Author's Note: Fire Emblem belongs to Nintendo.

Fire Emblem:

Blazing Sword of Justice

Chapter 12: Reunions in the Mist

The outer reaches of Caelin had become a battleground. Bodies of soldiers fallen in what they thought was Caelin's defense littered the ground. The afternoon sun shone brilliantly down upon them, highlighting them against the light green grass. Nearby the scene of death stood a clove of trees where if the dead could hear, they would be able to hear voices. In the clove stood Lyndis and her legion, some still scarred from the battle they had just emerged from with those that lay upon the ground cold. They surrounded the young brown-haired woman who called herself their tactician. She spoke of a plan to reach the final destination: Caelin Castle, where Lyndis' grandfather and great uncle await.

"According to the map, Caelin's forests and the remnants of Bern's mountains will give us enough cover to get to the castle without too much trouble from Lundgren's soldiers." Faren spoke as Matthew held up the map; she was pointing at the tree and mountain symbols. "And it should still take us about two days to get to the castle," Faren continued. "Kent, is there anything noteworthy we should know about the terrain we're heading into before we leave for it?"

"Well, there's--"

"Hold up there a minute, Faren!" Sain interrupted his companion's words and leaned in closer to the girl, his expression unusually serious. There was a small stream of dried blood down his face. "What about the rumors that Lundgren has spread around about us? We can't just expect to not run into any trouble here; he may have contacted the other Marquess' about us."

"I've thought about that, actually." Faren said simply. "I don't recall Matthew saying anything about additional forces from the other Marquess'. Right?" She looked at Matthew for confirmation, which he gave to her with a nod. "So even though he may have been spreading the rumors about us for a while now, he's probably only sent for reinforcements when he got word of us entering Caelin. Time is on our side for that, as it will take the messengers to the other Marquess' some time before reaching them."

"Well, if Lundgren spread the rumors about imposters in Caelin, then it's really possible for the rumors to have gotten to the other Marquess' territories already, right?" Wil asked as he nervously tapped his bow against the ground. There was a visible bandage around his right arm. Lyn, who stood beside him, had her arms crossed in front of her and looked grim.

"Yes, that's possible."

"What if they're already contemplating about sending aid? We could go back to Kathelet for Eliwood to assist us. He was sympathetic about us."

"That would be ideal, except for one thing." Faren's gaze went back and forth from Lyn to Wil. "Lyn's grandfather is being poisoned and has been for a month. It takes us at most five days to get to Kathelet. That is at least ten days wasted. Lyn's grandfather may be...it may be too late for him if we do that." Faren glanced away from Lyn as she saw the girl's eyes look to the ground. "Not to mention Lundgren will reinforce himself with many troops, and possibly with aid from the other Marquess'. It would be a good idea, Wil...if we had more time and not returning into a suicidal ambush."

"I suppose we'll have to put our trust in Eliwood if he encounters those rumors..." Lyn said softly, still gazing at the ground. "I think Faren's idea is a good one. Heading straight to Caelin would be our greatest benefit...and my grandfather's as well."

Faren smiled slightly, feeling a little relieved that Lyn had agreed to the plan. She looked at Kent who stood between Wil and Serra. "So Kent...will we run into anything if we take this path?" Faren stretched out a finger and redrew the path she had indicated earlier from their current position to Caelin Castle.

Kent studied the map for a moment, then at last spoke. "There is one possible obstacle." He looked at Sain seriously who glanced at the map and his eyes widened in recognition.

"Not that old dog..."

"Yes, Sain." Kent looked at Faren who had a look of confusion on her face at the knights' conversation. "About right here--" Kent leaned forward and pointed to a spot on the map that was near Caelin Castle. "Is General Eagler's estate. He was...mine and Sain's captain when we first became knights."

"If Lundgren is indeed calling on troops to surround himself from us, then it is more than likely that General Eagler has been contacted, right?" Lyn asked as she looked at Kent. He nodded slowly and Lyn looked at Faren, a worried expression on her face. "Is this really the best course, Faren?"

Faren studied the map before speaking. "Yes...There will be more troops on the main road than at General Eagler's estate. We'll have a greater chance of survival there."

Matthew cleared his throat. "Well, now..." His voice had a pleasant tone to it now and he smiled to show it was sincere. "Sounds like we've got a plan all worked out. What say we make a little head ground before night creeps upon us?"

