"Thanks to you we carry the day, we can rest easy now… at long last" The blue haired youth said to Ryan. A few seconds later Ryan's vision pulsed red, eventually filling his vision. Facing him the blue haired youth could see it and his face turned form a smile to a concerned look.

"What's wrong, hey hold on-

The next second later the man's expression changed to one of pain and shock. Staggering backwards Ryan could see he had impaled him with a lighting spear, his hand still crackling with energy.

"This is not your… your fault… promise me… you'll escape from this place… please go…" with that he fell forward, dead. Ryan backed away from him with nothing but someone's laughter filling his head as he did.

That had been the last thing Ryan had seen before everything went black, yet as it faded from sight so too did the memory of having seen it. It had been the same for all the images and scenes that had raced through his head. He didn't even know who the man was that he had killed from those visions. Yet despite all that one thing remained inside his head, locked into his subconscious. It was a name, and that name was Chrom. Was it that blue haired youth's name, or someone else's, he didn't know.

When he finally started to open his eyes, his ears picked up the sound of voices above him. His vision adjusting to the light he saw two people above him, a blue haired youth and a blond-haired girl. When they noticed him stir they gasped a bit in happiness, seeing him awake. After saying a few more words the blue haired youth had offered him a hand. At first Ryan wasn't sure what to do, but something inside him told him that it was okay. Smiling a bit he took his hand and grunted a bit as this man hoisted him back unto his feet. Letting go the blue haired youth spoke again.

"You alright?" he asked.

"Yes… thank you, Chrom" Ryan said softly. The blue haired man called Chrom perked up a bit as he said that. After all, this young man who he had never met had just identified him in less than a minute.

"You know who I am? Chrom asked with a surprised look.

Hearing that Ryan tensed a bit as it just dawned on him, he had no idea who this Chrom was, and yet he knew his name. Not sure what to say Ryan answered his question.

"No I… it's strange… your name just came to me" he said deciding honestly was the best thing to go with. Seconds later he started to regret his choice as Chrom gave him a stern look.

"Curious… what's your name then, and what brings you here?" he asked politely trying to learn more about the young man in front of him. His face told Ryan he wasn't fully convinced he was being honest, but not fully convinced he was lying either.

"My name is… its…" Ryan trailed off. He was shocked, nothing was coming to him. He couldn't remember his own name. In fact he couldn't remember anything about himself, his past, why he was here, where he was going, his mind was drawing a total blank. Gripping his head a bit from the realization Chrom could guess something was wrong.

"You don't remember your name?" he questioned.

"No… I'm not even sure if…. where am I exactly?" he asked looking around, nothing familiar to him at all. Seeing his reactions the young girl spoke up.

"Hey I've heard of this, it's called amnesia!" she said taking a few steps towards him. However an arm suddenly stopped her. It belonged to the third member of the group. Ryan could see he was the oldest of the group, sporting blue and white armor on his entire body except his head. From his face Ryan could see he wasn't buying any of what Ryan was saying. Moving in front of the two youths he glared at Ryan with contempt causing the young browned haired youth to gulp a bit, as if he was about to be charged with a crime.

"It's called a load of Pegasus dung" he said, his stern gaze never leaving Ryan's "Were to believe you remember milord's name, and not your own?" he questioned.

"B-but it's the truth!" Ryan said taking a few steps back, worried what this man might do to him. After all there was no way he could prove it could he, this was a hard tale to believe no matter what one was to think. Before the man could press him further a gloved hand appeared on his shoulder. Looking behind the man Ryan could see it was Chrom's.

"What if it IS true Frederick, we can't just leave him here, alone and confused" he said to the brown-haired man "What sort of Shepherds would we be then?"

"Just the same milord, I must emphasize caution, it would not do to let a wolf into are flock" The man known as Frederick argued politely. His gaze turned back towards Ryan as he said that, as if he was making sure he wouldn't pull something behind his back.

Chrom understanding his words nodded "I understand Frederick, that's why we'll take him back to town and sort things out there" he said coming over to Ryan.

"H-hold on a minute, don't I get a say in this?" Ryan asked, not liking the sound of that at all. It was clearly going to end up being an interrogation when they got there, one in which Ryan would be most happy to avoid. However as he saw Chrom's face he could see that just going in the opposite direction wasn't an option.

