Shout Outs...
AccessBlade: Glad it was enjoyed.
Maxmagnus20019: Untrained Swordsman to Crosbowman... Heh. And I thought it made more sense than anything else, and I didn't want to use the 'it's magic' excuse from silentsentinel's Shells.
X00001: You are welcome.
Aquatic-Idealist: True, but I try to make it original now and then while keeping the story everyone loved. With someone else tossed in.
Rising Hero: Thanks.
Kalisona: Master Tactician 1.5? Why don't we just call him a Super Master Tactician, ala the Super Trainees? Anyway, the crossbow seemed like a good idea, if only because now Tyr can now go 'Boom! Headshot!'
Ganheim: . Bah! So many typos! -Faints- Gah-ah-ah-ah...
Chapter IX: Distant Blade
I am not going to blow off someone who wants to learn a new skill. Hector wants to pick up a sword? Have someone teach him. Is Eliwood looking to learn of the lance? Have someone teach him. Erk holding a healing staff like a club? Have someone teach him. Lyn wants to use a bow? Have someone teach her well in advance of the next battle. Getting shot in the rear with an arrow is far from a pleasant experience. On a side note it was the first time I've ever heard Lyn beg for anything, in this case my forgiveness. I told her I would be glad to give it to her, but only after Wil and Rebecca had taught her to use the thing. The worst part of the ordeal was Serra and her idea of 'hands on healing'. Don't ask.
Tyr: The Fall of Nergal
In this army there are three things to know: When to avoid Serra, not to annoy Lyn when a sword is in reach and never underestimate what Tyr can accomplish without help. All three are painful in their own way. Trust me; I've been through all three.
Lord Hector, speaking to his brother Lord Uther, Marquess of Ostia
0-0
"The training looks to be going well." Eirika mused as she watched the troop practice in the clearing.
"True, but it slows down our march." Vanessa mused next to her.
With most of the troop acquiring new weapons, armour and mounts Tyrland had pointed out that they needed to take some time to train and adapt to the new equipment before they encountered trouble.
Seth had taken Neimi and Lute aside to help them with their mounts. Neimi and her steed had quickly excelled to the point Seth had passed her so she could practice archery on horseback. She had difficulty hitting her target while her horse ran at a gallop until Tyr was reminded of something one of his old comrades, Rath, had said about waiting until all of the horses hooves were in the air. Now Neimi was coming close to her usual accuracy with her steed on the move.
Lute, meanwhile, was having issues with her steed who seemed to be misbehaving. Seth was attempting to help her as the girl began to recall everything she had ever read about horses and ponies.
Gilliam and Franz had acquired axes for their own use and were being tutored by Garcia, assisted by Ross. Franz was learning quite well while Gilliam was still getting used to a weapon that was usually swung and not jabbed, but coming along fine regardless.
Artur had been teaching both Moulder and Natasha about casting light magic and they in turn taught him the use of staves. Tyr had insisted upon it, saying they could use more flexible magic users.
And Tyr himself was practicing his aim with the crossbow Tana had given him, the tactician proving to be a steady hand and good shot, hitting the target about the bull's-eye and once, with the assistance of luck, hitting the center.
"I know Vanessa." Eirika said softly. "But Tyr is right, we need to train our people with their new weapons and the extra diversity is helpful."
"This is true..." Vanessa said as she cupped her cheek. "Maybe I should ask Joshua to teach me the sword as well? Axemen are a bane of any pegasus knight, second only to archers."
"It couldn't hurt."
0-0
Eirika chooses to travel by sea to the theocracy of Rausten. Her search for a ship leads her to Port Kiris in Carcino.
Carcino is a young nation ruled by a council of merchants, and it is an ally of Frelia. Carcino council leader Klimt, a staunch opponent of Grado's imperialistic actions, has pledged Carcino's support to Frelia in this conflict.
Prince Innes also intends to pass through Carcino on his way to Jehanna. Eirika believes there is nothing to fear in Carcino, but she is wrong.
0-0
"Frelia's Sacred Stone has been destroyed." Emperor Vigarde said as his generals gathered in his throne room. "And yet you still cannot locate the Stone of Renais. Glen. Valter. Find the children of Renais. Find them and take from them the bracelets that they wear. Glen, take Eirika. Valter, take Ephraim. Find them. Conquer them." He said, slamming a fist into his throne's armrest.
