Shout Outs...

Maxmagnus20019: I'll need to work on that one someday... As for Tyr, combat isn't his forte. He can fight, but he doesn't excell at it.

To Everyone: As I always say, reviews are always welcomed.

Chapter II: The Protected

Bandits, in my experience, come in two fashions: meatheads and leaders. Meatheads are idiots, untalented and often ill-equipped. Leaders usually have some grasp of tactics and deployment, often poor ones but some are capable. Thankfully the bulk of bandits are meatheads; leaders tend to deal with each other fairly quickly after realizing each other as a threat to their power. Thank god traditional armies have the chain of command to keep people in line.

Tyr: The Fall of Nergal

When it comes to axes Bartre is a genius and prodigy. He can spout off the history of axes, how subtle details of an axe can help or hinder it's performance, what axe is best for what situation and more. Outside of axes, however, he's dumb as a brick. Thank Sky he can apply that knowledge on the field or all we'd have tagging with us is a living book on 'The History of Axes: More Than You Ever Cared To Know'.

Tyr: The Fall of Nergal

0-0

"Two wagons." Tyr muttered as he looked at the list in hand. "Plus a tactician's wagon. I haven't had one of those in over six months."

"I thought you received one from Lady Lyndis when we liberated Caelin." Merlinus replied as his crew, a pair of young men, loaded the wagons.

"Bern."

"Ah."

"I wish we could get a third supply wagon, but we'll make due." Tyr said. "With any luck we can capture one from Grado along the way. If you don't mind the question, why are you here? I thought you would be serving Eliwood in Pherae."

"I was, and in a way I still do." The merchant replied. "I heard of Magvel and asked for leave. I wanted to come here and learn more before returning to Lord Eliwood's side."

"A quest for knowledge." Tyr grinned. "As noble as any."

0-0

From a passageway Eirika watched as Tyr or Tyrland as he was also known and Merlinus direct the loading of the supplies. Sighing slightly she leaned against the wall. "Coin for your thoughts my Princess?" She heard as Vanessa approached her.

"Tyr... I mean Tyrland... I mean..." Eirika stuttered. "I don't know what to think now... Why did he hide this? I admit we know little of each other but still..."

"I have heard of him." Vanessa began. "Whispers from across the ocean of a master tactician named Tyrland, the Duke of War. He led a force to his enemy's heart, slaying him and a dragon, although the last one is mere rumour. They say he was reserved and secretive, gentle and giving. But all we know are tales that we were told from someone who was told by someone who was told."

"So how do we discern truth from rumour?"

"Ask Tyrland himself. Or Merlinus even, since he was there."

0-0

"Erika." Tana called out as the Renais Princess walked the halls, turning as her friend strode up to meet her. "You don't really intend to go through with this, do you? I can't guess how you must feel, but it's just too dangerous. What would happen if you were captured by Grado's men?"

"Thank you for your concern, Tana." Eirika replied, smiling gently. "But I have no choice. Don't you see, Tana? I have to go."

"Eirika..." Tana said as she sniffed slightly. "Oh, why is this happening? What's gone wrong with the world?"

"Tana..."

"Why would Grado invade? Emperor Vigarde is a man of peace. His people adore him. And you and Ephraim are friends with Prince Lyon, are you not? What could be behind this madness? Why is this happening...?" Tana said, her body shaking with silent sobs.

"I have no answers for you, Tana." Eirika replied. "I don't want to believe it, but the reality is we are at war. If I do nothing, I may lose my brother as well as my father. This is why I have to fight. It's the only answer I have."

"And a poor one at that..." Tana sighed as she walked away, Eirika watching a moment before she walked to her destination.

Tyrland's room.

0-0

"Everything is loaded, and my own wagon is ready." Tyr muttered as he laid his cloak on the desk in his guest room.