Lyn nodded and started walking back to the wagon without a glance at anyone. Rath's gaze hovered after her a moment before turning and mounting his own horse. Kent and Sain climbed up on their horses, Sain winking at Faren as she passed by with Matthew. "Bravo, dear girl!" He whispered after her. She smiled slightly and felt an arm around suddenly drop around her shoulders.

"Jolly good tactics, Milady." Matthew's voice smoothly spoke into her ear. As she was about to respond before throwing off his arm, it was roughly pushed off her shoulders for her. Wil's face appeared next to Faren, staring at Matthew with a glare. Shrugging his shoulders as he placed a blade of wheat grass in his mouth, he said, "Meant no harm, really." He crawled into the wagon after that.

Faren glanced at Wil almost questioningly, seeing the blush upon his face before he stepped up after Matthew. She followed him and sat beside Lyn in the driver's seat. Glancing back behind her, she could see the siblings Ninian and Nils sitting as close to Faren and Lyn as they could. Nils saw her looking at him and gave her a friendly smile. She returned it and her eyes drifted over to where Erk was opening a book atop his usual perch, Serra staying silent for once as she watched Lucius across her warily, and Dorcas had his usual spot at the back edge of the flap.

The sound of Huey's wings flapping nearby made her turn around and saw that those on horseback were already walking deeper into the forest. Florina gently patted Huey's mane in comfort as she glanced back at them. Lyn was oddly silent, grasping Rain's reins. Faren picked up Renegade's reins and gave a tug, indicating that he should start walking after the others.

A loud groan of boredom erupted from Hector as he and Eliwood trudged back to the inn in Kathelet. "Eliwood, this was nonsense." He crossed his arms in front of his chest. "They already had a man picked out—unanimous vote—there was no point for us coming here at all!"

Eliwood chuckled at his friend's complaints, glancing up at the sky that was beginning to be stained with the colors of twilight. "Well, my friend, we were only doing our duty." He knew that wouldn't satisfy Hector, the proof of that shown as Hector rolled his eyes.

"Hmph. Duty. No wonder I'm a lout back home. I hate it." He trudged on in silence for a few moments before speaking again. This time, with a smirk. "At least we got in our practice bout. Beat you again, didn't I?"

Eliwood laughed, placing a hand on the inn's door handle. "I think your memory is a bit off, Hector. I seem to recall it being a draw." He pulled it open as he heard Hector's protest in the air.

"It was not a draw, and you know it! I disarmed you twice!"

"And I disarmed you twice as well, my friend." Eliwood and Hector stepped into the inn that was lit by its usual candlelight chandelier. It swung gently from the brush of wind the door created when it was opened. As Hector closed the door behind the two, and Eliwood's eyes adjusted to the light, he could see a man standing at the bar talking to the innkeeper. The innkeeper glanced over at the two men and motioned in their direction for the man he was talking to. The man glanced over, stepped off his barstool, and strode over to Eliwood and Hector.

At first sight, Eliwood knew immediately the man was a messenger. He had a red traveling cloak thrown about his shoulders that hid brown armor underneath. Even though his hood was up, Eliwood could still make out the frightened and tired expression on the man's face.

"Lords Eliwood and Hector, I presume?" He asked, slightly breathless. Eliwood nodded and Hector stepped up beside him, narrowing his eyes in suspicion at the man.

"What do you want with us?"

"F-Forgive me, my lords," he spoke timidly and bowed his head slightly. "I was sent here to deliver a message to the people in charge here in Kathelet from Caelin. The innkeeper kindly told me that it was best to give it you, lest you've already picked a Marquess."

"Oi, they have." Hector yawned and started walking toward the bar. "He's somewhere in town, by the market I believe."

"Wait a minute, sir!" Eliwood put a hand on the messenger's arm which made him jump. "Sorry—but did you say that message was from Caelin?"

"Aye, I did."

"What does it pertain to, if I may be so bold to ask?"

"Well..." The messenger hesitated and glanced in Hector's direction. Hector already had a glass of mead in front of him and eyed the man warily as he took a big gulp. The messenger turned back to Eliwood. "I s'pose there's no harm...well...Lord Lundgren has sent me—and a few others, mind you sir, I can't go to all the territories—to deliver messages about imposters coming to usurp the throne from his brother."

"Imposters?" Eliwood raised an eyebrow at the man. "Hm...go on, sir."

"Only if I rest my feet, sir." And without a word from Eliwood, he plopped down into the nearest chair. He rubbed the bottom of his boots. "Ah...now...the imposters...supposedly there is a woman that claims to be Lord Hausen's granddaughter and she's come to lay claim on the title since Lord Hausen has gone ill. Lord Lundgren's been tellin' everyone it's impossible that his brother has a granddaughter!"