"Yes, Your Majesty..." Glen uttered.
"Ha ha... Eirika, eh?" Valter mused. "She's a ripe little peach. And her brother, Ephraim... He's better prey than I'd imagined. I can feel my blood rushing at the thought. This might be fun after all." He sneered, a mad look in his eye as he and Glen turned about, walking out of the throne room.
"Caellach. Reiv." Vigarde bellowed. "Shatter the remaining Sacred Stones. Caellach, take Jehanna. Reiv, take Rausten. Go. Crush the Sacred Stones they house."
"Heh heh heh..." Reiv cackled as he rubbed his hands together. "As you will. I'll begin making arrangements for Rausten's downfall immediately..."
"Bah!" Caellach scoffed. "Why am I stuck with Jehanna? Accursed ill luck. I became a mercenary to escape that wretched place, and now I must go back?" He scowled as he and the bishop turned about, leaving as well.
"Duessel." Vigarde addressed. "Go to Frelia. Take the Frelian army and punish Ephraim. Selena. Remain in the capital. Soon, I will have new orders for you."
"Yes, sire." The woman replied with a salute before she and Duessel turned to leave.
0-0
"Almost there." Eirika said aloud, seated next to Tyr on his wagon. "Soon we'll be on our way."
"With luck." Tyr replied. "Thankfully we've trained enough to get everyone competent enough with their new equipment."
During the morning Tyr had arranged more training. Moulder and Natasha still needed to work on their light magic, but they could add to the attack if needed, and Artur could manage minor wounds.
Neimi and Vanessa had begun to learn the sword from Seth, the latter being far better than the former. Still, Tyr thought that the timid girl would be able to hold her own until she could get her steed to open distance for her bow.
Franz and Gilliam were decent enough in the axe, the latter now learning the sword from Joshua, with Colm receiving some lessons as well, and they had mostly gotten accustomed to their new armour.
Lute and her steed had finally worked out whatever issues they had and the girl joined the other spell users to learn staves. Although passing Artur her Fire Tome had proven an unusual boon as he had accidentally cast a fireball. Now the monk was being tutored in anima magic as well, although Moulder and Natasha had found themselves unable to use that brand of spell casting.
Lastly Tyr himself had gotten used to the crossbow, able to hit targets at a full run with help from Neimi who also took time to give Garcia lessons on his new bow.
"I just hope we don't have to-"
"Eirika! Wait!" They head someone call out to the princess, both turning their eyes skyward as a pegasus flew about in the air, diving down to land next to the wagon, Tana on the steed's back.
"March! Halt!" Seth cried out from the front.
"Tana?" Eirika cried out, the wagon stopping before she and Tyr climbed out of the wagon. "What are you doing? You were supposed to remain in the palace."
"Sorry, but I found the fact you left so soon after your arrival rather difficult to deal with." Tana replied, setting a hand on her chest. "And I'm your friend, Eirika, and I won't allow you to go into danger without me."
"Does your father know what you're up to?" Tyr asked with a sigh.
"No." Tana said dismissively. "He'd just say, 'I forbid you to go on this foolish errand,' like always."
"And I thought I was special." Tyr said with a shrug.
"My apologies but you're not quite that special." Tana said with a smile. "Anyways, Eirika, I'm so worried about you."
"Thank you, Tana." Eirika replied. "I appreciate your concern, but King Hayden would-"
"You and Ephraim, my father and my brother... Tyrland too..." Tana began, her eyes hardening slightly. "You're all fighting together, fighting for a noble cause. I cannot be left out. I will not be left out. Please, Eirika."
"...Oh..." Eirika begin, biting her lip gently. "Tyr, what's your opinion?"
"I never turn down free help." Tyr said, looking up at the princess. "But I need to make things clear. In battle you are no princess, just a knight with a lance. Listen to my orders because making orders is my job and it means our plans go well. But most importantly this is not a cruise for leisure; you must be able to pull your weight. That may sound harsh, but if you ride with us you need to do your part."
"Thank you, Tyrland." Tana said as Eirika shook her head.
"I never could deny her anything..." Eirika sighed as Seth called the march once more.
0-0
Soon the group had arrived at a city by the sea, a long dock on the coast as a gorgeous ocean of water lapped against the seawalls and beaches.
"Your Highness, we've reached Port Kiris." Seth reported. "If we can find passage across the North Sea, we will reach Rausten in ten days."