A tactician's wagon was his home on the road. A wooden wagon built much like a small house on wheels it contained a small bed, a bookshelf with lockable doors, a desk and chair and some extra space for storage. It was as much an office and war room as it was a bed for the night. Sighing he set about to ready himself for bed as a knock sounded on his door. "Come in." He called out as the door swung open, Eirika entering and shutting it behind her. "This is a surprise. What can I do for you?"

"Um, Tyr? I mean Tyrland? I mean..." She began, scratching at her head.

"Please, I prefer Tyr." He said with a wave of his hand.

"Tyr... Please tell me..." Eirika began. "Why did you not tell me? About whom you really are?"

"Eirika..." Tyr began with a sigh. "I didn't lie. I am Tyr. I am from Elibe. And I came to start anew. I only didn't tell my whole story..."

"Please..." Eirika said moving over to take his hand. "I want to know. I want you to be able to trust me. Why?"

Sighing he moved to sit down on the bed, hand pulling away from the princess as he thought. "I'm not going to tell you about the war. That will take too long and has little to do with why I came here. Sit. I'll share some of my tale if it is what you wish."

"Please." She said, sitting down next to him.

"I was born Tyrland, in northern Bern." Tyr began. "I was the son of a Duke, Tenland. I have two elder brothers, Roland and Renland, and an elder sister, Ireland. And yes, my father was fond of names that ended with 'land'. As the youngest I stood to inherit little, and never my father's title. My elder brothers vied to become the heir and next duke, and my sister duchess. We were family, and loved each other as such, but I tried to avoid their squabbles over the title of heir and instead applied myself as a scholar. I was destined to do nothing of note until I turned fifteen. In Bern the sons and daughters of nobility and upper society are given tests to ascertain their worth as tacticians. Bern was always a powerful military nation, and always sought to better its power and the application of that power.

"I used common sense in the test. Up to that point my studies did not apply to warfare or its history. In fact I pursued a few odd hobbies, parlour tricks and escape artistry among them. I dabble in alchemy as well, and can make vulneraries and tend to collect ingredients as I travel, but the quality is half that of what stores sell. I thought I would fail, as my siblings had before me. I passed with flying colours and was drafted on the spot.

"In this I was both blessed and cursed. I learned. I learned well. So well that, without ego, I can say I was at the head of my class at the academy during the three years I spent there. However I was also known to clash with my teachers, Azure mainly. I was prone to be inventive with my approaches. He was always by the book. He treated it as law, and I a simple guideline. Still after three years I passed, at the head of my class. It was assumed I would return home and vie to be my father's heir or enter the military as an advisor.

"I felt neither suited me. So I left. I spent a year traveling, selling my talents as an advisor for hire. Most of my jobs were with villagers who paid me more in food than coin to help set up and train militias against bandits. I traveled to the plains of Sacae and met the Sacaens, noble nomads. Unfortunately I ran into a bandit. I learned the sword, something my fellow tacticians frowned upon as they felt it was best to avoid direct conflict than invite it, preferring to use bodyguards I could ill afford coin for at the time. I did subscribe to that line of thought as well, but I felt if I would spend any time on the battlefield, best come ready to fight a battle on the field. At that time, though, I was not prepared enough. I was beaten, soundly. I would have died, had it not been for her..."

"Her?"

"Lyn of the Lorca. Her true name was Lyndis and she saved my life and tended to my wounds until I could stand. Shortly after that she asked to travel with me, saying I would be her master tactician and herself my peerless warrior. An odd start, yes, but I welcomed it.

"The tales that followed are too long to speak of for now. We found she was an heir to the throne of Caelin, and others as well as I myself helped her to meet her grandfather and stop her granduncle's wicked ambitions. That took around three months before we parted ways, her by her grandfather's side and I back on the road.

"About a year after I encountered Eliwood, heir to the Pherae throne. During my time with Lyn we had met briefly. He was seeking his father and asked for my help. Soon after we were joined by Hector, brother of Marquess Ostia and I loaned to them my aid, rejoined with Lyn and from there came the War with Nergal, also called the Black Fang War. Again that tale is too long, and Merlinus can spin a better tale of it. The reason I came here happened after that.