Eliwood stared at the man. The man went on. "Also, a pair of knights seem to be in on the scheme as well; two of the loyalist Caelin has in her employ! Lord Lundgren is requesting assistance from the other Marquess' to stop the imposter from arriving at Caelin Castle. They should be near, if not already at the border to Caelin now..."

Eliwood just stared at the man, his mind reeling with thoughts. Lyn...she couldn't have been lying to me, could she? No...she is from Sacae, and they never lie. Sacaens would rather die than have a lie on their conscious. Lundgren must be spreading lies in order to get them cornered. Eliwood glanced over at Hector who was watching him as he downed the last of his mead. Lyn said she didn't want my help, but...I feel like I cannot ignore this.

Eliwood stood up and looked down at the messenger. "Sir, what Lundgren has told you is a lie. The woman heading to Caelin is no imposter. She truly is the granddaughter of your lord; I have seen it in her eyes."

To his surprise, the man smiled. He was missing a tooth. "I had a feeling that were the truth...no one's really liking Lundgren in charge anyway..." The man stood up and stretched his arms. "So what would you have me do, Lord Eliwood?"

Hector slid off his barstool and clapped a hand on the man's shoulder, which made him jump again. "Are there any places that you haven't gone to yet?" The man nodded. "Okay, here's what you do: Go to them and tell them to stay out of Caelin's affairs, okay? This inheritance dispute should be dealt with just the parties involved."

The man nodded meekly, backing up toward the door. "Very well...ah...what about the other territories that the other two messengers have to go to?"

"Which ones are those?"

"Let's see...I have Kathelet, Tuscana, and Araphen...Sema has Ostia, Thria, and Laus...and Tury has Santaruz, Tania, and Pherae."

"Okay then." Hector clapped his hands and smirked before Eliwood could utter a word. "This will work out good. You continue onward to your two; Eliwood and I shall handle the rest. Now go!" The man jumped and quickly grasped the door handle before thrusting the door open, and and ran out into the darkening twilight.

Hector looked back at Eliwood. "Sorry I stole your thunder there, Eliwood...but I had a feeling that you wanted it like this, right?"

Eliwood nodded. "This may be the best course. I feel sympathy for Lyn, but the least we can do is prevent the other Marquess' from sending aid to Lundgren. I suppose you take Ostia, Thria, and Laus and I shall take the other three?"

Hector nodded and hit his fist into the palm of his hand. "Good. I've wanted to slap Eric around a bit." Eliwood laughed and they followed the messenger out into the night. As they approached their horses, Eliwood patted Hector's shoulder.

"Ride safely, my friend."

"And you as well, Eliwood."

Despite the fact that the sun had risen about four hours ago, the nightly fog that Lycia and Sacae shared in still hovered in Caelin as Lyndis, Faren, and the rest of the legion made their way slowly and carefully through the wood on horses and on foot. Their wagon had been abandoned at the campsite that morning since they were heading into a thicker part of the wood. Everyone that had been riding in the wagon walked, save for Ninian and Nils. Nils sat behind Faren on Renegade, his arms around her waist and Ninian sat behind Lyn on Rain.

Faren patted Nils' hands gently and smiled back at him over her shoulder. "Don't worry, Nils..." She said soothingly. "We will be fine. We're ready just in case of a surprise attack." After hearing those words, he smiled back and loosened his tight grip around her waist.

"Is that why you told everyone to have their weapons ready?" He asked her timidly and she nodded. According to Kent, General Eagler's estate was not that far from the boundary of the forest. With that in mind, Faren had instructed everyone to hold onto his or her weapons in case of an ambush. It would be highly likely there would be one, considering the fog that lay around them.

Glancing around, she saw that everyone had followed her advice; Kent and Sain both had their hands on their lances as they lead the way at the head of the legion. Lyn followed behind them on her horse, her hand on the Mani Katti's hilt. Rath was riding in the very back along with Florina, both of them having one hand on their reins and the other on their weapons. Between Rath and Faren were those that had to walk; Dorcas had both of his hand axes in his hands, walking stiffly as his gaze focused on the light that was coming from the edge of the forest. Wil walked near Faren and Renegade, his hands had already strung up an arrow on his bow and were holding them together tightly. Erk was between them, clutching a tome with a magical symbol on it, his light face looking paler through the misty fog. Lucius and Serra walked behind those three; Serra looked like she wanted to hit Lucius with her stave; and Lucius nonchalantly clutching his light colored tome with a different colored symbol on it than Erk's. Matthew followed behind them, his hands behind his head as he walked with wheat grass in his mouth. Clutched in his hands were small curved daggers.