"It smells of the tides..." Eirika mused. "This is a busy place, isn't it?"
"As I understand this city is a trade center." Tyr began. "People from all over Magvel, and maybe some from Elibe, gather and pass through here. Don't get too caught up in the sights to forget we are here on a job. That and places like these attract people like thieves and bandits who are eager to take gold and kill for it."
"I won't." Eirika replied, shaking her head. "I'm a mercenary by the name of Erina. I'm traveling to Rausten to receive a commission."
"And I shall be Gary Stu, her advisor." Tyr added before turning to Seth. "And you shall be Jeigan."
"Jeigan?" Seth questioned, looking confused.
"Renais' general is known to travel with its princess, Jeigan." Tyr replied.
"Still, I must protest." Seth replied. "I don't... think I seem like a Jeigan."
"You're a Jeigan, Jeigan." Tyr sighed. "Now, let's go to the docks Jeigan, Erina. We need a ship."
"Hm?" 'Erina' let out, looking past Seth.
"Is something amiss?" The paladin asked.
"Tyr, err... Gary Stu, that woman over there? Is that..." Eirika said, pointing at someone on horseback who rode towards them slowly, her two companions walking next to her.
"Oh, these dainty sugar pastries!" The blonde woman cried out. "They're delightfully scrumptious!"
'Oh bother...' Tyr thought to himself. 'We've stumbled across Serra's long lost sister again...'
"Flavourful without being overwhelming, refined without being banal..." The woman cooed.
"Gwah ha ha!" He armoured companion laughed out. "Right you are, Lady L'Arachel!"
"You look familiar..." Eirika let out.
"Oh! Aren't you-" The woman let out at the same moment.
"We've met before, haven't we?" Eirika began.
'Who could forget someone like that?' Tyr replied in his own mind.
"You arrived with your companions when we encountered those creatures." Eirika finished. "Your name is L'Arachel, is it not?"
"A wonder and pleasure that we should meet again so soon!" L'Arachel said with her smile beaming brightly as she clapped her hands together. "It is providence!"
"Bad luck is the only thing the divine has ever provided you!" Her roguish companion replied.
"Oh, and if you have not yet tried one, these pastries are also divine." The woman cooed, holding one out for Eirika to see. "Would you care for one?"
"Uh, thank you..." Eirika began before shaking her head. "No, wait... That's not why- We're actually on our way to the Theocracy of Rausten." She finally let out. "We're rather in a rush and need to find passage on a ship..."
"Oh dear." The woman said with a sigh. "I'm afraid you'll find none to assist you. No ships are leaving port."
"Wait a moment." Tyr began, drawing attention to himself. "What do you mean no ships are leaving port? This is a trading community, ships are always leaving port."
"You see, I find myself heading home once more to my beloved Rausten as well!" The woman exclaimed. "And actually, I'm quite well known with the powers-that-be in Port Kiris. So I ordered them to ready the finest passenger vessel for me. But both merchants and passenger ships alike are too frightened to set sail. It seems a giant ghost ship has been sinking every ship it finds... Would that I could confront it, I could stop its foul villainy in a moment. Alas. It's such a shame."
"Yes, yes it is..." Tyr replied with a sigh. 'A ghost ship? Why couldn't it just be pirates? We can deal with pirates...'
"...Uh... That is troublesome." Eirika admitted. "Still, I must get to Rausten somehow."
"You needn't worry too much." L'Arachel replied. "After all, if the sea is closed to you, simply follow the overland route!"
"The overland route?" Eirika parroted. "I've head that's a terribly roundabout path to travel."
"Oh, it is, but don't you see?" The woman all but squealed. "The hardships of the road are truly blessings!"
"For starters, ship food is the foulest slop to ever curse a dinner table." Tyr supplied. "That's one thing we needn't worry about."
"And they will toughen you and strengthen your resolve when you need to face great evil." L'Arachel added.
'Been there, done that.' Tyr thought.
"For example, I have been tasked with a great trial in order to better me."
'Or to get you out of the house for awhile.'
"I understand my path, O unknowable forces of providence! I, your faithful servant L'Arachel, shall overcome! With faith and divine strength!"
'And longwinded speeches.'
"Now, listen, L'Arachel!" The rouge began. "You might be thrilled about going the long way, but-"
"Come now, we're leaving." L'Arachel declared. "Dolza? Rennac? Don't fall behind!" She said as she began to trot her horse away.