"Our force had grown large enough to be divided into three parts: Lyndis' Legion, Eliwood's Elite and Hector's Horde, all fought under one banner and my leadership. After the war we parted ways. Some to old homes, others to new ones and some simply wandered. Friendships stayed strong and love bloomed for some. And I returned to my wanderings. Then three months later I was attacked by Etrurian men. An assassin, Jaffar who had served me quite well in the war, had gotten wind of the plot and came to my aid. Bernese men too came for me, but they and the Eturians tripped each other up enough to allow us an escape."

"Your own countrymen attacked you?" Eirika gasped.

"I thought at the time that I was seen as a traitor of sorts." Tyr said with a shrug. "During the war we entered Bern and fought against her, but more to be rid of the Black Fang. I had thought we were all pardoned but it turned out that my reputation had reached the ears of the Kings of both countries. And they sought my skills. Enough to ensure I would not refuse them. Needless to say I had no desire to be caught, and was rather dismayed as they began a war over me, which led to them being more determined as they wanted me to win the war for their side. After an elderly farming couple had hid me I fled to the nearest port. I sought passage on a ship, any ship, which would spirit me away.

"Only one ship was suitable. And its destination was Frelia, here in Magvel an ocean away. I felt if I could cross that ocean I could be away from my reputation and its troubles. I felt I could start anew without worry, free of any shackles my old life had upon me. And as I entered an inn at the port I heard tales... of my own deeds in the war. I only gave thanks that no one connected the common seeming Elibian tactician Tyr for the noble-born Elibian master tactician Tyrland. But as my own deeds were told I heard of war, of Grado's charge into Renais.

"I honestly did not want to get involved. I mean no offence, but I felt as if I would be better off leaving it alone. But experience has taught me to know better. I would become dragged into this conflict sooner or later. So I left for Renais. I chose sooner. And I came across a battle in which I nearly landed in your lap." Standing up he sighed. "I am not the man people would say of me. I am Tyrland, and the most deeds told of me are true. But I am not as brave as they say, or as selfless. I am as I am."

"I beg to differ." Eirika said as she stood as well. "You told a princess of a fallen kingdom that you would help her restore what was lost." She began, taking his hand. "You told her you would help find her brother. When a king said her mission was suicide you said otherwise. When she needed help you were there. And when she said she would go beyond the lines of the enemy you said you would follow. I have faith. You are brave and selfless. You may question that, but not I. Only if everything you told me was a lie could I believe otherwise."

"I told no lies Eirika." Tyr replied. "And I intend to keep my word. Anyways, it's late now. You'd best be off, we ride early and we may ride for a number of hours."

"Of course..."

0-0

King Hayden apologizes for being unable to spare soldiers. However, he does provide Eirika with a small but trusted party of vassals. Eirika is grateful for the king's aid.

Chasing rumours of her brother, she sets out for Grado. The group's first stop is the remote village of Ide, which was, until very recently, a part of Renais. Here, Eirika sees the devastation of Renais with her own eyes.

0-0

"Seth and Tyr have mapped out a route for us." Eirika said as she stood alongside Moulder and Vanessa. "We'll travel south of Renais and pass through Serafew into Grado territory."

"Hmm..." Moulder muttered. "That would seem a sensible plan. Assuming, of course, that we can avoid any run-ins with Grado soldiers..."

"Princess Eirika, may I have your leave to scout ahead?" Vanessa asked. "From the sky, I'll have a better chance of spotting any nearby troops."

"We're yours to command, Your Highness." Moulder added. "Will you give your permission?"

"Yes, of course." Eirika replied. "Tyr had wanted it done regardless and wants as few surprises as possible. Keep an eye out for enemy bowmen though, Vanessa." She added, remembering the lessons Tyr had begun to teach her.