"Peace friend, I promise we'll hear what you have to say back in town, now come" he said walking past him. Of course Ryan didn't follow at first, but Frederick ushered him along as he got back on his horse. It didn't take a genius to know there was no way a person could outrun a horse, not in wide plains like this. Adding to that he could see the knight had a sliver lance attached to his horse's saddle, not a good person to try and run from. Sighing a bit, Ryan decided to comply with their demands, following the group towards this town close by.

As they walked Ryan took a bit of time to study them all. From what he could tell they didn't seem to be average travelers, and they certainly weren't dressed for the part either. Maybe they were a group of mercenaries or something, after all two of their group were wearing armor. As he looked at Chrom, the apparent leader of the trio he couldn't help but wonder. How had he known his name, over something like remembering his own? Was he important to him or something, or did he know it for some reason he couldn't remember because of his so called amnesia. Well regardless, this Chrom guy was an interesting person. After all he had defended him from that Frederick guy, even though there was nothing wrong with his accusations. Ryan honest couldn't tell if he thought Chrom was noble for believing him, or stupid for being so trusting of a complete stranger. Despite those thoughts however he knew one thing, he was grateful to Chrom for that at least.

Remembering his current predicament Ryan spoke up "What will you do with me… am I to be your prisoner?" he asked softly.

Hearing him ask Chrom let out a small chuckle at his words, turning back to face him with a smile of amusement.

"You'll be free to go once we establish your no threat to Ylisse" he said simply, trying to ease his fears.

Looking at him Ryan tilted his head a bit "Is that where we are… Ylisse?" he questioned.

"You've never heard of the Halidom?" Frederick asked from his horse in disbelief. Seeing Ryan wasn't kidding Frederick's face got even sterner. "Ha! Someone pay this actor, he plays quite the fool! The furrowed brow is especially convincing" he added not believing him in the slightest.

"Frederick please" Chrom said raising a hand at him, causing the mounted man to back off on his verbal attack. With Ryan turning back to face him Chrom spoke again "This land is known as the Halidom of Ylisse, Our ruler Emmeryn, is called the exalt" he explained.

"I see… Exalt Emmeryn" Ryan said.

"Yeah, speaking of which I suppose we should introduce ourselves. My name is Chrom, but then again you already knew that" he said, causing Ryan to scratch his head a bit at his comment. Paying him little heed he pointed to the blond girl next to him "The delicate one here is my little sister Lissa". Saying that caused her to give her brother a pout like glare, as Chrom looked at her with a little amusement on his face.

"I am NOT delicate!" she said to him giving him a hmph as she turned towards Ryan "Ignore my brother please, but your lucky the Shepherds found you, brigands would have been a rude awakening" she added giving him a little bow of introduction as she did.

Ryan tilted his head again a bit "Shepherds? You tend sheep… in full armor?" he questioned not sure what to think of it.

Chrom cracked a smile "It's a dangerous job, just ask Frederick the Wary here" he said looking at the armored man on his horse.

"A title I shall wear with pride" Frederick said standing up a bit straighter on his horse "Heaven forbid one of us keeps an appropriate level of caution". He then looked down at Ryan again his face as stern as ever "I wish to trust you stranger, but my station demands otherwise".

Ryan nodded "I understand, I would do the same thing if I were in your position… my name is Ryan" he said catching them by surprise, which he realized himself a few seconds later. "I just remembered that… huh I guess that's one mystery solved" he said turning back to face Chrom, a bit happy to have suddenly remembered that at least.

"Ryan huh" Chrom said smiling as well "Well were almost to town once we-

"Chrom, look!" Lissa suddenly shouted causing all three men to look back at her. Seeing her pointing towards the sky they all looked up to see smoke rising into it, too much smoke. Within seconds they scrambled up the hill in front of them, when they reached the top they saw a terrible sight. The village that was down there was burning.

"That's not good" Ryan said as could see the fire's spreading.

"Damn, the towns ablaze!" Chrom said with an angry look on his face "Those blasted brigands no doubt" he added. He then turned to face the others "Lissa, Frederick, let's move!"

