Author's Note: Fire Emblem belongs to Nintendo.

Fire Emblem:

Blazing Sword of Justice

Chapter 11: Caelin's Greeting

"That is an extraordinary tale, Lady Lyndis..." Eliwood spoke softly, leaning back against his chair. His gaze hovered steadily upon Lyn, taking in her words of her life over the past few weeks carefully. Lyn watched Eliwood from her seat in the dusty foyer, breathing softly with a rapid heartbeat. Her fingers twitched nervously as she tried to discern the young lord's expression, her mind racing with various thoughts. Would this Lycian lord be like the Lord of Araphen, and cast her aside merely because of the blood that was in her veins? Would he denounce her tale on the spot?

Lyn held her breath for a moment. The foyer was silent, save for the twittering of birds from outside the windows and the soft breathing of Nils' sister on the nearby couch. Lyn had forgotten they were there; Ninian was still unconscious and Nils had been sitting quietly beside his sister, not taking his eyes off her. Lyn slowly let out her breath and Eliwood spoke again, his voice, to Lyn's surprise, was kind.

"I believe your tale, Lyndis. It is strange, but not impossible."

Lyn stared at Eliwood in shock. "You...actually believe me, Sir Eliwood"?

He smiled gently and stood up. "Please...just call me Eliwood. Moreover, yes, I do. For one thing, you have Lord Hausen's—your grandfather—eyes. Which, I believe if I remember the portrait of Lady Madelyn correctly...is the color of your mother's eyes as well."

Lyn stood shakily to her feet and clasped her hands in front of her as she spoke quietly. "You know my grandfather...?"

"Aye, in a way." Eliwood turned toward the window, gazing out at the sunny afternoon day. "My father and he are good friends. And also..." He glanced back at Lyn, clasping his hands behind his back. "Lord Hausen sent my father a message not long ago, stating that he had a granddaughter by the name of his deceased wife...Lyndis."

Lyn felt tears in her eyes but blinked them back with effort. Eliwood continued to speak.

"He said his daughter married a man of Sacae and that his granddaughter shared that blood. And from what I've learned of the people of Sacae in my studies..." Eliwood turned to face Lyn, smiling a friendly smile. "Is that the people of Sacae, proud of their heritage, tell no lies."

Lyn smiled a small smile at Eliwood. "Yes...yes, it is true. I could not taint the blood that my father has given me by spoiling it with lies. I...I thank you, Eliwood." Lyn bowed her head slightly. "I did not expect a Lycian noble to be so courteous to me...a Sacaen nomad."

"You speak of it as if it has happened to you before..." Lyn heard a note of concern in his voice. "Would you like my assistance? I can speak on your behalf to the other lords..."

"That is very kind of you, Eliwood...but this is something that I must do. I have already involved enough people in my name."

"I see...and I understand." He extended a hand toward Lyn, which she shook firmly. "I will be remaining in Kathelet for a couple of weeks along with a friend of mine on business. If you need any help at all, Lyndis...please let me know. I am on your side."

"I shall!" Lyn smiled gratefully at him. "I hope your business here goes well, Eliwood."

"Ah, so do I." He rubbed the back of his head, looking doubtful. "Kathelet has been without a Marquess for a while. I am here as a representative of Pherae to help the people determine a new one. As you can see..." He waved his hand around the room, indicating the abandoned castle they now stood in. "There has not been one for quite a while and the people are ready for another one."

"I find it odd that a Marquess would abandon his post considering the...luxuries he obtains with the position." Lyn chose her words carefully in order not to offend Eliwood.

"I agree with that sentiment, Lyndis...it is odd that a man would do that." He put a hand to his chin as he glanced at Nils. "Perhaps it has to do with a group called the Black Fang that roams near here. I am willing to bet that it was them that were after these two."

Lyn looked down at Nils, seeing his face had paled slightly. He kept his eyes adverted from her gaze and instead focused on his sister's face. Eliwood sighed quietly. "And now I am afraid I must depart, Lyndis." He looked at her sheepishly. "I have kept my companion waiting for far too long. I am surprised that he is not already here looking for me considering his short temper."

Lyn laughed and walked with Eliwood to the door of the foyer. "I see. Your friend should have better control over his temper. But send my apologies with you since I have taken up much of your time."

Eliwood waved his hand as if to wave the remark away. "Oh, it was my pleasure. I am glad that I got to help and to meet you." He looked down at Nils. "I hope your sister recovers soon, Nils. My regards to her." Nils nodded meekly and Eliwood bowed to Lyn again before stepping out of the room.

Eliwood stepped out into the cool hallway, his cloak swishing behind him. A hand to his chin as he walked slowly on the stone floor, his thoughts ran over about that day's events. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he bumped into someone who gasped loudly.

"Oh!" Faren stumbled a bit, grabbing ahold of the stone wall to balance herself. She straightened herself up and smiled embarrassingly at Eliwood. "I'm sorry, sir! I shouldn't have been standing in the middle of the walkway like that..."

