Okay, so it's just about the first week of the sixth month. I haven't gotten any reviews about the last chapter but I know that some people have read it, or at least came to it, so I'm going to have to assume that they didn't see anything contradictory to the rest of the story. Oh well.

I might not be able to write as much as I planned because of summer work, but I'll do as much as I can. For now, enjoy.

Chapter 17: Castle in the Sky

They all looked at Violet who looked back clueless at them. "What?"

"You knew that it was Mark's brother down there and you let us walk into that trap?" Lyn said venomously.

"Huh? H-hold on! It's not like that, I swear."

"I suggest we hear her out before condemning her." Eliwood suggested.

"Fine, you've got five minutes to 'WOW' me."

"Okay I'll tell you what I know. Several months ago, a brown cloaked stranger appeared. He was wandering around aimlessly and had no idea of where he was, or any tongue that we could understand. Instead he went to the library, the one that Mark went to, and studied our language. It took him two weeks and he stayed here during that time.

He learned the entire language fluently in roughly two weeks and two more girls showed up. He taught them and they grasped the language in a week and a half. We were getting to know each other when he said that they needed to continue on their mission which was to search for his brother. To travel the world, they needed names.

The two girls obviously thought of this already and had their names picked out in advance. His name was a lot harder to decide. He kept on disagreeing, wanting to just go out and find his brother. Seeing him this agitated, I suggested something along the lines of 'Mark'. He inquired about who this was and I was forced under pain of death to tell the entire story.

He decided this 'Mark' seems promising and if he wasn't his brother, then perhaps he met him on one of his travels. So he wanted a name that sounded like Mark. I suggested Martin, after the warrior, and he said he'll use it. Whether he remembered it was another story as you've shown me."

"So you knew this all along and you never told us?!"

"How was I supposed to know?!"

"Besides the fact that they looked exactly like each other?!"

"I knew all along but you never gave me a chance to explain! I thought that he already found Mark and they had separate plans!"

"Did you even try to explain?!"

"Yes!"

"When?!"

"When he was mentioning the suspicious runes. I was trying to talk, but you interrupted me and I couldn't a word in edge-wise."

"Yeah?! Well…"

"She does have a point Lyn."

"Fine! I suppose you do have a point. The question still stands as to whether or not we can trust you."

"What are you talking about?"

"If you hadn't noticed, Mark is gone. He was taken by his so called brother. Any ideas why?"

"Uh…not really. Sorry."

"Which leads us back to our original question of what to do next."

"Why not break it down to its simplest form? What were we doing in the beginning of the journey?"

"We were looking for the causes of the outbreaks of shadow creatures that seem to be attacking in no distinct pattern."

"Then we met up with Mark and detoured to find a cure for him before getting looped into a family feud."

"Not much of a feud, he seems to want to find Mark."

"Anyway, we know that the group that captured Mark is connected in some way to the shadow creatures we fought."

"Right, we saw them working in conjunction with each other."

"We find the group, we find Mark. Simple."

"Not quite so simple, Lyn. The next question is whether or not we can trust Mark."

"What are you talking about?! He's our tactician, our friend."

"Yes, but there is always the possibility that he may in fact be an enemy, as much as I would hate for that to happen."

"Either way, we still have to hunt down that group. When the time comes, we can ask him ourselves and decide on what to do. The most, and probably the worst thing, we can do to him would be to no longer consider him as a friend."

"We won't do that. I am sure."

"As am I."

"Count me in."

"I am with you as well my lords."

"Yeah yeah, nice and touching and all, but have you forgotten that you don't have a clue as to where to go next?" Violet mentioned.

The lords looked thoughtful for a moment. "The only new information we would get would be from this old scroll," Lyn said, taking the scroll out of her pack.

"May I look at it? I might be able to supply my assistance." They all looked at Violet. "I think it's funny to imitate Martin…and it would seem that Mark would speak the same way."

Lyn nodded and handed over the scroll to Violet. Her eyes flicked back and forth, skimming the aged parchment. Finally, she looked up at them.

"Did you find out what it said?"