"What about him milord?" Frederick asked pointing to Ryan.

"Unless he's on fire as well it can wait" Chrom said "Now let's go!" he said as he charged down the hill towards the town, with Lissa and Frederick in close pursuit.

"But what about..." Ryan trailed off watching them head off to the village, losing sight of them after a few minutes of him just standing there. Shaking his head unsure what to do his eyes slowly spied the sword at his belt. Looking at it for a few seconds then looking back at the town, he took a deep breath and chased after them.

Meanwhile inside the village chaos filled the streets. People were fleeing from the group of brigands that had taken over there town in a mad rush. Standing in the middle of town the leader a dirty man with a small ponytail laughed at his handiwork, having set a huge church on fire. The majority of his gang watching it burn with him.

"Boss" another brigand shouted coming over to him "I've caught a lovely one" he said dropping a village women near his feet.

The brigand boss chuckled as he eyed the catch. She was a young blond women, which was his favorite type. She wasn't the only one, there were five other women tied up in a corner near the burning church. Once this was all over he planned to sort them out, either keeping them or selling them to slave traders. Either way he and his band were going to walk away with big pockets. Raising his axe into the air the other brigands turned to face there leader as he went over to the women.

"Gwa ha ha, good work lads, now get to it, grab anything shiny, and put the rest to the torch!" he said grabbing the blond women by her arm, lifting her up so he could see her face. "We've gots an example to set for these Ylissean types, ain't that right lass?" he said cupping her chin in his hand his boys laughing a bit as he did.

"S-stay away from me! Please! Someone! HEEEEELP!" the women screamed out trying to break his grip. The sight of his ugly face making her skin crawl, and his rancid breath making her want to gag.

"Boss!" another brigand shouted coming over to him, causing him to drop the women suddenly.

"What is it?!" he shouted "Can't ya see I'm busy here?"

"I saw some folks heading towards the village, I think it's them shepherds we heard about" he said.

Hearing that the boss grunted "So the sheep's have come to the slaughter huh, well then boys change of plans" he said to his gang. Walking over to the church sign he raised his axe "Find these goody two shoes, and put an axe in them!" he ordered to his gang as he swung chopping the sign in half. Roaring out shouts of approval eight guys splintered off, ready to crave up the people that were planning to spoil their fun.

At this point Ryan had just reached the town, looking around he saw no one around, but he could tell Chrom and the others had gone through here recently since two brigands were on the ground dead. He began to slowly walk into the town, looking for any sign of what direction they had taken. As he did however a lone brigand had already spotted him. Carrying an axe, he started to sneak up behind him.

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea…" Ryan thought as he reached a staircase leading into the city as the man drew closer and closer to him. Once he was close the axe man lifted his weapon, planning to chop him in two.

"RYAN BEHIND YOU!" a familiar voice shouted. Ryan immediately turned around in response, seeing the axe coming down he took a few steps backward in panic. Forgetting about the stairs he fell backwards, the axe blade barely missing him as he rolled to the bottom of the stairs.

The brigand then turned to see Chrom charge him, his blade drawn. Readying his axe he swung down planning to chomp Chrom in half. Chrom was ready however and at the last second dodged to the left of the brigand, and then with a quick dash step he slashed him across his chest, knocking him off his feet. The brigand was dead the moment he hit the ground bleeding from the huge open wound.

As Ryan got up Chrom quickly hurried down to him, with Lissa and Frederick coming towards them quickly.

"Ryan… you followed us, why?" Chrom asked glad to see he wasn't badly hurt.

"I…. I want to help" Ryan said as he showed him his sword "I'm armed and I know my way around a fight… if you'll have me?" Ryan said but then gripped his arm a bit, apparently having hurt it from that fall.

Chrom looked at him as Lissa came down to them "Okay…. we could use the help, but stay close and stay vigilante" he ordered "I won't be able to always save you" he added.

Ryan nodded as Lissa took his hurt arm into her hand. Before he could even begin to ask she raised her staff, which started to produce a pulse of light. Within seconds Ryan's arm felt better than ever. Moving it around a bit Lissa gave a smirk "I may not be able to fight like Chrom, but when you get hurt it will be me stitching your bones back together, care of my trusted staff" She said. Looking back at Chrom she gave him a smirk "So WHO'S the delicate one Chrom?" she asked. Chrom just shook his head at her need to get in the last word.