"No Milady, I should be the one to apologize." He rubbed his head, smiling sheepishly again. "I was lost in my own thoughts and did not look where I was going." He tipped his head forward and Faren felt herself flush with embarrassment.

Eliwood lifted his head and studied Faren for a moment. "You're...Faren, correct? Lyndis' tactician?"

"Ah...yes, yes I am."

"I see...I think you did a good job of directing your comrades, today." Eliwood smiled and gestured for Faren to walk with him. She stepped beside the lord.

"T-thank you...but it was really nothing, Milord."

"Not everyone can keep their cool in battle to guide people, Faren. You're surprisingly young for a tactician as well...it seems like you've been doing this a long time."

Faren stayed silent. Eliwood stopped at the door of the castle, the voices of Lyndis' Legion floating in. Faren stopped beside him and he gave her a friendly smile again.

"When your adventure with Lyndis is over, Lady Faren...you should consider coming to Pherae. We would be grateful for someone of your skills." He bowed his head and with a wave of his hand, stepped outside.

Faren stared after him, feeling quite embarrassed. I don't think I deserved all those compliments, she thought. He was probably being nice, saying all those things. I doubt that he would accept me since I have no proper credentials that a tactician should have. She turned to walk back to the foyer when Wil's voice called after her.

"I heard Lord Eliwood talking to you, Faren." Wil strode up beside her, grinning. "That's a mighty good offer he made you, you know. Pherae is a good place, ruled by a good man."

Faren smiled slightly at Wil as they walked. "You seem to know a lot about Pherae, Wil. Is that where you come from?"

He smiled a forced smile at her. "Yes, yes. I come from Pherae. But ah...let's not talk about that right now. Let's see if that girl has woken up yet." He grabbed Faren by the wrist and pulled her gently toward the foyer. Sensing that Wil obviously did not want to talk about it, she allowed herself to be pulled along.

Ninian slowly opened her eyes, staring unfocusedly at the ceiling above that was covered in dust. She blinked a few times and heard a soft gasp beside her. She turned her head slightly to the right and smiled as her brother's face came into view.

"Ninian!" He clasped her hand gently, smiling warmly at her. "I'm so glad you're finally awake!"

"And I am glad you are safe, brother..." she squeezed his hand gently. "But how did this come to be...? The last I remember was a group of vicious men..."

"A man named Eliwood rescued you, Ninian..." Nils said gently. "And I was found by Lady Lyn and her friends!"

At the sound of her name, Lyn appeared at the foot of the couch. She smiled gently at Ninian who sat up and bowed her head quickly.

"Milady, I cannot thank you enough for rescuing my brother...and myself. We are in your debt..."

"Please, don't worry about that..." Lyn said gently. "We're just glad you two are safe. Are you hurt anywhere, Ninian?"

Ninian looked down at her left foot. "Ah...my ankle was twisted when I tried to run from those men..."

"We'll get Serra, our cleric to heal you." Lyn looked over at the doorway as Faren and Wil came into the room. Wil smiled broadly at everyone. "Well, it looks like the young girl has awakened! Did I just overhear you saying we needed Serra, Lyn? I can go get her if you like."

Lyn nodded and Faren stepped out of Wil's way as he turned from the room. Faren smiled gently at Ninian who looked at her with apprehension. Lyn put a hand on Faren's shoulder and smiled at Ninian. "Ninian, this is Faren. She's our tactician."

Ninian nodded politely. Faren glanced over Ninian's outfit. "I like your outfit, Ninian. It's really unique."

"Oh..." The girl flushed, obviously not used to hearing compliments. "Thank you, Milady...I know it is unusual...my brother and I are traveling performers. Nils is...he plays the flute and I...I dance."

"You really dance? Your clothes look a little different from typical dances, though..." said Lyn, leaning against the wall.

"Ninian dances to honor life." Nils blurted out before his sister could speak. She gazed at him for a moment, but didn't say anything. "It's a sacred dance...that's why she's dressed differently."

Faren clapped her hands. "That sounds wonderful! When your ankle gets better, will you show us one day?" Ninian's face flushed again and she nodded meekly.

At that moment, Serra burst into the room looking just as angry as she had been outside. She was followed by Wil who smiled nervously at a questioning look Faren gave him, and Lucius who smiled pleasantly.

As Serra tended to Ninian, Lucius walked over to Lyn and tipped his head forward in a small bow. "Hello again, Lady Lyndis. May I ask you what your plans are? Your knight Kent has told me that you are the granddaughter of Marquess Caelin..."

Lyn nodded. "Yes. We are on our way to Caelin. It is getting late in the afternoon, though, so I believe we shall rest here tonight so Ninian may recover more as well."

Ninian looked up at the sound of her name. "Milady? Are you saying we..."

Lyn smiled. "I am. I think you two should come with us. I'm afraid that those men will come after you again, and you two will be safer with us than on your own. And if you're worried about money, we'll pay you for your performances to the troupe!" Lyn didn't see Faren's face behind her twitch nervously.

"That would be great, Lady Lyn!" Nils jumped up in excitement and nearly knocked Serra over. "Oops...sorry...I promise, Lady Lyn, we'll give you guys wonderful performances that will lift up your spirits!"

