their fault."

"Well, are you okay? You seem awfully upset about something."

Lyn paused to wipe her eyes. "Oh, it was the knight's tale. I'm… I'm just trying to come to terms with it."

Moving over to the stump she was using as a chair, Mark sat down beside her. "I'm aware that Kent was a little reluctant to discuss it with me, so I'll leave it in your hands to decide if you want me to know, but if you want to talk about it, I'm right here."

She smiled up at him, grateful for his willingness to listen. "I guess I shouldn't really keep it a secret from you. I mean, you're a part of this group after all."

"If you want, feel free to tell me about it."

So she began, explaining everything from the beginning. She told him about her mother's early heritage and how she had turned it away for the love of a man, and how her grandfather had disowned her for it. She told him of her grandfather's station and of the hurt he had felt as a result of that decision, of the letter he had received and his final wish to meet his daughter's family. She told him of the knights' mission, and, with her mother now gone, how she was the sole remaining rightful heir of her grandfather's title. Finally, she told him of her granduncle and his ambitions, and the danger that posed to them both. In the end, Mark was nearly as speechless as she had been.

"I… I… do you… I mean…" Mark stuttered, trying as hard as she had done to grasp the sheer scope of the news. Lyn had to smile at the sight of him struggling for words to a situation that was, for the most part, not even his own. Finally Mark figured out what he was trying to say. "Is this legit? Can you be sure that you're the one they're looking for?"

"I don't know. I mean, all the clues seem to fit. Everything from their knowledge of my mother to the letter they received that designated the Lorca tribe. Even the bandit knew my full name. No one knows my full name! My parents were the only ones who would ever call me that!"

"You mean, Lyndis?"

"How did—?"

"I was there when the bandit said it," he said as he grinned down at her. "You should know by now that very little ever escapes me."

She looked back at him smugly, accepting the challenge. "Oh really? I wonder then, if you noticed that we didn't, in fact, defeat every attacker at Bulgar, but that one managed to escape?"

Mark looked away from her at that moment to stare straight ahead into space, his face quickly turning sullen. "Yes, I noticed… but you needn't worry," he reassured her grimly. "I've already taken the necessary steps to make sure we weren't followed."

Lyn was concerned at his sudden change of expression, but chose not to address it. It seemed so strange to her that she was so willing to explain everything about herself to him, but he had not felt so inclined to return the favor. She studied his face in silence, understanding that she was not the only one to have received troubling news this day.

I know so little of you, Mark… and yet, I feel I can trust you. I feel I should trust you," she sighed softly as she studied him, "I only wish you could feel so comfortable with me. Why do you insist on bearing these burdens alone? After a few moments she chose to break the silence.

"Mark… I've decided to accompany the knights to Caelin."

Mark looked down, staring at the dirt. His expression didn't change. "I'd figured as much."

"Mark… I'm sorry," she said, apologetically. "I know this changes everything."

Mark's look softened slightly and he finally met her eyes again. "You intend to see this through, don't you?"

"I… I've been out here for so long… there's nothing for me here. My grandfather is the only person left that I have. I have to meet him, to see him."

Mark looked away again, a knowing look on his face this time. "I understand," he replied. I would do the same if I ever found them again.

There was one final thing Lyn needed to know. "Mark?" she asked, "What will you do, Mark?"

Mark turned towards her once more. He saw the uncertainty in her eyes, the fear of the path ahead. He knew that he was the closest thing to a friend she had at the moment, and she wasn't willing to see him off just yet. "Lyn, you already know that I have no destination. I leave it to you to choose if you would like me to accompany you."

"You… want me to decide?"

Mark gave her a half-smile, knowing that she wasn't going to like what he was about to say. "If what the knights have told you is true, you are now a lady of noble blood. I am but a tactician of humble origins, milady." He stood before her and bowed low, "If the lady requests my services at her side, I cannot but obey."

She balked at his daring. "Mark, stop it!" she pouted, "This is serious!"

He glanced up at her from his bow. "Yes, Lyn… this is serious; and if this is the choice you have made, you must be ready to accept everything that accompanies it. You are no longer a lone girl of a broken tribe of the plains. You chase the dreams of nobility, dreams that many others before you have sought in vain."