"I see… thanks for healing my arm Lissa" Ryan said causing Lissa to blush a bit from embarrassment.

"Oh it was nothing" she said kicking a the ground a little "I've healed a lot worse".

"If you all are done, we have company" Frederick said. Raising his silver lance forward, all three turned to see eight brigands coming towards them, apparently having heard the commotion over here. Five of them were axe wielders, the other three were carrying swords as they charged towards them.

"Lissa stand back" Chrom said readied his sword again with Ryan reaching for his own. Lissa complied immediately retreating up the steps near Frederick.

"So Ryan I see you wear a sword, is it- Wait is that a tome… you know magic?" Chrom asked noticing the tome carrier attached to his belt too.

"I believe so?" Ryan said looking at it, having not noticed that it was there. "I suppose I should check…" he said grabbing it off his belt in place of unsheathing his sword.

"You believe so?" Chrom questioned "Perhaps I'll just keep a few paces behind you for the time being" he said, clearly not liking the idea of getting zapped by friendly fire.

"No I can control it I'm sure" Ryan reaffirmed to him weakly, looking back at the charging brigands. "Now how did this work again… ah yes" he said to himself, raising his hand at the brigands. Muttering an incantation his hand produced a ball of electric energy. With a thrust of his hand it fired at the brigands who were not ready for it. One of the axe wielders was hit dead on electrocuting him severely as he hit the ground. This caused the rest to scatter to the sides, not wanting to get zapped like there companion. As they drew closer Ryan took aim at another one on his left firing another thunder spell. However he missed and the swordsman he fired it at was not about to give him time for another shot. However as he drew closer Frederick had his horse jump down towards Ryan and with a swift swing of his lance, he impaled the brigand in the neck, tossing the bandit away as he rode off to meet the foes on the left.

But Ryan didn't have time to think as another axe man from the right charged towards him. Ryan was ready this time however, slipping the tome back into its holster and drawing his blade. As the brigand started to prepare his swing Ryan swung down, catching his axe and knocking it outta his hands. With a swift kick he knocked the bandit off his feet, quickly grabbing his tome and firing another lighting spell, frying him.

Chrom wasn't left out of the brawl either. Fighting two bandits at once he was proving himself a very capable fighter. Blocking the sword of one bandit he then swung around him as another axe man swung horizontally, causing him to slicing through his buddy rather than Chrom. Not giving him a chance to counterattack Chrom charged him and slashed him across his body vertically, ending his life in one blow. Soon enough the combined efforts of the three men had finished off the eight bandits.

"Is that all of them?" Ryan asked.

"No, there leader is most likely up ahead" Frederick said "Along with what's left of these bandits".

"Then we'd better hurry and end this" Chrom said, with everyone nodding in agreement.

Back in the square the boss and his remaining flunkies were toying with the girls they had captured. A couple with perverted looks on their faces as the girls squirmed away from them, praying to god someone would help them. Soon Chrom and the group had arrived in the central plaza. Hiding behind a building Chrom peeked out, seeing the situation. He then looked back at his comrades finding Lissa checking Ryan for injuries from the last brawl, with Ryan insisting he was okay.

"Looks like there's six left… but they have girls from the village with them" Chrom said getting Lissa and Ryan's attention.

"I imagine they won't hesitate to take a hostage if things go sour" Frederick said "We must approach this carefully".

"But how are going to get them away from them?" Lissa asked.

"Well we can't stay here all day, we need a plan and fast" Chrom said trying to think of one, yet unable to think up anything. Strategy was never something he was good at, neither was Lissa or Frederick for that matter.

As he pondered on it Ryan went to look at the bandits one more time, slowly finding himself starting to study the layout of the area as well. The central plaza of town was a square shaped area; the only way to get to the bandits from where they were was small path over the stream that went straight towards the burning church. However there was a path to the right in the plaza that looped around towards the women. From of looks of it, the brigands hadn't paid it much mind, having no one over there. Factoring all these things in his mind Ryan slowly turned back to his friends who were still thinking.