"Great!" Lyn grinned and Faren and Wil nodded.

"Then I wonder if I may impose upon you as well, Milady Lyndis..." Lucius' voice flowed coolly through the room and the sound of it made Serra jerk a little. "I would like to accompany you as well."

"Are you sure, Lucius? If Kent has told you my heritage, then you must also know that we are in danger everywhere we go..."

"I know...but I also wish to see these children safely there...and not to mention I am traveling to Caelin myself."

"Well..." Lyn glanced at Faren who nodded. "Okay, Lucius. You're welcome to join us!" He bowed his head as Lyn turned to Faren and smiled sheepishly. "Wow...this company has gotten so big...we'll need to introduce everyone to our newest companions, Faren!"

Faren nodded, smiling as she saw Nils clasping his sister's hand and talking excitedly to her. Ninian nodded, smiling softly back.

Eliwood walked slowly, a hand on his rapier that was belted at his side and his head mixed with many different thoughts. Lyndis. Marquess Caelin. Black Fang. Kathelet's Marquess. Ninian. He shook his head slightly as the girl's face was pictured in his head. He doubted he would ever see her again and felt slightly saddened at that prospect. He thought she had been quite pretty, even though he had not seen the color of her eyes. A loud growl made his head snap up out of his thoughts and he could not help but break out into a grin.

A few feet from him stood his companion and best friend, Hector. Hector's blue eyes glared at Eliwood in anger, a large axe that had a wolf's head carved into the handle was thrown over his shoulder. Eliwood stopped a few feet from Hector and smiled sheepishly.

"Hullo, Hector..."

"Don't 'hullo' me, Eliwood!" Hector bellowed, his free first clenched angrily. "Where the hell have you been all day?! There was a damn battle around us!"

"Ah...I know, my friend. It was the Black Fang and Marquess Caelin's granddaughter's army."

Hector's face softened a little. "That was the Marquess' granddaughter's group...?" He put a hand to his chin and half muttered to himself. "So that girl was..."

"Pardon your mutters, Hector, but we really should get walking to the inn." Eliwood grinned as Hector shot him a glare but started walking with him.

"You're telling me to hurry up? Who's been gone half a day?! You haven't told me where you've been!"

"I was helping a young woman who the Black Fang had accosted." Eliwood said simply, striding along. "It was really chance that I happened upon her. Lucky for me, only one man guarded her."

"I see...figures. Your chivalry made me bored out of my skull all day."

Eliwood smiled. "I am sorry, my friend. If you were so bored, why did you not join the battle today?"

Hector snorted. "You know my reputation, Eliwood. Uther wants me to try to control my impulses since I'm next in line for Marquess if he does not take a wife and have a child."

"Or maybe..." Eliwood said slowly, smirking. "Maybe the real reason is...is that he is an older brother trying to warn his younger brother to be more careful."

Hector rolled his eyes but grinned. "If that will make you feel better, Eliwood, fine! Now...about Marquess Caelin's granddaughter...uh...are we assisting them in any way?"

"I know this will disappoint you, Hector, but no, we are not. She feels that she has involved too many people in her cause. Besides, we have our own work to do, whether you like it or not!"

Hector scowled. "I hope that these damn people have an idea who they want as Marquess. I hate these kinds of things."

"I know you do, my friend," Eliwood smiled as they reached the inn. He glanced up and saw that one of the second-story windows had a long crack in it. "But it is our duty as the heirs to the Marquess throne." He grasped the handle and pulled the door open.

Hector made a look of disgust. "I'd rather be in the field fighting than be an old codger on a seat in a castle with nothing interesting to do."

"And this is Wil, our archer!" Faren had grabbed Wil by the arm and pulled him to stand in front of Ninian and Nils who were sitting by each other on the couch, looking bewildered. He grinned and waved at the siblings. "Hello there, you two! Don't worry, we'll all take good care of you-Ah!"

Ninian put a hand over her mouth to muffle her giggling as she looked down at Wil on the floor. He grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. He pushed himself up and gave a playful punch on Faren's shoulder, still grinning. "That was for dropping me, Faren!"

She shrugged, throwing him back a smile. "I was just making sure you weren't using me to support all your weight, Wil!" He laughed and waved at the siblings before striding out of the room. Faren put a hand on her chin. "Well, I think you two have met everyone...you met Florina, Dorcas...Lucius...Kent...Sain!" Faren dropped her hand from her face as she saw the green knight leaning against the door frame. He smirked, raising an eyebrow.

"Hello, smart girl. You couldn't possibly have forgotten dear old Sain, have you? And it's night time!" He gestured out the window at the evening sky. "I almost went to bed without properly meeting Nils' sister..."

Sain strode over to the siblings, smiling down at Ninian who smiled back nervously. Without a word, he took her hand and gently kissed it. He glanced up at her, winking. Ninian flushed and Nils glared over Ninian's shoulder at him.