"Gwah ha ha!" Dolza laughed. "Wait for us, Lady L'Arachel! Come on, Rennac! We run 'til we drop! The first one to collapse from exhaustion is the winner!"
"Help..." Rennac let out as Dolza ran off, prompting L'Arachel to speed up her mount. "Why is this happening to me?" He asked before giving chase.
"...Uh, Tyr?" Eirika began. "Isn't Rausten in the other direction? Aren't they heading toward Frelia?"
"...I don't think we should worry." Tyr replied. "It's not our issue, and I'm sure they'll find their way... eventually." 'Preferably after we've arrived and left the country.' "For now we should decide on our course of action. Do we pursue a ship willing to brave the seas, or travel by ground? A far longer path, I might add, but possibly our only option."
"I agree." Eirika said, biting her lip. "Whatever shall we do...?" She said before she noticed a figure approaching them.
"...You're Eirika, the princess of Renais, ain't ya?" The man said with a sneer.
"What?" Eirika shot back.
"Dastard!" Seth called back. "Away with you!"
"No need to get personal!" The man chuckled, rubbing his nose. "You know, there's a pretty price on your pretty head. Sorry, but I need that gold." He said as a number of men began to swarm the area. "Bring her alive and that jewellery to me!"
"Now every bandit, mercenary and head-hunter knows about it." Tyr sighed, pulling his crossbow from its holster at his hip, the man walking away as his underlings approached. "To arms! Gilliam, Franz up front! Garcia, Ross, either side! Eirika, Joshua, either side of them! Neimi, Lute, Artur, Natasha support!" He called out, the troop quickly arranging itself. "Seth, Franz, Forde, prepare to relive the front! Vanessa, take Tana and scout the area, give me an idea of what we're up against!"
0-0
"We're WHAT!" Tyr cried out, mouth a gape as Tana and Vanessa reported in.
"Outnumbered six to one at least!" Tana replied. "I... I don't how they gathered so many men here!"
"Grado must be paying a kings ransom and a half." Tyr muttered. "Disposition?"
"Mixed swords, lances, axes, bows and at least one shaman." Tana replied. "No cavalry."
"This is going to be a tough one..." Tyr mused. "We need everyone to stick together. Both of you, go support the line with quick strikes, flank the enemy but be wary of bowmen."
"Yes sir!" Vanessa barked as the two women took flight. Moving to the edge of the dock he looked out, the main fighting twenty feet away. Biting his lip he saw a number of men head towards the docks they fought on. "Not organized. Must be mostly bandits or... hm?" He let out as footsteps were heard behind him. A moment later they picked up in pace. Just before they reached him he darted to the left.
"Gwahaha...!" The axeman let out as he tried to stop his run, teetering on the edge of the platform. "Oh no!"
"Oh shut up." Tyr said, kicking the man in the butt, sending him over the edge.
"Crap!" The man called out, striking the water, axe falling from his hand.
"Idiot."
"Sir!" Seth called out, riding over to him. "Grado regulars are coming this way from across the town. Only six and they don't seem to be in a hurry." He added, pointing out to where the small group stood, one holding a banner with Grado's coat of arms.
"Must be the ones holding the gold." Tyr theorized. "Perhaps we should deal with them and take their funds for our own."
0-0
"Attention!" The Grado soldier cried out. "Carcino's mercenaries will arrest the princess of Renais shortly. Our duty here is ended, and I expect no further hostilities. If you must fight, however, remember that the whole empire fights with you!"
"Um, Commander?" A younger female solider with blonde hair asked, a lance in one hand as she raised the other. "What should I do?"
"Who are you?" The lead solider asked.
"Sir! I'm Amelia of Silva, sir!" The girl said, saluting stiffly. "I'm new. I was only assigned to your command today. I wanted to fight for the empire!"
"I don't need your life story, fool!" The man barked out, rubbing his face with his hand. "Recruits are in front! Grab your lance and move!"
"Sir, yes sir!" The girl replied. "This lance... Stab the enemy." She said to herself, nodding once. "I'm not afraid... I'm a citizen of Grado. It's my duty to fight. And I'll fight my best!"
0-0
"Ugh, the blonde girl in their ranks looks greener than the grass on the plains of Sacae." Tyr said, looking through his telescope. "She might not live past the battle if they keep her in front."