"Guys I have a plan of attack" he said surprising the three Shepherds a bit. None of them expecting there amnesiac new companion to have a plan. Neither were they expecting him to have such a tactical look in his eyes, not even Frederick who in all appearances was the most veteran fighter.

"You do?" Chrom asked wanting to be sure he heard him right.

"Yeah, they will most likely take a hostage, but if we can execute it perfectly it won't matter" Ryan said. This made the group stare at him in shock and puzzlement, after all that was the thing they were trying to avoid the most.

"Are you crazy Ryan?!" Lissa asked "That's just plain stupid"

"I must say I have to agree with milady" Frederick agreed "This plan sounds too risky".

"I know, it sounds crazy even I admit, but if we all go charging in now we will be in a worse position" Ryan logically spoke to the young cleric and knight.

Lissa and Frederick both still looked at him with doubts, but to their surprise Chrom nodded "Alright… what do we do?" he asked.

"Milord are you sure this is wise?" Frederick asked a little shocked he would actually agree to this sort of plan.

Chrom nodded "Ryan has risked his life for Ylissian lives… that's more than enough reason to give him are trust" Chrom spoke. "Besides, I can see confidence in his eyes, he's thought this through very carefully, I know you can see it too Frederick".

Frederick grunted through his nose a bit but nodded "Alright… let's hear this plan of yours Ryan… and pray it works" he said giving him his undivided attention. Lissa slowly nodded too wanting to trust Ryan as well. Chrom smiled seeing them in agreement and turned to their new friend, confident his trust wasn't misplaced.

Ryan nodded "Thank you… all of you, now here's the plan…"

A few minutes the thugs were starting to get impatient, there companions should have returned by now. The leader grunted in annoyance looking at one of his grunts with irritation.

"You, how many people did ya see coming?" he asked referring to the Shepherds.

"Uhhh, I think there was only three when I saw them" he thought, trying to recall the numbers.

The boss grunted "Three versus eight… how strong could they possibly be?" he questioned to himself. His thoughts were quickly interrupted however at the sound of a horse. All of the thugs turned to see Frederick riding out in a sudden dash. He wasn't alone however; Chrom was riding with him, his sword drawn. Seeing them charge the boss let out a war cry as the thugs charged the two men on the horse. However as they did Frederick impaled one with his lance, and then with incredible strength threw his body at another sending both into the stream. As he did Chrom focused on the others, using his sword to protect Frederick's horse as they galloped away from the remaining three. Then with a jerk of the reins Frederick's horse did a one-eighty and galloped at them full speed. With his lance straight in front of him Frederick's lance ran down one of the remaining three brigands, knocking the others of their feet as they scrambled to get out of his way. However to their shock Chrom had leapt off Fredericks moving horse and swung down slicing the bandit straight down the middle. Seeing his comrade get slain the other one rushed him. Seconds later he got impaled in the chest having forgotten about Frederick as he had charged swiftly back around to finish him off. As for Chrom, he was already moving to his next target, the bandit quickly trying to crawl out of the water. Before he could fully stand up he was impaled in the gut by Chrom's blade. Pulling his sword out he let the thug fall back into the water, his eyes now focused on the leader as was Frederick's.

"Whoa… that was amazing" Lissa said as she watched from the sidelines behind the building. She had seen Chrom and Frederick fight before sure, but never in such a combo. But the real shocker was not them but Ryan, who had coordinated everything about their attack, down to what the bandits would do in response. So far Ryan's plan had worked perfectly.

Seeing all of his men dead, the thugs leader started to sweat. He could not believe it, but despite the lack of numbers two men had taken out his entire group. Knowing he stood no chance his eyes darted back to the hostage. Rushing over to them he grabbed one of them and held his axe to her throat, the women shivering in fear.

"Back off! Or I kill these girls one after the other!" he barked.

Chrom grunted, baring his teeth a bit as he pointed his sword at the bandit leader "Hurt even one of them and you won't live another second!"

"Nice try sheep boy, but I'm in control here, now drop your weapons" he ordered bringing the axe blade closer to the women's throat.