As Faren turned her head around to face forward again, she caught sight of Lyn's face. She noticed that Lyn's face looked grim. No wonder Lyn looks so grim, Faren thought. We're finally nearing Caelin...hopefully being able to reach her grandfather in time.

"We're approaching the edge of the forest." Kent called back to the tactician. Faren felt Nil's arms slightly tighten around her waist again. Kent's voice floated back to them again. "Be ready everyone."

As she nudged Renegade through the last pair of trees that framed the exit, she and the others emerged into a thicker cloud of fog than what was in the forest. Squinting her eyes, she could make out the shapes of Kent and the others ahead of her. Further ahead of them, she thought she could make out the faint outlines of buildings.

"Ugh..." Came Serra's voice behind her. "I can't see a thing out here!"

"Shh!" Matthew's voice came next. "Shut your bloody mouth...you'll get us killed!"

"This is odd..." Kent murmured ahead of them. Lyn and Faren exchanged a look before Lyn asked in a soft voice, "What's odd?"

"Ah...General Eagler's estate should be farther up...I don't recognize the buildings in front of us." A moment later, Faren could see Kent rummaging through his pack for the map. As he pulled it out, Sain snatched it out of his hands and looked at it.

"There's no sign of this on the map...are you sure we're not by Eagler's place?"

"That's an old map you got there, laddie."

At the sound of the new voice, everyone tensed up and held their weapons tightly. Faren felt Nils' hands tighten around her waist more and she could see the map that Sain had held in his hands float down forgotten onto the ground. He clutched his lance and looked around wildly, but Kent had his gaze focused ahead toward the buildings. As she listened, Faren could hear the heavy footsteps of someone that was dressed in heavy armor. A few seconds passed, and now everyone was looking where Kent was gazing as a giant hazy figure began to materialize in the fog.

The figure stepped out of the fog and Faren could not help but start to feel extremely nervous. The figure was encased in silver armor of a general, golden lines formed around the edges of the armor to create curling designs. The armor looked thick, covering the man's arms, shoulders and down past his hips. A long red and green skirt-like cloth covered the armor on his legs. Around his waist was a medium-sized axe clipped tightly and in his armored hands, he held a long silver lance that had designs swirled onto the tip. The only part of the man that was not covered in armor was his head. This man, a man of fifty years had no hair on his head and his lightly tanned face held a few creases around his eyes that gave away his age. His brows were narrowed and his mouth was pressed into a tight line as he gazed upon Sain and Kent in front of him.

Kent and Sain sat atop their horses, staring down with wide eyes at the general in front of them. At last, Kent dared to speak.

"You're...you're Lord Wallace..."

"Aye, that I am." Wallace gripped his lance tightly, looking back and forth between Kent and Sain still. As far as Faren could tell, the man had not spared a moment to glance behind them at their other companions.

"Wait a minute!" Sain's voice pulled Wallace's gaze to him. "You're retired! I heard you were sowing fields and planting dandelions!"

Wallace smirked. "Dandelions, eh? Not here, boy." He waved his hand toward the buildings behind him. Faren understood them to be a part of his farm. "I received orders from Lord Lundgren about an imposter and a pair of knights heading this way."

Faren could see Lyn tense up beside her on her horse, but she stayed silent.

"In fact..." He put his free hand to his naked chin. "In fact, it was just yesterday. Eagler and I have orders to capture them...all three of them since the knights are rogue now..."

"Lord Wallace!" Kent called out pleadingly to the man. "Surely, you do not believe two of your former soldiers to be oath breakers, do you?"

"I will withhold any decision until I meet Lady Madelyn's so called daughter."

Faren looked over at Lyn who hesitated only for a moment. Then she silently climbed down from Rain's saddle and walked up between Kent and Sain. Sain looked down at Lyn worriedly. "Lady Lyn..."

"It's fine, Sain. I want to show him that I am no imposter."

Lyn walked up to Wallace and stared him straight in the eye. He seemed taken aback, either from Lyn's appearance or that she had the nerve to look him in the eye. His mouth opened slightly and his eyes searched her face. At last, they rested on her eyes.

"Such beautiful eyes..."