"Yes, Your Highness, I shall." Vanessa replied quickly, moving towards her steed and mounting on the white horse with wings. "I shall prove myself worthy of the honour of your trust." Taking the reins she guided the beast into the air.

"She seems very... sincere." Eirika remarked.

"Sincere... Yes, quite." Moulder agreed.

0-0

"With any luck we'll get there in due haste." Tyr said, he and Seth looking over a map in his wagon. "But it would be best to be a thorn in Grado's side, try to make them slow down a little. It could be risky, but if we can beat Grado's men along the way people will be inspired to take up arms."

"Are you certain?" Seth asked doubtfully. "We are a small troupe to begin with."

"This is why we need to do this Seth, to gather numbers to our cause." Tyr replied. "When I began guiding Lyn and Eliwood in their journeys we began with so few people. By the end we were the finest force Elibe had ever seen. People would see our goals and struggles before adding their strength and knowledge to our own. What concerns me is what's going on in Grado itself. I heard the emperor was a man of peace."

"Once." Seth replied.

"So why this war?" Tyr asked. "Why attack Renais? I have heard of no infractions. Does he still rule? Has someone other than his son assumed command of Grado and uses his name? I fear I shall not like the answer..."

"You led the battles that stopped Nergal, a madman." Seth replied. "Surly you can't worry so much."

"Many people don't know it, but Nergal was once a kind and generous man." Tyr added. "But he became corrupt, seeking nothing but power. Maybe this is what happened...?"

0-0

"Erika, what's the sitrep?" Tyr asked as he walked over to the princess, Seth leading his horse by the reins.

"Sitrep?" Erika questioned softly.

"Situation report." Tyr clarified with a sigh.

"Oh, I get it." Erika replied with a nod. "Vanessa has taken off to scout ahead of us."

"And it seems she has a report of her own." Seth added, spotting the pegasus knight as she flew down, landing before them.

"I have bad news!" Vanessa called out. "The village to the east is under attack by bandits."

"Bandits?" Erika gasped out.

"Bandits..." Tyr spat out. "I hate bandits. They're probably taking advantage of Renais' fall, and I doubt Grado's in a rush to stop them."

"We have arrived at our first dilemma." Moulder mused. "We must move quickly and attract as little attention as possible, but..."

"But I cannot stand by and watch innocents be harmed." Erika replied.

"Agreed." Tyr added. "We need to stop them before they gather numbers and strength; otherwise they'll be a greater threat. We should deal with them now rather than later. What's the exact situation Vanessa?"

"Sir!" Vanessa barked out. "One injury, apparently a child."

"Father Moulder, can your staff help him?" Erika asked.

"Well, yes, I can heal his injuries with my staff, but I cannot do it from here. I must be near him." Moulder replied.

"Princess, Sir Tyrland, please leave this to me." Vanessa said. "I shall bring the boy here."

"Agreed, do it and don't waste time!" Tyr barked out.

"Very well! I'm off!" Vanessa declared, guiding her steed back into the sky.

"Gilliam, go guard our front!" Tyr bellowed, drawing his own sword. "I want these bandits dealt with quickly and without injury to ourselves. Right now move forward, not out of our sight but enough to keep the bandits at bay while we deal with things." The warrior nodded before marching off down the road.

"What about us sir?" Franz asked as he, Seth and Erika stood by.

"I want you to go to the nearby villages." Try replied. "Eirika the closest and you the farthest and Seth to the south, tell them to get men on the walls with bows. Or lots of rocks, whatever they have." He added as the three took off.

"I've brought the boy." Vanessa said as she landed nearby, a youth riding pillion with her. "Father Moulder, please heal his wounds." She asked as the older man nodded, chanting as his staff began to glow.

"Vanessa, good work." Tyr said with a nod.

"It's not done yet, there's another man over there, an axe fighter." Vanessa replied.