"I suppose it's not our place to worry." Seth replied. "The battle goes well, and we've a break before the next wave."
"Good to hear, Seth." Tyr said, collapsing his telescope. "Let's..." He paused as a man began climbing onto the dock from the water. "We'll move on, after you've knocked him back in."
"Yes sir." Seth said, trotting his horse over and using the butt of his lance to shove the man back into the water.
"Not again!" He cried out before hitting the water's surface again.
0-0
"Forde, Kyle, relive Ross and Eirika, Colm take over for Garcia, Garcia use your bow for support!" Tyr barked out as his troops formation shifted, the troop progressing through the town slowly towards where the mercenary leader went off to.
"Wahh!" Neimi cried out, her horse rearing up as a hand axe struck the ground near her steed's hooves, aim going wild as her arrow was fired off to the sky.
"Dammit!" Tyr cried out as the missile soared past Tana, spooking her pegasus enough to abort her attack run, Colm pulling out a throwing dagger and tossing it into the head of the offending axeman.
0-0
"Hate... swimming..." The man groaned as he hauled himself up to the dock, clinging to it with his arms before an arrow struck the planks before him. "Whoa!" He cried out, reflexes forcing him to let go. "Ah crap!" He called out, the sound followed by a splash.
0-0
"They have a tactician directing them." The Commander said as he watched the battle move closer. "We should take care of that. You! New girl!"
"Sir!" The girl barked out.
"Go about behind them." He said. "That man in the green cloak is your target, he's directing the enemy. Kill the head of the snake and the snake dies!"
"Sir, yes sir!" She barked out before running off, using the houses nearby for cover. "Okay... Tactician... Not a fighter... I can do this..."
0-0
"Damn it!" Colm said, his current foe, a lanceman, striking a gash on his cheek as he was shoved aside. "Tyr!" He cried out, turning to his next foe as Eirika turned to see the man rush her friend who lifted his crossbow up, firing it into the man's surprised face, the bolt striking the center of his forehead.
"Nice shooting." Eirika proclaimed.
"Not really." Tyr replied before walking closer to the front, reloading his weapon. "I was aiming for his chest."
"Oh..." Eirika let out as a bang sounded. Turning to face the noise she saw a girl land face first on the ground, lance rolling away from her.
"What the...?" Tyr said, turning around. 'They sent their new girl to kill Eirika? Or me even, given where she popped out. Ah well, Eirika will handle it.'
"Who are you?" Eirika asked, the girl.
"What?" The blonde girl cried out as she rose to her feet. "What?"
"Are you from around here?" Eirika asked tilting her head as Tyr stepped closer to them. "You should find someplace to hide. These men are after me. It's not safe."
"But... But I'm..." The girl stammered.
"Yes?" Eirika asked.
"She's with Grado." Tyr said. "I saw her earlier with a small group of there men."
"Oh yes." The girl said. "I'm here to stop the princess of Renais and..." She let off before realizing who she was speaking to. 'A man in a green cloak... The tactician!' She screamed in her mind as she looked about. 'Where's my lance!'
"Huh?" Eirika cried out. "You're with Grado?" She said in disbelief before something the princess said rang in the girl's mind.
"And you're Princess Eirika?" The blonde said as she saw her lance, picking it up. "But the commander said Eirika's a cruel and merciless fiend..."
"What?" Eirika exclaimed. "No, I'm... ...I don't know what Grado's officers have been telling you, but..."
"It's just misinformation Eirika to boost morale and drive troops." Tyr sighed. "We're at war with Grado; they can and will say whatever they want."
"Yes, I suppose they will." Eirika sighed as the girl fidgeted.
"...Mistress Eirika..." The girl began, before holding her lance out. "I, uh, I surrender. I won't fight you." She said, edging forward, the weapon resting in the palms of her open hands. Gingerly the tactician reached out, taking it from her.
"Huh?" Eirika exclaimed, watching the exchange.
"I became a soldier because I admired General Duessel's sense of honour." She began. "But the general has been very opposed to this war from the beginning... And now I see you, and you look so sad about all of this. I don't know what's right anymore. I'm just a soldier, but I want to decide for myself. I want to understand the truth myself, to see it with my own eyes."
"...Well said." Tyr admitted with a nod. "In that case will you be coming with us? And what is your name lass?"