Lyn looked at him confusedly, obviously not expecting a compliment to come forth. "Pardon?

Wallace stepped up closer to Lyn, closing the distance between them to a few feet. "Milady..." He spoke with much dignity in his voice. "I have been a knight for thirty years, and if there is one thing that I have learned and that has stuck with me with all my years is this: A person who has eyes as bright and clear as yours is no deceiver. Your eyes are that of Lady Madelyn's herself."

Lyn seemed at a lost for words. Suddenly, Wallace erupted into loud booming laughs that made everyone jump.

"Wha ha ha! Ha ha ha! I believe I like you, Lyndis! Not many people have the nerve to look this old bull in the eyes with a straight face!"

Lyn smiled in relief and looked back at Kent and Sain who shared a look of disbelief on their faces. Faren shared their disbelief. Wallace was...a very interesting person.

"I knew it..." Wallace murmured after calming down from his laughs with a hand over his chest. "I knew Lundgren was up to somethin'. When I saw you two--"He pointed to Sain and Kent—"I knew something was fishy. I won't let the bloody git get away with this. I'll never allow an usurper on the throne!"

"So, does this mean...?" Sain's voice held a hint of hope and Wallace nodded before hitting his chest.

"This bull has pledged his loyalty to Caelin and its Marquess. Right now, its Marquess is in trouble and his granddaughter has come to save him. I will do my duty as a knight of Caelin to aid the granddaughter in her endeavors!"

"Lord Wallace..." Lyn breathed and she could feel tears coming to her eyes. She blinked them back and held out her hand to Wallace. He grinned and shook it vigorously.

"It is such a pleasure to finally meet Madelyn's daughter..." He waved his hand around. "When all this is over, I must tell you stories of your mother."

Lyn nodded, still smiling. She turned from Wallace and Faren smiled as she saw the happy expression on her face. Wallace's voice jerked her eyes back to the front.

"Now then...it was right smart of you all to head this way. Not much interference. Whose idea was that, anyway?"

Both Sain and Kent pointed back at Faren, who felt her face immediately flush in embarrassment. Wallace looked up at her, seeming to be sizing her up. He finally grinned and held out his hand to her for her to shake. She took it hesitantly and Wallace laughed as he nearly shook her arm off.

"Bloody brilliant, you are, girl! Oh, they'll have a spot for you in Caelin, yes sir...getting Lyndis here safe and all...now, I take it the plan was to head through Eagler's estate to the castle, right?"

"Um...yes." Faren held her hand that Wallace shook gently, still feeling the stinging of his grip. "They'll be less resistance that way..."

"Right you are, girlie..." Wallace nodded, still grinning. "We'll have Eagler's platoon to get through, but I'm sure you've got a sure-fire way to blast through those men easily. Now..."

Wallace turned toward the direction he had come from. "Come on, laddies! Let's march our way! Ha ha ha ha!" He turned and somehow, with his enormous amount of armor, began to walk enthusiastically toward their destination. Faren saw Kent and Sain exchange a look. They both smiled at each other and nudged their horses to follow Wallace in the fog. Lyn looked at Faren who was still nursing her hand from Wallace's handshake.

"I like him, Faren...he's honest."

"Yes..." Faren murmured, pushing Renegade to follow the others. "He deserves our respect, that general of Caelin."

Not far away from Lyndis and her group stood the very platoon and the man they were heading straight into. They stood outside the grand mansion of Eagler's, the gray stones and blood red roof barely shown through the thick mist of fog that surrounded them. However, all the soldiers dressed in identical armors of dull red and clutched various weapons of swords, axes, and lances held their gaze onto the man that stood a few feet from the mansion's door.

This man was tall, a few inches over six feet. He towered over his soldiers sitting atop his brown stallion that bore the flag of Caelin down his sides. The man's bluish silver armor covered his entire body, making the man seem even larger. The mark of a paladin was inscribed on the chest plate of his armor. His face was weathered; many years of battles wore the fifty-year-old's face down with a few wrinkles around his brow and mouth. A light green mustache, sprinkled with bits of gray covered his upper lip and the long strands of a beard hung down his chin. Despite starting to go bald on the top of his head, the man's long green hair was swept back and stuck there, hiding the signs of thinning hair.

The paladin gazed over the company of twenty men he had been given. Each one stared back at him with the same dull expression. The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a small locket on a golden chain. With delicacy, he opened the locket and smiled at the picture inside. He murmured quietly, "We'll be together again soon, darling..."