"Well don't dally here, go back and get him over here!" Tyr replied as Vanessa nodded, taking off once more.

"My wound! It's gone!" The youth said as Moulder finished his spell.

"Yes, it is." Moulder replied. "Now try to keep out of harm's way."

"On a battlefield?" Try replied with a snort, the boy turning to face him as Erika returned.

"Tyr, I have-"

"Hey, listen! My village is being attacked by bandits!" The youth interrupted. "My name's Ross. Come on! You have to help me wipe those thugs out!"

"Take it easy there lad." Tyr replied calmly.

"Tyr's right." Erika added. "Just take a deep breath and calm down, Ross. Leave the villages to us. We'll drive out the bandits. We should have Seth take him somewhere safe."

"No! Wait!" Ross called out, pulling out a smaller throwing axe. "I'm going to fight too!"

"Are you now?" Tyr replied, musing slightly.

"But..." Erika began before being cut off.

"My father is out there all alone fighting those bandits." Ross added. "I've got to get back to him as quickly as possible! I'm the son of the great Garcia! As long as I have my axe no bandit will defeat me!"

"Tyr?" Erika asked softly.

"You know how to use that thing?" Tyr asked as Ross nodded once. "At range?" He continued receiving another nod. "Fine. My name is Tyr; I'm the tactician of this motley crew, so you answer to me, understood."

"Perfectly Boss!" Ross replied.

"Good." Tyr replied. "Vanessa has gone off to go fetch your father, met them and them get them to stand guard with Gilliam, the armoured knight down there. Once Franz returns we move to drive the bandits out. Got it?"

"You got it." Ross replied, nodding before walking off, Franz rushing over to them as he returned from the village.

"Franz, support Gilliam!" Tyr called out, Franz nodding and guiding his hose past the tactician and the princess. "Forgive me for having to calm Ross down first." Tyr replied as he faced Erika. "You had something to report?"

"Yes." Erika nodded. "I went to the village, and saw a military commander of some form. I introduced myself as Erina, seeing as Grado is after me. Thankfully I did so; the woman was a Grado General."

"A general! Here!" Tyr cried out, looking about.

"She said she needs to return to the capital, and I only saw a couple men with her, bodyguards I assume." Erika continued. "Her name is Selene, and she offered payment to guard the villages here."

"That's a piece of irony..." Tyr mused. "You sure she will not be a problem for the moment?"

"I doubt it, she left before I did and her path took her east." Erika sighed.

"Good, and well done." Tyr replied. "Join Gilliam, we won't wait for Seth, I think he'll catch up with us."

"Right." Erika said before walking over towards Gilliam, Tyr following as Vanessa and a powerful looking man joined them, Ross grinning with relief.

"This is your father then?" Tyr asked as he appraised the warrior.

"Yes, this is my father, Garcia." Ross replied.

"And you must be Tyr then." Garcia replied. "You got experience boy?" He asked, Franz answering before he could.

"He is also known as Tyrland, Elibe's Master Tactician." Franz replied, Garcia's eyebrow rising.

"I prefer Tyr however, and we have work that needs to be done." The tactician replied. "Most of these men will have axes. Franz, draw your sword and take point with Erika. Garcia, follow them and support as needed. Ross, stay with your father and watch his back, Gilliam, Moulder and Vanessa have the rear. Move out!"

0-0

"Who are these guys!" Bone, a bandit leader asked himself as he watched the column of troop wipe his men out systematically. "That man in the green cloak is bossing them around; if I take him out we can win this!" He added, watching as his remaining men held their ground as Franz and Erika fought them, Seth flanking from the side, Garcia stepping around them and flanking from the other. "Yeah... He's dead!" Bone said as he ran down the hillside, charging the cloaked man.

"Tyrland!" The Vanessa cried out. "To your left!"

"What?" Tyr said as he turned about, the bandit nearly on him, axe brandished. "No!"