"You're quite beautiful, Ninian..." Sain murmured, his lips still near Ninian's hand, brushing against it as he spoke. "And I hear that you are a dancer...perhaps you could do me the honor of a pri—ow!!" Sain suddenly jerked up as Faren grabbed his ear and pulled. Nils burst into a grin as Ninian scooted closer to her brother, relieved to be free of Sain.

Faren dragged Sain across the room to the door, ignoring his "Ow, ow, ow"'s of protest. She released his ear at the door and gave him a shove. "Now, now, Sain!" She called after him. "You have to control yourself! It's when you act like that, it gives Serra reason to yell at you!"

Faren turned back to the siblings and sat down on the chair she had pulled up in front of the couch. Nils was still grinning and Ninian still looked embarrassed. Faren smiled helpfully at her. "If he ever bothers you again, you let anyone know, Ninian. Sain loves women, but he can be rather flirtatious sometimes. And I can assure you," she added. "That no one else in the company is like that."

Ninian nodded, smiling a small smile. "Ah...thank you, Lady Faren..." She seemed to relax more now that Sain was gone and Nils rested against her as well. Faren watched the two for a moment before speaking again.

"You two are very close, aren't you?"

Nils looked up Faren and nodded a little. "I don't know what I'd do without Ninian," He said truthfully and Ninian smiled gently. "We're all each other have in the world..."

"That's very sweet..." Faren leaned back against her chair, entwining her fingers together. Finally, she decided that she would ask them the question that had entered her mind the moment she had heard Nils' story.

"Ah...Nils...Ninian?" She asked timidly. "Um...why were you being chased by the Black Fang?"

She looked up at the siblings and saw them exchange a look between them. Was it a look of worry?

"If you're not comfortable telling me, that's fine." Faren said quickly. "I was just curious...I've heard that the Black Fang is...bad." And it seems I've got a connection to them, she thought, remembering the symbol on the shaman's robes and her own tattoo.

At the sound of Ninian's voice, Faren lifted her head. "We...have special abilities, Lady Faren. It was because of these abilities that we were chased down."

"What sort of abilities are they?"

"When something poses a threat to us, we can sense it approach...but we can't do anything to stop it. We're powerless." Nils finished the sentence with a slight hint of guilt in his voice.

After brief moments of silence of letting the information sink in, Faren spoke again. "You two do not have to worry about that anymore." She cracked a smile. "You have Lyndis' Legion guarding you. You warn us...and we'll protect you."

Ninian stared at Faren a moment before smiling. "Yes, Milady!" Nils echoed her smile and nodded in agreement before yawning suddenly.

Faren laughed and stood up. "Well, it has been an eventful day...no wonder you're tired." She strode over to the door and turned back to face the two siblings. "You two can sleep in here if you like...and you can pick someone from the legion to stay with you for safety."

Nils and Ninian looked at each other. Nils nodded slightly and smiled back at Faren. "Um...would you mind staying in here with us, Lady Faren? You and Lady Lyndis? We feel more comfortable around you two..."

Faren nodded, smiling again. "Of course! Let me go get Lyn and our sleeping pallets..." She hurried out the door, feeling happy; the thoughts of the Black Fang were far away from her mind now.

Almost a month ago, Lyn had no idea that she had another relative in the world. Almost a month ago, she had no idea that someone was just as lonely as she was without her family. The road to Caelin had been long and hard, and Lyn had been put through trial after trial with her new companions by her side. Now, as entered across the border into Caelin's territory, she felt a wave of relief washing over her.

"This is...Caelin..." She breathed, her eyes traveling over the fields and forests that her eyes could see. There were small remnants of the blue mountains of Bern here and at the edges of the remnants made parts of the terrain rocky with ridges and hills. Forests dotted the edges here and there and the patches of open grass reminded her of the wide open fields of Sacae that she had just left.

She jumped down from the wagon that had stopped momentarily and took a few steps beyond where Kent and Sain sat upon their horses, discussing the quickest route to Caelin Castle. She didn't notice Rath watching her out of the corner of his eye as she was too busy taking in the land, nor did she see Florina watching her curiously from atop her Pegasus. Faren smiled at Lyn and glanced back at the people in the wagon behind her.

Ninian and Nils had taken seats close to Faren and Lyn; the siblings had become rather attached to both of them. Dorcas had his usual seat by the back flap of the wagon and Erk sat atop some crates with a book in his lap as usual. Every once in a while he would lift his head to glare in Serra's direction, who was sitting in between Wil and Ninian. She would try to encourage the dancing girl to talk fashion, but Ninian had stuttered and stated that she wasn't into fashion as much as Serra, causing her to become grouchy once again. Lucius, the young feminine-looking monk was also reading, glancing up occasionally to peer at the sky beyond the two females that sat at the driver's seat. He had remained particularly quiet since every time he talked, he noticed dirty looks being shot at him from Serra. Matthew, the last one riding in the wagon, was laying comfortably between two crates, his usual bit of wheat grass in his mouth.

"Oi, are we there yet, Faren?" Matthew sat up as he felt the wagon no longer moving.

"Well, we're in the territory at least," Faren called back as she watched Kent and Sain. "I believe Kent and Sain are discussing the best way to go from here."