He closed the locket and kept it in his closed palm. He raised his hand and made the signal to march. The men stood attention, turned around, and began marching in the direction of Castle Caelin. The paladin nudged his horse to start after them. He kept gazing at the locket in his hands as the army made its way. Suddenly, a cry from the front of the platoon made him look up.

"General Eagler! Arrows!"

As Eagler's eyes swept to find where the arrows were coming from, a sudden barrage of them sliced through the fog in front of them. His mouth opened slightly at the sight of the arrows, for as they flew through the air he could see that they were covered with magical light and fire. The sounds of his men's last cries snapped him back to where his mind should have been.

"Men!" He called over the howls, his horse reared up on its hind legs. "Charge forward! The imposters have brought the battle to us!" A loud roar of agreement sounded from the remaining men as the broke into a run, their weapons brandished in their hands. Eagler dug his heels into his horse's sides and he galloped after his men. He glanced down at the ground at the fallen men as he past them by, silently praying for them a safe journey to the afterlife.

"That was an excellent idea, Faren!" Wallace clapped a heavily armored hand onto the petite girl's shoulder, nearly making her fall over. She steadied herself and smiled uncertainly at the man.

"Thank you, Sir Wallace. We've actually done something similar before."

They both looked over at Wil and Rath, who stood at the edge of a ridge, stringing up more arrows before firing them. Erk and Lucius stood beside them, waving their hands slightly as the magic would engulf the flying arrow. Although the fog still lay thick around them, Wallace had led them to a ridge that overlooked Eagler's mansion. When they had arrived there, they could hear the sounds of the army marching and Eagler calling out orders. Faren had immediately put the plan into action, stating that inspiration came from Wallace himself.

"Really, now? What did I say to prompt such clever use of tactics?"

Faren simply grinned at him and tilted her head to the side as the sounds of armor became closer. Wallace took this hint and jumped down off the low ridge. He landed with a loud thump onto the ground beside Kent, Sain, Dorcas, and Lyndis.

"Alright now, laddies—and lady—" He gestured to Lyn who nodded. He took his axe from his belt and gripped it in both hands. "Let's spread out...yeah, like that, Kent you and Sain stay on either side of Lyndis! Dorcas, you go on the other side of Sain! That's right...we'll be the front line for these soldiers to charge into!"

Faren grinned. Wallace had led them to a perfect place to launch an attack: On either side of the road that led to Eagler's mansion stood two ridges—or short steep hills, rather. One could not scale the ridges from Eagler's side, but it was scalable from their side. And with the additional help from the fog, which had actually started to lift, the enemy army would not be upon them until it would be too late.

She glanced back at Nils and Ninian, both of whom sat behind Faren where she stood. Ninian's foot was still shaky to stand on and Nils hardly left her side because of it. They both looked up at Faren and she smiled down at them.

"Don't worry, you two. We won't let them get up here."

Nils grinned. "I'll protect both you and Ninian, Faren!"

Faren chuckled and looked over at Rath and Wil. "You two can stop firing arrows now...the army is coming this way, so we'll need you to take shots at them once they get where we can see them. Same thing goes for you two, Erk and Lucius." Rath silently moved his bow down, an arrow still notched in place. Wil looked back at her and smiled a little. She returned his smile and looked back at Serra and Matthew.

"Serra...you stay near Ninian and Nils, okay? We'll need you nearby to be able to heal people on hand. Florina's right behind Lyn and she'll have her javelins...and you, Matthew..."

"Oh don't worry, Faren!" Matthew spoke cheerfully to her. "I've got my own plan, so no worrying about me."

She stared at him. "Right..." A roar from Wallace made her head snap back to the front. The battle had begun.

Wallace yelled again as he brought his large axe down on the approaching soldier's head in front of him. The man yelled and fell to the ground. Wallace chuckled and called to the others that fought beside him. "Look alive, laddies! And you too, Lyndis! This giant beside you will have no trouble!" As soon as he finished that sentence, he swung his axe hard to the left, nearly decapitating another soldier.

Lyn slammed the Mani Katti's blade into the nearing soldier's stomach and dropped down to swing her leg across his ankles. He fell backwards with a groan and as she stood up, she was exposed to a mage who held a fistful of fire ready to throw. Florina's javelin suddenly fell from the sky into the man's chest as a handful of Sacaen arrows hit the man's throat. The man fell and Lyn flicked her hand as a thank you to her saviors.