"Die you- what!" Bone let out as a youth stepped between them, using his smaller axe to block his swing. "Stupid boy, you'll-Gah!" He gasped out as Tyr jammed his sword into the man's neck.

"Oh shut up you bloody fool." Tyr replied as he withdrew his sword, the man slumping to the ground. "Thank you Ross." He said as the boy rubbed at his hand.

"I have a legacy to live up to." Ross replied with a grin.

0-0

"That seems to be the lot of them..." Gilliam mused an hour later.

"Agreed." Tyr replied as Erika and Seth walked over.

"I'm glad we drove them off." Erika said with a sigh. "I don't want to see more people hurt."

"No one does." Tyr replied. "At least, no decent person does." He added as Garcia walked over.

"You saved my son." Garcia began, axe strapped to his back. "I owe you my thanks."

"It's not necessary..." Erika replied with a smile.

"...Hold on a moment..." Seth began frowning thoughtfully. "Aren't you... the Great Garcia? You fought for Renais, didn't you?" Seeing no answer Erika began to speak.

"Seth, do you know this man?" She asked.

"He was a troop commander for Renais until around ten years ago." Seth began. "When I was a recruit, the soldiers used to tell many tales about him. They called him a daring and fearless fighter for Renais." After a pause he pressed forward. "Master Garcia, you must know the peril our homeland faces right now... Can we impose you to lend your strength to Renais once again?"

"...I'm sorry, I'm retired now." Garcia began. "I'm not a soldier anymore. It's... a decision I made long ago."

"Master Garcia..." Seth gasped slightly.

"I knew a retired soldier once named Wallace." Tyr began. "He was once retired, but took up arms when he saw a cause to fight for."

"Perhaps." Garcia replied. "But understand back then I lived my life fighting for my country's honour. I left no time for my family. I spent my life fighting for faceless, uncaring nobles. When my wife fell ill and died, I met the child she left behind... At that moment, I finally realized what my duty had cost me." He added, Erika lowing her head slightly. "I stood at my wife's grave and promised her I would be a father to our son." Garcia added with a sigh. "I'm done with armies. I'm done with fighting, except to protect my son. I've no regrets. I'm the boy's father."

"I must admit, I am disappointed." Tyr said with a sigh. "But I also understand, being the son of a faceless noble myself."

"Now hold on a moment you... you blasted fool!" Ross bellowed out as he walked over to the group. "Father, what's all this nonsense I'm hearing?"

"Oh dear..." Tyr muttered.

"Ross!" Garcia bellowed.

"If you're not going, then I will!" Ross declared, pulling out his axe and holding it over his head. "I'm a fighter! I know I can do this!"

"Ross, what are you saying? I..." Garcia let out before Ross continued on.

"Dad, Please! Listen to me!" Ross asked. "I respect you more than any other man in the world. I know you gave up being a soldier for me. I know that! But how can you throw away such a big part of yourself? You're a warrior at heart! You can't give that up and be happy!" Ross said as Garcia stared in silence. "Look at me, Dad! Have you seen me fight? I'm not a child anymore. I'm a warrior, like you. You're free to worry, but I can survive on my own!"

"...Ross." Garcia let out with a sigh.

"You want to challenge me, Father? I'm a fighter! The best in all of Ide! I'm not gonna to lose to you! I'm not gonna lose to anyone!"

"...You're right." Garcia let out with a small grin. "You're a good solider, Ross. Sir Tyrland, Duke of War." He began, turning to the tactician. "If these old bones of mine can still serve, I'd like to join you."

"Dad..." Ross let out.

"Looks like my boy grew up while I wasn't looking..." Garcia chuckled. "He's tougher than I thought. He doesn't need my help. I've raised him as best I could, but he's right. I've nothing to fear. I should fight. I will fight."

"Dad!" Ross exclaimed with a smile, resting his hand on his father's shoulder.