"I hope so!" Serra exclaimed, her arms crossed over her chest. "It's getting rather stuffy in here."

"Then perhaps you should stop talking and that will stop most of the hot air from coming in," said Matthew jokingly, winking at the siblings who put their hands over their mouths to muffle thei giggles. Wil felt Serra tense up beside him then relax as she glared outside the wagon. Erk shook his head and turned another page in the book.

Ninian looked at Nils, smiling a little. "I wonder what Caelin is like, brother...I hope it's peaceful."

Nils nodded in agreement, his mind not on Caelin at the moment. He felt cold shivers running down his back again, just like when he and Ninian came upon the inn and were cornered by the Black Fang. He felt the coldness spreading through his body and he squeezed his hands to try to stop it. It was futile as the coldness lay claim to his fingers. He looked up at Ninian in terror and saw that she had the same look on his face.

"Faren! Lyndis! Danger approaches!"

"What?" Faren turned around to look at Ninian and Nils, meeting both of their frightened faces. "You sense danger?"

"Yes!" Ninian looked around for Lyn and saw her a few feet away from the knights. She could feel that the danger covered the entire legion, but most urgently...Lyndis...Ninian scrambled as best as she could to get out of the wagon, but her dress prevented her legs from moving a lot as well as her twisted ankle. Giving up, she screamed out loudly: "LYN DON'T MOVE!"

Lyn stopped in her tracks and looked back at Ninian in confusion. She saw the terror on her face along with Nils who was standing up beside her. Faren looked confused and worried, and then her face paled as her eyes were suddenly focused on something in the sky. Lyn was about to inquire what was wrong when she heard a 'thok' sound in front of her. She turned around and looked down, gasping at what she saw.

A large arrow bolt, too large for the average bow laid at the spot where Lyn had almost stepped. She felt her legs give out under her and she sank to the ground where she stood. She could hear everyone calling her name frantically and she felt two pair of strong arms on each side of her lift her effortlessly to her feet.

"Milady Lyn?" Kent's worried voice drifted into her right ear. "Are you alright?! Are you injured?"

"Lady Lyn!" Sain's voice, usually so carefree was now full of fear and worry in her left ear. "Speak to us!"

"L-Lyn...?" She could hear Florina's voice somewhere, but couldn't make out where. All she could see was the bolt on the ground, where she would have been. At last a face drifted into view to block the bolt. It was Rath's handsome face, his eyes narrowed in worry up at her.

"Lyn? Lyn...can you hear me?" His quiet voice soothed around her and jarred her back to the present. Lyn put a hand on her head and steadied herself on her feet on her own. She bent down and picked up the bolt.

"Thank you for your concern, everyone.." She murmured softly. "But I'm fine..." Lyn turned around and saw that everyone that was in the wagon had climbed out, watching Lyn with concern. Nils and Ninian stood in the front, clasping each other's hands.

"Thank you...both of you..." Lyn murmured softly, gazing at the siblings. Ninian nodded, still looking terrified.

"The danger is not over yet, Milady...it is all around us!"

Faren glanced around and took the bolt from Lyn's hands and examined it. "This is a ballista bolt." She said at last, looking up at Kent and Sain. "Ballistae are common here?"

Kent and Sain exchanged a look before Kent spoke. "Only in war time, Milady...Lady Lyn, we must prepare for battle. If they have a ballista, then we must be prepared. They are most likely beyond those ridges and forests." Kent pointed to the south where she could see a small forest area among ridges.

Faren studied the area and turned to Florina. "Florina, you must stay aground. We won't be able to see the ballistae until we're pretty close and they will target you first!"

Florina nodded meekly but looked grateful. "Sh-should I stay and guard the wagon, then...?"

Faren nodded. "That's a good idea. You can stay and protect Ninian and Nils and Dorcas will help you..." She looked over at the axe man for confirmation. He nodded his head and she glanced over at the rest of the legion. She felt a pull on her arm and suddenly heard Matthew whispering in her ear.

"Pardon me, Milady, but I believe this is a wonderful chance for me and my nimble fingers to work while the fighting goes on."

Faren rolled her eyes. "Matthew, you can't go looting people's homes!"

"I didn't mean that...but it'd be an added bonus, wouldn't it? Just trust me and allow me to go over to that village over there. "He pointed to the east where a group of buildings were. "Fighting is not the only skill we need to employ now..."

Getting his hints, Faren sighed and nodded. "Go then. But be safe!" Matthew grinned and put a new blade of wheat grass in his mouth before turning and dashing toward the villages. Wil looked at her questioningly, but she stopped him.

"Wil, can you use a ballista?"

"Um..." He looked around blankly and suddenly Faren realized that he probably had never seen one. Maybe I should ask Rath instead...

"It's a really big bow, right? I can do it." He finally said, not looking at all confident in himself. Faren nodded and turned to Lyn.

"We need to get moving Lyn before they target us again!" Lyn nodded and waved for everyone to start marching. Faren hung back and glanced back at the wagon as Ninian climbed back into it. Nils however, stayed outside and started walking to Faren.

"Nils, what are you doing? You should stay with your sister!"