Chrom grunted in anger again, but slowly he let go of his sword its blade falling into the ground next to him. Frederick also complied, dropping his lance to the ground. Just when the bandit let a smirk escape his lips he felt cold steel enter his back and appear from his chest, red blood dripping from it. Turning around slowly in shock he saw Ryan had gotten behind him, his sword impaling him from behind. Ceasing the chance the women escaped her captor's clutches and got out of the way, allowing Ryan to finish him by yanking the sword out of his chest. Coughing up blood the bandit leader took a few steps forward before falling to the ground his life fading in only a matter of moments.

Sighing in relieve Ryan went over to the women who was on her knees "Are you okay?" he asked.

"Yes… thanks to you" she said softly, her eyes watering up from gratefulness. As Ryan helped her calm down the rest of the gang came up to them, with Lissa and Chrom quickly releasing the rest of the hostages. Each one was crying a bit in happiness, the emotional ordeal over.

"Glad to see everyone's alright" Chrom said softly.

"We can't celebrate yet milord, the fires are still raging we need to put them out" Frederick reminded them all.

"Right, Frederick see if you can't round up the villagers, it's going to take everyone to put this all out quickly" Chrom ordered. Nodding Frederick quickly raced off on his horse, leaving the rest of them to find buckets. For the next few hours everyone tolled, trying to put out all the fires. By the evening the fires had all been extinguished, a few homes were lost but the majority of the town remained intact for the most part.

Sitting down Ryan gave an exhausted sigh, his muscles sore not just from fighting, but putting out the village too. Despite that however he was smiling at a job well done. "That was hard…" Ryan said as Lissa sat down next to him exhausted as well.

"Yeah, lucky for the town we were close by" she said before turning to face him her eyes full of amazement. "But you were amazing Ryan, swords, sorcery, tactic's, is there anything you can't do?" she asked counting his skills with her fingers.

"You're certainly no helpless victim" Chrom added as he and Frederick walked over to them.

"Indeed, perhaps now you might be capable of an explanation for how you came here?" Frederick asked, now more the ever questioning his amnesia story.

"I understand your skepticism Sir Frederick, and I can't explain why only some knowledge has return to me, but I've told you all I know, please believe me" Ryan said looking at the knight. However Chrom was the one to speak next placing his hand on Ryan's shoulder turning the young man's attention to him.

"As I've stated before, you've helped to save Ylissian lives, my heart saids that's enough" he smiled.

"And your mind as well?" Frederick asked not wanting Chrom to go on just feelings alone. Any way you looked at it Ryan's claims were crazy to believe, and after today's battle it was even harder. Despite his concerns Chrom shook his head a bit before giving him a solid face.

"Frederick the Shepherds could use someone of Ryan's talents, we have brigands and unruly neighbors threatening to bloody are soil, would you really lose such an able tactician?" he questioned "Besides, I believe his story, odd as it might be" he added turning back to face him.

Hearing Chrom's words Ryan couldn't help but blush a bit, not expecting Chrom to say that. It was because of his plan that they got through a possible rough spot, but for Chrom to have so much confidence in him when they barely knew each other was shocking. Even more shocking was the fact Chrom didn't doubt Ryan at all. A part of him wanted to say something about that naivety, but Ryan couldn't bring himself to say it. After all part of him was happy that Chrom was willing to place his trust in him, despite his story. As he looked back towards him Chrom lowered a hand to him with that same soft smile Ryan had seen him use before.

"So how about it, will you join us Ryan?" Chrom asked.

Ryan looked at the hand in front of him, then back up at Chrom. For a minute he did nothing, but slowly a smile appeared on his face as he placed his hand in Chrom's, shaking it.

"I would be honored" Ryan said with a soft smile of his own. Lissa smiled herself as well as her brother, both of them happy to have a new companion with them. Frederick however just sighed as he turned to look at the church building traces of smoke coming out of it still. Suddenly he spoke up.

"Did you notice milord… the brigands spoke with a Plegian accent" he said.

In the blink of an eye Chrom's expression turned serious as he turned to face Frederick "Yeah I noticed that" he said.

Ryan got up slowly along with Lissa at hearing that "Plegian… what's that?" Ryan asked.

"Plegia is Ylisse's westerly neighbor… they send small bands into are territory hoping to instigate war" Chrom said his face as serious as Fredericks right now. Ryan could clearly tell from the anger in his eyes that this had happened for a long time now.