"Well, you've done a fine job with the boy Garcia." Tyr smiled, crossing his arms. "He's still got a lot to learn, but that young man looks to have potential, and determination. As for yourself, you're experience and knowledge will be a great boon to us."

0-0

"Thank you so much for your help." The village mayor said with a smile to Erika. "Please, stay the night and rest..."

"We would if we could, but we have much to do and far to travel." Erika replied with a sigh. "Your safety is reward enough."

"Ah, well..." The mayor said, rubbing at his head. "My, that is a splendid bracelet you're wearing."

"Thank you. My father gave this to me." The princess replied.

"It's a wonderful gift." The man replied. "But you should be careful, wearing such a valuable item so openly. Since Renais was invaded, things have become so dangerous around here. There are gold-hungry thieves and bandits everywhere. The most wicked are Bazba's Bandits. They are... cruel beyond words. If your have something they want, your life is worth less than nothing. Just the other day they assaulted some travelers and... Oh, it was awful."

"I... I can't believe such things..." Erika gasped, fingering her bracelet slightly.

0-0

"Ah, a quiet night." Tyr mused as he and Garcia sat near a fire, Ross excitedly talking with Gilliam nearby. "Can you ask for more after such a day?"

"I think not." Garcia mused. "Sir Tyrland-"

"Please, call me Tyr." The tactician said, waving his hand. "I try to keep an open door policy with my men, being called Tyrland sounds too formal for comrades."

"Tyr, then." Garcia said with a nod. "You said you were the son of a faceless noble yourself?"

"My father was Duke Tenland, he ruled a large province in Bern, Elibe's largest country." Tyr replied. "He was rather harsh with his subjects, and had a fondness for girls who have yet to come of age. I would not call him evil, but immoral and self-serving are titles that fit him well."

"I would think your father would be a great man, like yourself."

"Unlike Ross I cannot claim to be close to the man I call father." Tyr said with a sigh. "Most of my raising was done by a scholar and his wife, whose footsteps I planned to follow in."

"I would have thought you would inherit your father's title." Garcia added as he poked at the fire with a stick.

"I have two brothers and a sister, all my elder. I would have inherited little, of which I cared little for." He added with a sigh. "On the odd day I would travel to towns near the castle. I would see their poverty, and could do little to help. All I ever could do was a few stage shows, slight of hand, feats of magic-less illusion, something to take their minds off the daily droll. I never wanted to be involved in warfare either; Bern's army drafted me into their academy."

"Go on." Garcia pressed.

"I excelled at what I did, and once I was done I took no station offered, nor did I return home. I left Bern, seeking to use my new skills." Tyr added with a chuckle. "Sky, I was miserable those first few weeks. But I found work; setting up militia's here and there, organizing a town's guard to hunt bandits. It was only a strange twist of fate the led me to-"

"Tyrland, Garcia!" Vanessa called out as she ran over.

"Call me Tyr, please." The strategist sighed as he and the warrior stood up. "What's the matter?"

"Seth has called a march!" Vanessa replied. "He says someone stole the Princess' bracelet and he seems bent on retrieving it."

"A bracelet?" Tyr frowned. "I'll talk to him. But for now, Garcia, go get your son and ready my wagon to move. I'll be along shortly."

"Yes sir!" Garcia let out before walking to the wagon.

0-0

"What's this about chasing after a trinket?" Tyr asked as he approached Seth, adjusting the saddlebags on his horse.

"It's a bracelet and gift of her father's." Seth replied before mounting up on his steed.

"It's a trinket." Tyr replied as Seth sighed.

"I... I cannot elaborate..." Seth replied. "Just trust me on this..."

"...Seth, we don't know what we're being dragged into here." Tyr replied. "Is chasing after a trinket, gift of her late father's or not, worth such a risk."

"Yes."

"...All right, but one of these days you're going to explain what this is all about." Tyr replied before turning about and marching to his wagon. "Chasing after another piece of jewellery..." He muttered. "Wallace was right, all wars are the same."