"Please, Faren!" He grabbed her cloak and whispered. "I have more than one special ability, you know...it will help you this time, I know it!"

Faren bit her lip and quickly made her decision. "Fine! Let's go and stay with me, okay?" She grabbed his hand and quickly walked to catch up with the others. She suddenly heard a cry that sounded like Serra's voice.

"Look out! It's another bolt!"

Faren looked up and she could see the bolt flying steadily through the air, heading straight for her. She tried to will her legs to move but they had suddenly become like weights. As she felt that she was going to be hit, the bolt suddenly was blown around carelessly, as if by the wind. She looked around confusedly and felt a tugging at her hand. Looking at Nils, she could see the boy grinning.

"Did...did you do that, Nils?" He nodded.

"I can only do it so many times, Lady Faren...but I will be of help to you!" Faren nodded and clasped his hand tightly as they ran to join the end of the legion where the first of the battle had just started.

Matthew strode into the village casually, chewing the wheat grass in his mouth. So far, everything had gone well; he had gotten to the village without being detected by the unusual amount of soldiers standing at the entrance and it seemed that the word of an upcoming battle had not reached this area yet as the people were going about their daily business. At the sight of Matthew however, people threw him suspicious looks and hurried away from him. Well, that's unexpected...

He stepped inside a nearby inn; the room was lit by the sunlight that filtered through the windows and potted plants stood at either side of the door. He strode over to where a maid was sweeping the floor and at the sound of his approach she turned and jumped a little.

"Can I help you, mister?" She eyed him warily.

"Only want a bit of information to feed myself with, Madam." He bowed lowly and smiled at her kindly. She narrowed her eyes at him, and then went back to sweeping. He took that as a sign to ask.

"So...is it true that the Marquess Caelin is ill?"

"Of course it is," She snapped, sweeping over Matthew's feet, but he took little notice of it. "He's been sick for about a month now. A ghastly illness it is...didn't start 'til those rumors popped up."

Matthew stopped twirling the grass in his mouth. He pulled it out of his mouth and pocketed it. "And...if the Marquess is ill, who is taking over his duties?"

"Why, his brother of course. Lord Lundgren. Been upping the border security ever since he came into power."

"Hm...I see..." Matthew put a hand on his chin as he watched the woman scoop up the dirt on the floor. "So...the Marquess...his illness...was it sudden?"

The woman suddenly straightened up and looked at him suspiciously again. "You're asking a lot of questions, Sir. Who are you to be asking that?"

He held up his hands in defense. "Just a nosy passerby, ma'am." He turned from the room, leaving the woman to mutter about something. Great...he thought. Sounds like there's more to this story than she's telling me...Matthew stopped as he spied the older innkeeper by the counter. He stepped up to the counter, pulled out a handful of gold from his pocket, and laid it on the counter. The innkeeper looked at the gold in amazement then to Matthew.

"You don't want just a room, do you?" He asked weakly.

"Actually, I don't want a room at all." He said pleasantly. "Now sir...there's one hundred gold here. It can be yours if you can fill my needs on information."

The man looked hesitant and glanced around the room to see if anyone was listening. He then spoke in a low voice. "You mean about the Marquess and his brother, right?"

Matthew nodded and the man sighed and continued whispering in low tones. "Well...the Marquess announced that he had a granddaughter, right? Well, after that announcement, he suddenly became ill. Couldn't walk outside because he's so weak."

"Hmm..." Matthew pushed a gold coin to the innkeeper, leaning against the counter. "Sudden illness, eh? How sudden are we talking about?"

The innkeeper grabbed the coin and Matthew noticed how sweaty his hands had gotten. "Overnight sudden. The man became extremely weak. Unfortunately, he couldn't complete his business as Marquess anymore. So...so, his brother...Lundgren took over. And it's been hell ever since."

Matthew pushed another coin toward the innkeeper and he grabbed it. "Hell, you say? Why's that?"

The innkeeper mopped his brow under his bushy black hair and whispered even quieter. "The man has sent soldiers into every village. Not guards, mind you, soldiers that are ready for war. You can't talk out in the open like you used to anymore with them here. If they hear you speaking of Lord Lundgren..." He looked around fearfully and Matthew pushed him two more pieces of gold.

"He silences people."

"Yes...many of the nobles that were allied with Lord Hausen have...disappeared."

Matthew pushed another coin toward him and whispered as well. "So it's accurate to say that Lundgren is poisoning his brother?"

The innkeeper stared at Matthew fearfully. "I...I did not say that, sir."

"But you implied it."

"Imply I did. But you shan't hear those words escape from my lips. I've a wife and child to think about."

"Indeed." Matthew pushed three more coins toward him. "I hear there are rumors that appeared when the Marquess took ill. What are these...rumors?"

The innkeeper looked at Matthew pleadingly, obviously not wanting to say more. Matthew pushed another coin toward him and said gently, "This is the last of my questions, sir. Please..."

"...Lundgren's soldiers have said that an imposter is coming to here to Caelin, along with two of the Marquess' supposedly loyal knights. Now please, sir...I've said too much..."