Sain and Kent both stuck their swords into the same soldier that held a lance, the man crumbled to the ground between their horses. Sain grinned and let out a whoop. "This is easy! Like shooting fish in a barrel!" His cheering was short-lived however, when an arrow sunk into his arm between the gaps of armor. He let out a howl of pain and clutched his arm. He looked up at the archer standing a few feet back from the charging soldiers and saw him draw another arrow in his direction. Sain blinked and suddenly the man fell to his side, apparently dead. He squinted his eyes and he saw what looked like a throwing knife sticking out of his neck. Not wanting to waste the chance, he gritted his teeth and yanked out the arrow from his left arm.

Matthew smirked down at Sain's bewildered expression from his safe perch atop a nearby tree and holding a handful of throwing knives in between his fingers. He plucked another one from his hand and sent it flying into an unsuspecting mage's arm. He suddenly heard Faren's voice from below.

"Matthew! What are you doing?"

"What?" He looked down at her, grinning with the usual wheat grass in his mouth. "I'm too delicate for the front lines. They might hurt my nimble fingers." As the last words tumbled out of his mouth, he flicked another knife in the direction of the unlucky mage, bringing him down to the ground. Wil and Rath meanwhile had fired off another rain of arrows into the upcoming crowd, taking down at least three soldiers. Erk and Lucius had combined a spell of theirs, sending a fiery ball of light into two unsuspecting lancemen's backs.

As the fog lifted further, Faren could see only two other people standing on the enemy's lines, both swordsmen. They exchanged a look after seeing their fallen allies on the ground and turned to run back in the direction they had came. Dorcas quickly plucked his axe from a fallen soldier's body and swung as hard as he could, sending the axe flying through the air. The axe whistled its scream of death before plunging into the nearest man's backside. A spray of blood shot out into the air before he fell to the ground.

Wallace snatched up his forgotten lance on the ground and took a few running steps. He didn't get far because of the weight of his armor and he held his lance back over his head, ready to throw. With a grunt, he sent it sailing and it echoed the axe's death whistle before plunging it into the last man's neck.

Wallace chuckled and put his hands on his sides. "I'm a giant among you! You all fell before..." His voice trailed off as another figure emerged from the retreating fog. Wallace's eyes widened on the form of General Eagler, sitting atop his brown stallion almost regally. His eyes gazed around the battlefield where his soldiers lay, some unconscious, others moaning in pain or dead.

"Oh jeez..." Faren murmured as she caught sight of Eagler. "Matthew, can you see the symbol on his chest?"

Matthew squinted his eyes at the man before jumping down from the tree. "It's a paladin symbol. Not many people have that, you know."

"I know..." She said softly and looked down from the ridge at the others. Serra was trying to heal Sain's arm without being courteous or flirtatious with him. Faren called out to Lyn who was reassuring Florina she was okay.

"Lyn! Eagler's over there where Wallace is! I think they're talking to one another, but we need to get over there to help him!" Lyn nodded and unsheathed the Mani Katti and started making her way toward Wallace. Kent edged his horse after Lyn and Dorcas went into a run after them. Faren looked up where the two generals were now engaged in battle.

A loud 'clang' resounded from the sound of the men's two axes hitting each other with force. Wallace stood behind a steel axe, his eyes narrowed at Eagler who stood behind his own axe of the same material. Both men grunted as they pushed, neither one of them gaining any headway. At last the sounds of grunting and groaning were broken by Eagler's voice.

"Sir Wallace, why are you doing this? You have your orders!"

"My orders? I fight for Caelin's honor, not for Lundgren's lies! Eagler, you should know the man is spiteful!"

"Nevertheless, I must obey and protect the throne from imposters!"

"Imposters?! You dog...what would Charlotte say to you if she heard those words?!"

Eagler's eyes faltered for a moment before he dug in his heels and pushed hard against Wallace with his axe. Wallace grunted and fell to one knee, but kept the axe up against Eagler's.

"Charlotte...Charlotte would say you are all traitors! As do I!"

"Fool!" Wallace hissed as he moved his hands ever so slightly on his axe handle, preparing to push harder against Eagler's axe. "At least let mine be the blow that finishes you!"

As these words fell from Wallace's mouth, he could feel Eagler's pressure give slightly. Wallace watched as his axe slid from against Eagler's and buried itself through Eagler's chest plate. He saw the smirk appear on Eagler's face as a trickle of blood appeared from the corner of his mouth. A hoarse whisper escaped his lips.

"For the Marquess...for all of Caelin...Go quickly..."