"And it's the poor townsfolk who suffer" Lissa added, her hand balling into a fist "Totally innocent… and totally helpless" she said anger filling her voice.

"They do have us milady" Frederick suddenly said to her, all eyes now trained on him "Shepherds to protect the sheep. Do not be swept up in your anger, it will cloud your judgment" he said causing the young cleric to sigh a bit, then slowly smiled.

"I know, I know…" she said looking up at the church "Don't worry, I'll get used to all of this" she said, her brother and Ryan smiling as she said that, nodding with her. It was then that all four heard steps coming towards them. Turning to their right they saw multiple townsfolk standing right next to them. Taking the initiative one village man spoke up.

"Milord please, you must stay the night" he said bowing to them a bit "We are simple folk of simple means, but we would gladly toast your valor with a feast!" he said. This caused Lissa's eyes to sparkle in delight.

"Dark meat only for me, medium well and no salt in the soup. I simply-

"A most generous offer sir" Frederick interrupted her "No doubt your hospitality would be grand, but we must hurry back to Ylisstol" he said, smiling for the first time since Ryan had met him. To be honest, Ryan thought it looked a tad creepy coming from him.

"What!? We're not staying, but Frederick it's nearly dark!?" Lissa complained clearly not wanting to miss a chance at free food and a warm bed. Chrom and Ryan weren't looking too thrilled about this either but held their tongues.

"When night falls, will camp, eat of the land, make our bed of twigs and the like, I believe you mention you would 'get used to all of this'?" he questioned as he turned to face her, that smile ever present on his face.

Giving up, Lissa's face plunged into a depressed pout "Frederick, sometimes I hate you" she said softly to his face.

"You've got quite the stern lieutenant there" Ryan said to Chrom and Lissa.

"Yeah well stern's one name, I can think of a few more" Lissa said with an annoyed tone.

Chrom nodded "Frederick only smiles when he's bringing down the axe" he said softly to Ryan. It sounded more like a warning to Ryan then an opinion.

"Duly noted" Ryan muttered back as Frederick cleared his throat getting back their attention.

"You do realize I am still present?" Frederick asked his face back to its normal stern looking frown.

"Oh we realize" Chrom joked, getting a few laughs out there new tactician. Frederick however didn't look amused.

"Milord remains as amusing as ever. Now then, shall we be going?" he asked getting on his horse.

"All right" Chrom said turning to face Ryan "Ready to go, the capital isn't far from here".

"Yeah" Ryan nodded as Chrom and Lissa started walking past him. Taking only a few steps forward Frederick came up next to him.

"Ryan hold a moment" Frederick said to him softly, Chrom and Lissa not noticing they stopped.

"What is it Sir Frederick?" Ryan asked confused why he stopped him.

"It's about that mark on your right hand" Frederick said pointing it out to him.

Ryan looked at it, the strange purple mark staring back at him in a way. Seeing it made Ryan shiver a bit, yet he didn't know why. "I noticed it too when Chrom first helped me up… do you know what it means?" he asked the knight, showing it to him a bit closer.

Frederick eyed him a bit but then shook his head "No…. I have no idea what it means" he said in the same tone of voice as always. Without warning he tossed Ryan a right-handed glove "I found this near your person, I assume it's yours" Frederick said pointing to the one on his left. Ryan looked at it and nodded seeing they looked the same. Quickly he put the glove over his right hand covering the mark from sight. Not seeing it anymore made Ryan feel a bit more at ease as he looked back at Frederick.

"Thanks for picking it up" Ryan said with a soft smile "Guess I owe you one".

"It's was no trouble" Frederick said his expression calming a bit.

"Hey!" Lissa's voice rang out to them, Chrom and Lissa finally noticing they weren't following "Are your guys coming or not?"

"Sorry Lissa" Ryan said rushing over to them "Frederick was just giving me something back" he said as Frederick trotted over to them as well. Thoughts going through the knights head as he looked at Ryan.

"That was clearly there mark" Frederick thought in his head "If he truly has lost his memory, I pray it doesn't come back" he thought as the group headed away from Southtown. The villagers waving and shouting farewells as they did.