"Mark," she complained, "This isn't my dream! I don't want any of that! I… I just don't want to be alone anymore."

"I know, Lyn… but you must also face the fact that taking this journey upon yourself may involve more than the establishment of family relations. You will be expected to take upon yourself the mantle of the daughter of the Marquess."

"I…" Lyn paused, suddenly unsure, "…I hadn't thought of it like that. Do you think I should? Do you think I'll be able to do that?"

"I think," Mark responded, "that, given the circumstances, you are the best option that Caelin has. And I also think," he looked at her with sympathy, "that you are the only thing left that can lay your grandfather's pain to rest. I think you are right in this decision, Lyn. I just wanted you to be aware that it involves more than you realize."

Lyn had been scared to begin with, but now she was absolutely terrified as Mark's words rang true. She didn't know the first thing about being a lady of nobility, and his words had done more than just point it out. Still, somehow she now felt the courage to face that fear, despite the revelation Mark had given her. "Thank you, Mark. Now I'm sure that I'm doing the right thing… but what about you, you still haven't said what you intend to do?"

"Once again, milady… I leave that up to you."

"Of course…" Lyn began, but suddenly caught herself before finishing that sentence. "I mean… your companionship would do much to ease my journey, but…" she paused, realizing what she had been about to ask of him. "It's going to be dangerous. I don't feel I have the right to place your life in danger for my sake."

Mark laughed, "Actually, I think you have every right to ask that of me. After all, I've already placed you in danger… twice. It's only fair that you're allowed do the same."

"Mark, that's not the same thing--"

"But," he interrupted her to continue his thought, "…you may rest assured Lyn, that I have no intention of making you face this danger alone. If you feel you have a need for me by your side, you have but to say it."

Lyn looked at him tentatively, trying to decipher his cryptic speech. "Then… you'll come?"

Mark nodded, solemnly.

"Are you sure?"

He nodded again, this time with an almost imperceptible smile.

"Then…" she said softly, "let me ask once more for your friendship and your aid."

Mark smiled, more broadly this time. "You shall have it, Lyn. I promise my talents to you on this journey, through which you may find the peace of mind that only it can offer."

The grateful expression of her face warmed his heart. "Thank you!" she said.

Another thought crossed Mark's mind at that moment, and he realized there was one more thing he had to tell her. "Though I feel I must warn you as well," he said, his smile vanishing. "My company brings a peril of its own. I am not even sure of its scope, but if I find that it will place either you or your quest in danger, I will take my leave."

Lyn looked up at him suddenly, her face an example of perfect disbelief, she couldn't possibly be hearing this now. Mark saw it clearly, and realized that he had said the wrong words. He tried to intercept the storm he saw brewing in her eyes before it hit. "Lyn, don't look at me like that… you don't understand! I don't even understand…!"

Lyn stood up before him cutting him off, her eyes filled with hurt and anger at this latest news. "Mark, how dare you say that!" she said with righteous fury. "The very day after we met, you made me promise you that I would never tell you to run while I stood and fought! How dare you tell me now to let you face your own dangers alone!"

"But… Lyn, I…"

"No! No more!" Lyn had had enough. "I don't know your story, Mark… I don't know what you're facing! But I do know you've been reluctant to tell me. I understand that you might have reasons, but I will not sit here while you suffer by yourself! If you come with me, we go together, no matter what might happen!"

"Lyn… I… I can't…" In a sudden rush she was before him, wrapping her arms around him in a firm embrace, her cheek pressed against his chest. He went rigid in surprise, unsure how to react or what to do. He could feel her trembling against him, but whether from rage or sadness he could not tell.

"Mark…" she pleaded, "Please… please don't ask this of me. Don't ask me to abandon you."

Mark sagged, his own resolve crumbling. Slowly he returned the embrace, however uncomfortable he felt. He had been on the run for so long, he had seen too many people die for him, he couldn't bring himself to let anyone else do that again, but her concern touched him, and neither could he bear to tell her no. "Thank you…" he said instead, hesitantly. "Thank you… Lyn."

He wasn't sure if he felt better for it… or if the words stung him all the more.