"Nope!" They all did an anime faint.

"I did find out that this was written probably by someone who was a lot like Mark because the writing style doesn't fall into any standard format."

"How would you know if couldn't read it?"

"Intuition. Anyway, to find out what this thing means, I'm going to need some glyphs."

"Uh-huh. And where do we find these glyphs?"

"Not to worry, I recognize the writing style a little. Everyone collects the glyphs in this city. You might have to do a few odd jobs to find some, but it's the most sure fire way to get them."

"Alright, we'll go and gather the troops to find these glyphs."

"And I'll start prepping the room I'll use to translate the scroll."

So the lords went out and informed everyone of what they were to do. Everyone then scattered to find jobs to earn the glyphs. Ninian, Nils, Nino, Rebecca, and surprisingly, Jaffar waited on customers in a café. Lyn, Eliwood, Will, Florina and her sisters, and Heath delivered posts for the city. Hector and Karel and his sister got several glyphs by entering a tournament and turning down the money for the glyphs. Karel was just happy that he could fight. Matthew and Legault however got the most glyphs, though how they got, no one wanted to know.

It took a good part of the day and was close to evening when they returned to the inn. Violet gladly took the glyphs and retreated to her room for analysis. There was nothing they could do except wait for Violet to finish with the translating, though chances are that it was going to be done in the morning by earliest.

"Suppose that Violet can make heads or tails of that scrap, how are we suppose to know if we can trust what it says and what she says?" Hector asked suspiciously.

"A hunch," Lyn replied simply.

"So you're basing all of this on a hunch?"

"Of course not, that 'would be foolhardy' according to Mark. 'Never base what you do on one reason alone.'"

"You-"

"Yes I still believe in him, and if you were a true friend, Eliwood, you would believe in him too."

"I wasn't going to say anything like that," he said calmly, understanding her feelings somewhat. "I was going to say 'You must be at your wits end with all that is going on'."

Lyn looked sheepish. "Well, I suppose that I am tired of what has and what will happen. I just wish it was as simple as when we were fighting Nergal. It was just taking him out of the picture, and everything falls into place."

"Yes, but this situation is hardly like that."

"Yeah, this time, we're dealing with something that thinks on the level of Mark."

"I know that Hector. As much as I'm ashamed to admit it, I want Mark back." She continued before they could start. "I need him not only as a friend, but also as a tactician, a mentor. He always listened to me without making any judgment and said what he thought would be best without holding anything back.

"That was his policy you know." Lyn fell silent though the scene played in her mind.

"Listen, Lyn. A tactician's job is not always so glamorous. You have to tell others to take lives and use the most underhanded tricks in the world to accomplish victory for your army. But the most painful thing that will happen would be when one of your companions asks you a question or for your opinion."

"Why's that?" she asked without thinking before clamping her hands over her mouth.

Mark just chuckled. "Don't worry. The pain is actually because you have to tell whoever's asking what you think they should do, even if it's painful to them. If you are too close to them, you feel the pain as well. That's also why tacticians can never get too close to his army."

Lyn shook her head softly to clear it. "I'm heading up to bed now guys." Sounds of people bidding her good night can be heard echoing in the din of the inn.

Lyn collapsed on her bed, totally exhausted from the events of the day. Thoughts of Mark swam around inside her head. He loomed just beyond her reach and whenever she was close enough, he just moved back. She would have thought that he was taunting her if it wasn't for a frown on his face. Before she knew it, it was daybreak, and amazingly, she was refreshed.

She made her way down to the lobby of the inn where most of the army was already prepping for the travel that they were sure to travel to. It was several hours and nearing noon before Violet staggered down the stairs and collapsed in a chair at the lords' table.

"Mission accomplished," she muttered tiredly.

"Don't tell me that you were up all night!"

"Okay, I won't tell you then. Can I tell you Hector?"

"Sure, go ahead!"

"I was up all night translating this." She tossed a sheet of paper on the table and sank in her chair. "The hard part was figuring out what it meant and where the map was hidden. I figured out that the glyphs formed a map that will lead you to whatever was written on there. Wake me up when you find the whatever." And with that she fell into a dead faint.