"Amelia. Amelia of Silva." The girl said with a salute.
"Welcome aboard..." Tyr said, as he turned back to the line of fighting men, eyes widening as an axe struck Colm in the shoulder. "Eirika, relive Colm and have Ross take over for Joshua!" He barked out, Eirika nodded as Colm clutched a wound on his shoulder.
"What about me, sir?" Amelia asked.
"For now you stay with me, to avoid confusion." Tyr replied tossing the lance back into her arms, the girl scrambling slightly to grab it. "Just watch and learn. By the way, my name is Tyr."
"Tyr..." Amelia said, musing slightly. "Wait I heard something in a report... Eirika had the master tactician, Tyrland, working for her. Are you..."
"I am he." Tyr replied. "I just prefer... What are you doing?" He asked as she patted her skirt's pockets.
"I need a pen and paper Master Tyrland!" Amelia cried out. "I want your autograph! I mean, I head so much about you and I..." She began as Tyr sighed. Turning his head he frowned.
"I'll give you one later, but I need something done." He said.
"Sir, yes sir!"
"Knock him back into the water." He said, pointing to a man trying to crawl back onto the dock.
"As ordered sir!" Amelia barked out, running to the man and swinging her lance about, catching the man in the side of the head with the blunt end.
"Why me!" He cried out, splashing into the water again.
"Much better." Tyr sighed, turning back to the battle. 'Inexperienced, but I think she has potential...'
0-0
"Wait, how did this happen?" The bandit leader cried out as the last of his men died.
"A lot of hard work. And luck." Tyr replied, and with far too much honesty, his group was battered. Colm's shoulder had been cut to the bone, Forde and Kyle had sore shield arms, Garcia and Joshua had several minor cuts, and above all everyone was just plain exhausted.
"Blast! This ain't right!" The man cried out. "These guys are just too tough... Five thousand gold ain't nearly enough for this!"
"Ross." Tyr began, pointing his crossbow at the man. "I want you to introduce your axes to him." He said, the youth nodding once with a cocky grin, strapping his larger axe to his back as he drew his smaller ones. 'Ross is in the best condition, and given the state we're in having a tired and weary warrior join him may just trip Ross up.' He added in his own mind.
"You send a boy to fight me?" The man scoffed, Garcia swallowing down worry. "A boy?"
"I'm more of a man now than you'd ever be!" Ross said, crossing his axes. "I am Ross! Son of Garcia! And I am powerful!" He cried out before charging the man who readied his own axe, blocking Ross' first swing. Shoving the boy away he swung at his head, the boy ducking under it and swinging his smaller axe in an uppercut-like fashion, nicking his chest.
"You whelp!" The man bellowed, thrusting his weapon out, Ross blocking with his own weapons. "I'm gonna kill you!"
"Like you could!" Ross barked back, hooking his axes into his foe's.
"Fool!" The man said, pulling his weapon to the side sharply, the two axes being thrown to the ground. "Now I-" He began before Ross drew the axe from his back, slamming it into the man's shoulder in one swift move. "Gah! Th-that stinkin' Pablo..." The man gasped as Ross pulled his axe out. "He... lied to me..." He uttered before falling to the ground, dead.
0-0
"Your Highness, are you well?" Seth asked as Natasha and Moulder tended to the wounded.
"Yes, I believe so..." Eirika sighed. "Who are these men? They don't appear to be Grado Imperial troops."
"Given the lack of organization and crude skills I'd say bandits and mercenaries." Tyr replied. "With a handful of Grado men ready with a pay check."
"We can expect more of them in the area, too, I think." Seth added.
"Quite right, Jeigan." Tyr said with a nod.
"Please stop that." Seth sighed. "Besides, cover names won't help us now… Hold on..."
"Ugh..." A man said as he pulled himself from the water. "Finally outta there..." He sighed before looking up, a red-haired knight standing before him. "W-wait! I give up!" He cried out. "I don't want to fight anymore! We were just doing a job."
"Who hired you?" Seth demanded.
"I may be nothing but a hired blade, but I have my honour." He said as, standing up as Tyr stepped over. "I won't say a word."
"So there is some professionalism in this group after all." Tyr exclaimed, drawing his crossbow. "Well, I suppose we can dispatch you then. Pardon me; I'm still learning this weapon..." Tyr sighed as he aimed at the man. "I may not kill you with the first bolt."