Matthew pushed the rest of the gold toward the man. "You've said enough to satisfy me, sir. Thank you for taking the time to feed my curiosity." He pulled his cloak around him and stepped out of the inn. As he closed the door, he saw out of the corner of his eye, the innkeeper slumping down on the chair behind the counter.

Matthew sighed and pulled his wheat grass out of his pocket and stuck it back in his mouth. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he quickly made way for the way out. His gaze drifted over to two men standing and talking to a woman, holding lances stiffly and armored much more than a usual town guard. He quickened his pace and wondered how the others were fairing.

"Haah!!" Sain sunk in his lance deep into the archer's back atop the strange contraption of a ballista. He staggered for a moment before slumping over, blood pouring down his lance. Sain pulled his lance out and pushed the man's body aside. Wil stood up nervously and examined the ballista. It was a wooden platform that had a large bow attached on a mount. A pail held only one bolt left and Wil couldn't see anymore around it.

"Alright..." He grabbed a bolt and with some difficulty, attached it to the bow. Sain's voice called over to him as he dealt with another enemy.

"Hey, you got the thing working yet?"

"I'm working on it!" Wil yelled back, locking the bolt into place. He looked up toward where the rest of their friends were. He could see Rath firing his arrows into an unsuspecting mage and Kent fighting with an axe man. He quickly glanced around and saw Faren with Nils toward the back of the group along with Erk and Lucius, both were firing blasts of magic at a nearby swordsman. Wil couldn't see Lyn herself, but he saw flashes of her green ponytail somewhere in the front.

Looking over to the left, he saw Serra was standing off to the side alone and fixing her dress. She wasn't paying attention to the man slowly coming up behind her with his sword raised and a sneering grin on his face.

"Dammit..." Wil muttered as he swung the ballista's bow toward the man and Serra. He tilted the bow and adjusted the height. I hope this works...He released the trigger and heard the whistling sound of the bolt take off.

Thok.

Serra jumped to the side and shrieked as she spun around and saw the swordsman suddenly falling down to the ground with a bolt in his chest. She looked around in bewilderment until she saw Wil waving at her and pointing at the rest of the group, indicating to her to join them again. Without a moment's hesitation, she picked up the edge of her dress and scurried over to the rest of the group. Wil heard Sain chuckle.

"Maybe that will keep her in line now."

Wil rolled his eyes. "You lout, she could have been killed!" He jumped off the ballista. "And there's no reason to stick around this thing any longer...no more ammo."

"Right you are!" Sain waved his lance as Wil climbed up on his horse beside him. "Shall we join the others?"

Wil sighed as he notched an arrow to his bow, feeling grateful that he could hold it again. "Just go, Sain..."

A tall man in red knightly armor stood clutching a lance that had a strange blade fashioned at the end of it. He chortled through his dark brown mustache as he saw Lyn and Kent approaching him with their blades open.

"Come, children! Lord Lundgren will reward Yogi greatly for bringing back your heads!" He swung the axereaver lance threateningly and stood his ground. Lyn and Kent stopped short of meeting him, both of their eyes on his lance. He guffawed.

"Terrified of my weapon, are you? Don't worry—I'll make it quick and painless!" He grabbed the handle with both hands and started to swing toward Lyn. She dropped to the ground and a burst of flame and light suddenly hit Yogi in the chest.

He gasped, dropping the lance and staggered backward a few steps, a gaping hole in his armor where the blast had hit him. His eyes watered and he glanced over and saw Erk and Lucius, emerging from behind Kent's horse. Both of them had their spell books open. He groaned and muttered, "Lord Lundgren..." before falling backwards.

Lyn sheathed her sword and looked at the mages. "Good work, you guys. Faren's plan worked." They both nodded and she looked around the field. "I hope that's all of them..."

"It is, Milady!" Sain called as he and Wil galloped over along with Rath. Faren, Nils, and Serra emerged from over a nearby bridge, Serra clutching onto Faren's arm tightly. Apparently, she still wasn't over the fact that she had almost been killed.

Kent looked down at the dead Yogi before looking up at Sain. He saw him looking at the man as well before meeting Kent's gaze. They both thought the same thing. Lyn saw their looks and put a hand on Kent's arm. "Kent...what is it?"

He sighed. "Lady Lyndis...I knew some of who we fought...Sain and I...we trained with them. And yet..." He closed his eyes. "They attacked us without hesitation. With no remorse."

"Good riddance, I say." Sain spoke up, his arms crossed as he sat upon his horse. "They are blackhearts who joined up with Lundgren. If you need any more comfort, there will be less resistance at the castle."

Kent looked up at Sain. "I hope you're right, Sain..."

Lyn looked down at Nils, his face dirty from taking a few falls. "Nils..." He looked up at her and she smiled at him. She bent down and hugged him tightly, causing him to gasp in surprise. "Thank you, Nils...you and Ninian saved my life by warning me...and I saw you save Faren's...thank you..."

Nils grinned at Lyn, returning her hug. "I won't let you down, Lady Lyn! And neither will Ninian!"