Lyn picked up the paper and read it.

Castle in the Sky

The threat to our lands is deep and dark,

Stopping it won't be a walk in the park.

But you have proven worthy and wise,

What a swell bunch of gals and guys.

But when the pretenders try to take the throne,

You won't be able to stop them alone.

The path to his past goes on for miles,

Getting there may take you a while.

You can't walk or fly there, you'll have to float.

So get out of here and go South on a boat.

"I repeat, 'Why is it always in a poem?'"

"Not now Hector, we need to decide on what to do. Lyn?"

Lyn looked thoughtful for a moment, but she quickly shook her head to clear up any doubt. "I want to look for Mark and get the full story from him." She had a fierce look of determination in her eyes.

Eliwood and Hector nodded. "Agreed," they chorused.

"Next order of business then, where does this lead us? How can we know to trust this poem?"

"I repeat, 'A hunch'. Besides, if we don't use this, then we've no leads to take us to Mark. She said that it seems like something Mark or someone like him would write."

"Okay, we'll follow it. Let's break it down and figure out what it means. The first line obviously means something bad is going to happen."

"Wow! Did you figure that out by yourself or did someone hand you a cheat sheet?"

"Quit being sarcastic Hector. The next line is a compliment I suppose."

"That would seem appropriate, though the next lines don't make any sense."

"'When the pretenders try to take the throne, you won't be able to stop them alone'…She's right, what does that mean?"

"Well obviously, some people want to take over the throne and we'll need help stopping them."

"Wow Hector, 'Did you figure that out by yourself or did someone hand you a cheat sheet?'"

"Don't mock me. Anyway, the lines afterwards mention something about traveling on 'his path'. Suppose this someone is Mark, how do you travel someone's past?"

"By taking a trip down Memory Lane?"

"This is no time to be cracking jokes."

"Fine, sorry, so we're to find out more about Mark's past."

"That's good…I suppose…I'd rather him tell us, but since he can't remember it himself I suppose that this is the next best thing."

"He wouldn't mind that much. He told me 'If you remember anything about my past, it would be very well appreciated if you could remind me.'"

"The final lines say to take a boat and go south."

"Uh-huh…and what are we supposed to float on? The sand?"

"OF COURSE!!! IT'S SO SIMPLE!" Violet cried out as she woke up with a start. She looked around for a second and turned sheepish. "Sorry. I mean it's utterly and needlessly complicated."

"You have an idea of what we're supposed to do?"

"Yep! The archeologists unearthed a large ship a couple of years ago. It's at the public museum."

"And this relates to our problems how again? We still need a boat that can go over sand."

"You weren't listening were you? This is a ship. Moreover, the historians and several other scientists say that with the right forces, it can fly."

"You are one crazy chick you know that?"

"I'll ignore that comment for now. But still, I bet that that ship is the one that you need."

"Fine, we'll go looking at it and if it seems airworthy, we'll take it out for a spin."

"Enough talk, we head out now!"

So they all went out the museum. It was nice and sunny, the breezes cooled their skin. The museum was also pretty interesting. There were all sorts of oddities that where held there, a giant turtle shell that must have been more than 20 ft. and skeletons of giant beings that they called dinosaurs.

They made their way to where the ship was held. It was very big, sizing to over 200 meters in length and it had more than six floors, not counting the bilge. The main mast towered over them and it was a wonder that the ceiling was extended to fit the ship.

"Man, you can house the entire army in this thing." Whistled Lyn, impressed.

"So, how do we get it out?"

"No problem, I have a plan."

"Since when does Hector have plans?"

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Let's just go and get supplies for today. We don't know what we'll run into next."

"NOOOOO! Where's the Hector that we know and love?!" cried Lyn.

"Awww…You love me?"

"No, I love Mark, not you."

Again Hector pulled Eliwood aside. "Moving pretty fast those two, don't cha think?"

"Riiiiight…well anyways, let's move along. There's not much we can do here."