"No, wait!" The man called out, waving his arms about. "I'll talk! Carcino! It was Pablo of the Carcino Council of Elders!"
"Councilman Pablo?" Seth asked.
"That doesn't make sense!" Eirika exclaimed. "Carcino and Frelia are allies. Why would they target me?"
"A coup perhaps?" Tyr suggested with his weapon still trained on the man.
"I don't know..." He said, hands in the air. "Could be they've decided Grado's going to win. They want to be on the winning side. Maybe there is a coup. Some of the others opposed Pablo, but I heard he had 'em silenced but quick. That's all I know, I swear it."
"Very well, I believe you." Tyr said, lowering his weapon. "Seth, if you would."
"Gladly." The paladin said, grabbing the man by his shirt collar.
"Ah no, not this aga-aaaiiinnn!" He cried out as Seth threw him back into the water.
"We were careless!" Seth seethed out as yet another splash sounded. "We should have seen this coming. Carcino's a young and ambitious nation ruled by power-hungry merchants. And Grado grows more powerful with every passing day. So it's no surprise Carcino's merchant lords would throw in with Grado now."
"Wait!" Eirika cried out. "Prince Innes... Prince Innes was to pass through Carcino on his way to Jehanna... If Carcino has betrayed us..."
"He's dove headlong into the enemy's turf without even knowing it!" Tyr finished for her. "Carcino, coup or no coup, is a threat to us and him now!" Tyr said as a brown haired woman on pegasus back flew over, landing on the dock.
"Princess Eirika!" She cried out, saluting as she approached. "I bring dire tidings!"
"I know you..." Eirika began. "You were a messenger riding with Prince Innes."
"Yes, and I have news of him." The woman exclaimed. "Prince Innes is in danger!"
"That was fast." Tyr deadpanned.
"Carcino's merchant army struck and cut through half of our men." The woman continued. "The prince is trapped in a siege. He has no means of escape, and-"
"No more!" Eirika cried out. "I understand. Return to Frelia and deliver your message!"
"What of Prince Innes?" The woman asked.
"Leave him to us." Eirika declared. "The prince's troubles should burden you no more. We will see him to safety." She said as the knight nodded, before guiding her steed to take off into the air.
"I am not going to try and change your course." Tyr began. "But I feel it prudent to warn you, as your tactician, this is a risky move. Our troop is battered and tired and is in desperate need of rest. To reach Prince Innes in time it would require us to march at double time. We maybe in no condition to fight when we arrive."
"I understand that Tyrland." Eirika sighed. "I do, truly. But I cannot allow him to die, not when I can help."
"Very well then..." Tyr sighed. "I suppose I'll need to concoct some insane scheme to get us out of this one..."
"...Hey, you." They heard, turning to see Rennac step over to them. "Have Lady L'Arachel and her man, Sir Stubble-chin, gone yet?"
"Aren't you-" Eirika began. "Yes, they no longer appear to be in the city."
"Whew..." The man let out. "I'm finally free! No more getting bossed around by that witless ninny! Thanks. I owe you one. Take this." He said, pulling out a robe of some form and passing it to the princess. "Now that I'm free again I think I'm just gonna wander about for a while." He said before walking away, whistling a tune.
"...What a strange relationship they have." Eirika commented holding the cloth.
'Heh, that woman might be like Serra, but Rennac is smarter than Erk.' Tyr thought to himself. 'Or less honourable. Either way, I'd say that's a rather smart move.'
"Lady Eirika, Sir Tyr, I think we ought to be leaving soon." Seth stated.
"Yes." Eirika said, shaking her head. "We must hurry to Prince Innes' side!"
"Seth, have the tired and wounded loaded on to the wagons, mine included if room is needed." Tyr barked out. "Have the new girl, Amelia, ride with Merlinus. She needs a better lance than that twig Grado gave her. We ride hard and fast, but we need to be ready when we arrive!" 'Elmine, I know I pray little to you and worship less, but grant me this; let no one under my command die in the coming battle. We are tired and battered and weary... And we need all the help we can get...'
0-0
Author's Note: The promotions continue! Kinda. Only now instead of just new equipment it's new training. For those that want to keep track...
Artur from Monk to Sage.
Natasha and Moulder from Cleric and Priest to Bishop.
Vanessa from Pegasus Knight to Falcoknight.
That about sums it all up.