She smiled at him. "Wonderful." Faren nodded as well, smiling.

"Aw...did I miss another tender moment?"

Lyn and Faren looked up at Matthew who stood beside Florina on her Pegasus along with Dorcas and Ninian on the driver's seat of the wagon. Matthew jerked his head back. "I told them it was alright. Looks like I was right."

"So where were you during all this, Matthew?" Kent crossed his arms, looking angry. "We could have used your help."

"Why, I did help, Kent! As a specialist in all sorts of acquisitions, I acquired something that will no doubt shock your ears."

"You mean the village?" Faren asked him. "You got information?"

He nodded, suddenly looking grim. "I did. And it's not pleasant."

"Tell us, Matthew...Please." Lyn looked at him seriously and he sighed and nodded.

"Okay. The Marquess of Caelin is really ill. He's been sick for a month—about as long as Kent and Sain have been gone, correct?" He looked at the two knights who nodded in amazement. "He suddenly took sick...so suddenly, it shocked everyone. After some clues from the innkeeper, I deduced..." He took in a deep breath, looking at Lyn. "That some one is poisoning the Marquess."

There were a few gasps in the crowd and murmurs. Lyn stared in shock at Matthew and finally whispered, "Who could do such a thing...?"

"There's only one person that could do it, Lyndis..." Matthew said softly. "The same time the Marquess got sick, a lord took control of the castle as if it were his. If anyone is poisoning him, it's that man..."

"Lundgren." Faren finished for Matthew and he nodded. Lyn shook her head.

"How could someone do that to their own brother?! For power!? Is that all these Lycian nobles care about?!"

Rath's cool voice penetrated the air after Lyn's yell. "They have been corrupted by their position, Lyn. They do not know of life free of want of power. This is...all they know."

Florina spoke softly, "Um...why hasn't the villagers...why haven't they revolted?"

"They're frightened, " Matthew explained. "The man I spoke to was literally shaking as he spoke to me. Lucky for me I had enough gold." He put a hand on Wil's shoulder. "Sorry for that, by the way." Wil looked at him confusedly then put a hand to his moneybag on his belt. He made a face and glared at Matthew, stepping away from him.

"And what of the nobles? There were many nobles that were loyal to our Marquess." Sain looked at Kent for confirmation, but Matthew shook his head.

"They've disappeared. All those loyal to Lord Hausen are gone. Without nobles supporting them, the whisperings of common people mean nothing."

"This man is horrible..." Lyn wrapped her arms around herself and watched Nils climb beside Ninian to sit with her.

"And that's not the worst news..."

"What could be worse than what you've already said?!"

"Calm down, Serra. Stop shrieking. Anyway...There are soldiers around the villages now. And they've been spreading a rumor of an imposter coming to lay claim to Caelin. She is joined by two traitorous knights who left just before the Marquess became ill."

"What?!" Kent and Sain exclaimed at the same time. "We're not oath breakers! It's those cads that ally themselves with Lundgren who are the oath breakers!"

"How can I be an imposter..." Lyn muttered, clenching her hands. "I would never lay claim to something that wasn't mind! And all I want to see is my grandfather! I have no desire for titles!"

"If you had any proof to your lineage, it might go easier..." Erk said thoughtfully but Lyn shook her head.

"When my mother came from Lycia, she brought nothing with her..."

"But Lyn..." Faren put a hand on Lyn's shoulder. "Didn't Marquess Araphen say how much you looked like your mother? Even Eliwood said you have your grandfather's eyes!"

"But they'll say we'd have found a look-alike somewhere." Kent hung his head. "We are seen as betrayers of our knightly vows...our word means nothing. Our only hope at this point is to see Marquess Caelin..."

"We will." Lyn said firmly, looking around at everyone. "We will meet with my grandfather and stop Lundgren from killing him."

"That's wonderfully noble and all, Lyndis..." Matthew started. "But if we head for the castle, the roads are probably heavily patrolled and we're likely to be killed. We'll be dead before we reach your grandfather. We need a sort of plan."

Faren looked from Matthew to Kent. "Kent, how many days are we away from Caelin Castle?"

He thought for a moment. "About two days riding time at our current pace."

Faren put a hand to her chin. Matthew sighed and looked around. "If we going to come up with a plan, we should at least get out of plain sight...we'll be safer in the forest than out in the open."

"That's it!" Faren exclaimed loudly, making everyone jump. She turned to Kent, looking excited. "Kent, do you have a map of Caelin I could look at?"

He nodded and she grinned. "Great. Let's do what Matthew says and head into the forest to get out of view. I think I have an idea on how to get to Caelin Castle without too much trouble with the soldiers."

Author's Note:

Writer's block wasn't as bad as last chapter...but I think this one went okay even though I've been sick while writing it. I know I changed Nils and Ninian's powers, but I wanted them to have some kind of role in battle and having Nils suddenly pull out his flute and play a quick ballad doesn't seem that realistic to me. Some of you were probably expecting the extra chapter, but after thinking about it, it didn't seem realistic to do here as well.

Next week's chapter might be later than usual because it's my birthday Monday. :P