The rest of the day was spent shopping. The girls were thrilled, even Lyn. Aside from some of the necessities for battle, they also shopped for some luxury items. There were plenty of dresses that weren't exactly war suited but they were nice looking. Either way, there were funds to spare and most had a very good time. Well, except for some of the guys who were against shopping.

That night, everyone was in bed. Everyone, except the army, who were in front of the museum.

"Okay Hector, what's this ingenious plan of yours?"

"He's right over here!" Hector exclaimed cheekily and pulled Matthew to him in a headlock.

"Wha- Me?"

"Yep! Ol' Matty here's our key into the museum."

"So in other words, we're stealing the ship?" Lyn said looking darkly at Hector.

"No, no, no. You don't have to use the word 'steal' per say. You can say 'commandeer' or 'borrow without asking or permission' in place of 'steal'."

Lyn sighed, "Fine, if it'll help find Mark."

Matthew set to work on the lock. "Tis' ting' ere's locked up tight tas a trum," Matthew mumbled as he tried to pick the lock. He kept his tools in his mouth for easy access.

"Perhaps I can be of assistance," Legault answered. Matthew only nodded and the two of them started again on the lock. In no time at all, the lock was opened and they were free to peruse the museum at their leisure, which was to say none at all because they needed to take the ship.

Once on board, they all realized that they were missing one crucial element. "Okay everyone, listen up," Eliwood started. "Who here knows how to fly a ship?"

"Lord Eliwood, even if we knew how to man a ship, asking for us to fly it is down right insane," said Dart, a pirate who knew how to operate a vessel in the water, but not in the air.

"Aw, who cares?! We'll just do something and hope for the best!" shouted Hector.

"And there's the Hector we know," said Lyn with a smirk.

The next half hour was spent with everyone running around the ship trying to find a way to start it up. Finally, Nino shouted, "Lords! Is this it?!"

They saw Nino standing in front of a large cylinder object that ran the height of the room. It was metallic and had glittering stones embedded in it.

"Whoa, what is this thing?"

"Dunno, maybe we're supposed to do something with it."

"Get the magic users here. They're brainy enough to figure this out."

Several moments later, the 'magicians' came out. "We've figured out how to get this thing in the air. Flying and steering it is another matter."

"No prob, we'll figure out that part. Just get this thing up."

They nodded and went back into the room. Inside, they sent certain spells towards the cylinder, though not much detail shall be given because it is far too complex. Just know that the energy sent towards the cylinder was converted into a different energy and is used to generate lift for the ship, while outside winds will determine the speed of the ship, and so on.

After that, it was like any other ship, if you simply ignore the fact that you're floating several decameters off the ground and any flux in the input energy will cause you to plummet to your doom. Still, it was mostly guided by the winds like a normal ship and it can move much faster because the winds are at higher speeds at that altitude.

Being a natural pirate made Dart extremely adept for navigating the ship. Thus, command was given to him and the lords resigned themselves to helping out where they can.

To get out of the museum, they flew directly up, crashing the ceiling with a heaven-shaking sound. Then they hightailed it out of there towards the South. It was several hours before they saw something more than promising. From a distance, it looked like an upside-down triangle. As they flew closer though, it was clear that it was not an upside-down triangle. It was an upside-down pyramid. What was more was that it was floating with four smaller pyramids floating in a ring around it.

The large pyramid dwarfed the smaller ones. The smaller ones were barely big enough for a person to stand on. The larger one was, for comparison sake, was larger than the Pyramids of Giza. Yeah, that is really big, considering that it's during that time period, in that dimension, and that it's floating in midair.

They neared it and Dart dropped the anchor to steady the ship in midair.

"How was this thing hidden for so long?!" wondered Eliwood.

Lyn looked around and then looked towards the compass. "There! It's hidden by the sun in the day, and no one would brave the desert at night."

"Well no one except us," proclaimed Hector proudly. "How's the weather up there Matthew?" He asked. Matthew was sent to the crow's nest because of his ability to see far through the darkness. Unfortunately, deserts get very cold at night and even colder when you take the top roosts. Matthew couldn't say anything even if he wanted to, and if he did say something, it would probably some choice foul words directed towards his lords.