Wallace dropped his axe and caught Eagler as he fell. He lowered the man to the ground. Behind him, he could hear the calling of the others that he had fought with. He gazed silently at Eagler, hoping to find a sign of life. However, the light had left his eyes and the man in Wallace's arms was no long of this world. He bowed his head silently before laying Eagler's body in the grass gently. A sudden shine caught his eye and he saw in Eager's right hand a golden locket, the chain intertwined over his gloved fingers. The locket was open and Wallace could see the smiling person's face.

He stood up, gazing one last time at Eagler before turning to face Lyndis and Kent. Kent stared down at Eagler's body, a look of regret upon his face. Wallace picked up his axe and clipped it back to his belt.

"Do not fret, Kent. His blood is not on your hands. He died in battle; a proud way to go."

Lyn looked down at Eagler solemnly. "What kind of man was General Eagler?"

Kent answered her slowly. "He was an outstanding teacher...obeyed every order without question...he achieved the rank of paladin because of his loyalty and diligence."

"And that was his own undoing in the end," Wallace added. "Lundgren knew Eagler would comply with orders; stating that they were from the Marquess himself was enough for him."

Lyn clenched her hand. "Lundgren...may you never know the peaceful embrace of Mother Earth...for everything you have done...for all the pain you have caused..."

Wallace studied Lyn for a moment before looking behind her and Kent. The fog, now nearly gone, no longer obscured the view of the rest of the legion. As they all made their way toward the trio, Wallace looked toward where Castle Caelin lay.

The room was dark, save for one candle that lit the corner of the room by the four-poster bed. Its light, though it was the only source in the room since the window now bore the view of a darkened twilight, shone brightly and strongly against the pale man in the bed next to it. His face was ghostly pale, almost the same shade as death. The wrinkles made his face look more sunken, more deprived and decrepit than he had ever looked before. His thin, bony hands lay on his stomach above the thick cotton covers of his bed. His chest rose and fell slowly underneath the emerald robe he wore.

He heard the faint sound of the door being opened before it was loudly closed. He slowly opened his heavy eyelids and his eyes moved upward to gaze up at his visitor. The man smiled down at him, a cruel smile.

"How are you feeling today, dear brother?" The words were spoken with spite.

The man on the bed moved his cracked dry lips and spoke hoarsely. "Lundgren...you fiend...why..?"

Lundgren's face contorted with anger as he stared down at his weak older brother. "'Why?' Why, you ask? You should know the answer by now, you wretch of a man." His lips curled back into the cruel smile it wore when it entered the room.

"I have word that your granddaughter is dead now."

Hausen's eyes faltered and widened slightly at Lundgren. The hint of tears sprung at the corners of his eyes.

"No...Lyndis...it...it cannot be..." He coughed feebly, closing his eyes as he let the tears fall down freely. "Why...I just...wanted to see her...Madelyn's daughter...my granddaughter..."

"Oh, it fills you with misery, does it not?" Lundgren put his hands on the edge of Hausen's bed, sneering down at him. "Have you lost all hope? If so, hurry up and die, you miserable old man. Let me have the title; I shall rule Caelin instead of some half Sacaen savage."

"Oh...Lyndis...why..."

As the last traces of the sun disappeared in the dark sky, Caelin Castle stood ominously in the darkness. A crowd of men stood at its gates, guarding from any intruders that dared to make a nightly strike. On a hill nearby stood a tall woman with her emerald hair flowing the wind behind her. Next to her stood another woman, dressed in a thick green cloak, her own brown hair drifting after her in the breeze. For a few minutes, no words passed between the two as they gazed silently at the goal of their journey. They stood in silence for reverence for the blood that had fallen, tears that had been shed, and the lives that had been changed since the start of an unusual journey. At last, the emerald haired woman spoke.

"Tomorrow, we will save my grandfather, Faren."

"Yes, we will, Lyn. We will."

Author's Note:

Hey...did you guys notice the site messing up this weekend? I took a peek at it and saw my story missing a chapter and a handful of reviews! It had also been pushed to the first page... Of course, it corrected itself yesterday I think, but that was weird...at least it increased the hits to this story.

This one was a little difficult, but it's good, I think. Hopefully you guys liked it as well. I know I changed quite a few things in here, such as them not returning to Kathelet. I don't know how far Kathelet really is in the game, but after replaying it, I found it odd to go back there since Hausen was being poisoned. And for those of you who didn't catch it, Wallace's class is general. After thirty years of service, I think the guy deserves the title of general. Anyway, let me know what you think... :)