"Look! Regarde!" Shouted Eliwood.

In front of them was a small smoke cloud that was expanding by the second. Shortly after, the clouds parted down the middle to reveal a floating skull wrapped in bandages.

The bandages were not wrapped around thickly. In fact, several areas were bare. His right eye was uncovered and the eyeball itself was still in there and seemed to be the only part of his dismembered head that was remotely not decomposing. His jaw was only partially wrapped and only at the sides and underside. It was the only thing that held it up.

"Uh-hi, do you speak our language?" Hector asked uncertainly.

"He's a floating head. Why aren't we running and screaming?" asked Lyn.

"Dunno. Maybe he's here for a reason."

The head turned towards each of them when they were speaking. He opened and closed his mouth several times and moths flew from them. After shaking the last of them off, he opened his mouth and spoke in a clear voice.

"Greetings, I am Pharaoh Veri Un-khauman."

"Err…hi there, mister Pharaoh sir. Was this your place?" Lyn asked trying to be as polite as you can get when talking to a floating head.

"Indeed Miss. I was the ruler here and this is also my resting tomb. Several months ago though, some strangers went into my resting palace and disturbed me. They wanted to place something there and asked me to help those who wished entrance. Strange plans, but I complied."

"So you're here to help us then?" Eliwood was relieved that they didn't have to fight an undead.

"Only to get in. Afterwards, I'm afraid that you are on your own." He said solemnly.

"We'll figure out the rest once we're inside," said Lyn as patiently as she can. She will stop at nothing to see Mark and get a final answer from him.

"Take four casters with you, one of each type of magic. Place them on the designated pyramids and the door to the large one shall appear." With a final nod, he faded away.

"Dart, take us down, we need the magic users," said Eliwood.

"No problemo, Boss!" shouted Dart in a thick accent from who knows where.

One on the ground, decisions had to be made. Obviously, Eliwood, Hector and Lyn were coming along, and they decided to take along Erk, Canas, Lucius, and Serra. Eliwood decided to leave his mount, Veillantif, aground. Everyone else was to stay on the ground for backup, including the air-riders.

To protect themselves from the winds, each of the castors had a ward barrier placed around them and those who could use staves were equipped with one to use on themselves should the proceedings take longer than planned.

As they flew close to the pyramids, everyone could feel the hairs on their neck stand on end from the intense magical barrier around the large pyramid. It was awe inspiring if nothing else. It would be a good example to show someone that they are really insignificant.

Anyway, after dropping off the castors at the right pyramids (they had symbols on them), the lords were able to enter the larger pyramid. At the top was a large stairway that led into the depths of the pyramid.

Inside, it was surprisingly warm compared to the outside air. Small torches were lit that gave it a homey feeling. The first sections of the walls were stone, hard and cold, but they led to the first doorway that was lavishly decorated.

The door led to a larger room that was more elaborately furnished. There were red carpets and potted plants and even a coffee table with cushy looking chairs around it. Having no time to explore the expensiveness of the room, they pressed onwards. Eventually, through several more impressive rooms and corridors, they found themselves at a cross road. Three paths diverged from the single one they were on.

"Looks like we have to split up," said Eliwood sagely.

"Split up?! Are you insane?! That's when the KCHHHH! Happens!" said Hector in a loud voice. He slid one finger across his throat to emphasize the 'KCHHHH!' part.

"Don't be such a big baby," Lyn teased with a smirk as she set out on one path.

"I'm not," pouted Hector as he went on another one.

Eliwood sighed and set off on the last remaining path.

Next up, we get to see what happens in Mark's past. If anything looks too wierd in the next few chapters, it's probably meant to be like that.

As for this chapter though, I know that a pyramid was a tomb for a pharaoh and not a castle, but I was running out of good names. Anyway, say the pharaoh's name out loud and see what it sounds like. It shows how he relates to his fellow subjects when he was alive.

If you have any questions or see something wrong (grammatical errors, which I know there are, and-or inconsistencies) please tell me.

Also, you'll notice that I changed the summary and name.