Author's Note: So yeah, guess what? That whole scene at the farmhouse last chapter? Not in my original outline at all! So in order to actually get back on track with where I'm wanting to end up with the story, I'm doing a second Guy chapter in a row. It's not really a separate chapter in my view, simply what should have been in the last one but wasn't. Call it...Chapter 9x, if you will. ^_^;

Guy - Masterless Sword(Part 2)

The road to Caelin was thankfully about as uneventful as he could hope for. There was some gossip in the towns he passed about a big to-do at the castle itself, which was the first news that had made Guy smile without reservations for awhile. He knew what the occasion had to be.

Sure, some might think it was a little soon, maybe even the lucky man himself, but Guy knew very well that warrior women of Sacae are not known for patience when it comes to matters of the heart. The lady Lyn had gotten her hooks into that red paladin of hers, and come Hell or high water she'd have him wed before the year was out. The very thought of the rules or customs she must have trampled right over to get it approved made him actively laugh. It's certainly something Matthew would have appreciated...

...and there went my good mood.

Shaking his head and forcing thoughts of the thief out of his mind, Guy turned his focus on Caelin Castle. It wasn't far now, just over the next hill. He could already see the tops of it's towers peeking from over the hilltop.

As he reached the top and looked down upon the castle, Guy's heart warmed a bit. Even the outside walls were decked out in ribbons and banners for the occasion, and if he squinted, he could see that the guards at the gate were in their fancy ceremonial armor.

Hoping that he hadn't missed the festivities yet, Guy caught a second wind and jogged the rest of the way to the castle.

Guy had to admire that ceremonial armor a bit as he passed by the guards at the gate. Fancy, but looks like it would still hold up in a fight. I wonder if that's Kent's doing, or something Lord Wallace had cooked up?

Fortunately one of the guards had recognized him from the war and passed him through the gate without any hassle. Unfortunately, that left Guy in the position of standing in a bustling courtyard with no idea where to go or what to do.

There was nobody he could recognize in sight, either. Various guests, people who looked like nobles, soldiers of Caelin, and lots of servants all running around getting things done. A few people gave him odd looks but nobody was coming over to speak to him. Guy wasn't really sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Rath had always professed a very low opinion of nobles, and Guy was taking the nomad's thoughts more seriously these days, so he was glad to not be catching too much attention from anyone who might not want him there. Still, it would be nice if someone would tell me where I'm supposed to be. Should I just ask someone where Grant is?

After a few more minutes of standing around looking lost, Guy had just about made up his mind to go talk to someone, when a familiar voice jarred him out of his bewlidered state, "Guy! Guy, is that you?"

Looking around, he spotted a woman waving at him while making her way through the courtyard. A young woman with very familiar green pigtails and a bandanna.

Rebecca finished pushing her way through the crowd and grinned widely at her comrade in arms, "Guy, it really is you! Where did you disappear to after that party? Nobody could find you in the morning, we were all worried."

Guy was starting to smile at her infectious energy, but the question hit him like a blow to the gut and knocked any mirth straight out. "Um," he stammered a bit, then looked away. He didn't want to tell her. He didn't want the sympathy...and he also didn't want word to get back to Lyn about what happened. He didn't know her as well as some, but he knew enough that she would seriously consider carving Matthew into chunks the next time she saw him if she knew.

"Um...Guy?"

Guy shook off his introspection and looked back at Rebecca, inwardly wincing a bit at the concern already creeping into her eyes and voice. Shaking his head, he decided to give as straight an answer as he could bring himself to, "Look, I'd rather not talk about it if that's alright."

Rebecca nodded slightly. She may have been an idealistic girl once, but she was a soldier now. She understood now that sometimes it really may be best to just leave someone to their own mind. Changing the subject, she smiled again, though less exuberant then before, "So are you here for the wedding? Lyn will be ecstatic to have at least someone from Sacae here for it. Rath wouldn't come at all, not even after Wil practically begged him, the jerk."

A half smile twitched at Guy's mouth. He bet he had a good idea why, and it wasn't like Rath was particularly friendly even at the best of times. Then he answered the question, "Actually, I'm here to find Grant. If he's not busy helping set things up, do you think I could talk to him?"

Rebecca's smile turned apologetic, "Oh. Um, sorry to say this but Grant's not here anymore. He left a couple days ago. I'd tell you which way so you could try and catch up, except he was going by wyvern. Dame Vaida, Heath and Legault were all heading back to Bern, and Grant went with them."

Guy winced. If I hadn't run off like that. If I hadn't let myself get into the horseberries. If I'd just been a couple of days faster. Dammit! Taking a deep breath, he rolled his head back to stare at the sky a moment before letting out a bit of a dark chuckle, "Of course. That's my luck right there."

"So...are you going to stay for the wedding? Or start off for Bern right away? Sir Kent is short one groomsman, actually. I'm sure he'd love to have you fill the spot."

That made Guy blink, "What? Me? Why would Kent want me for a groomsman? I'm just..."

"Just what?" Rebecca countered. "Just a Sacaen nomad? If you hadn't noticed, so is his fiance. Just someone who's saved his life, and Lady Lyn's, more then once? Just someone who faced off against Nergal alongside him? You and Kent were both part of Grant's handpicked elite-of-the-elite group that went in there after Nergal and the dragon. You may not be a man of Caelin, but I'd hardly call you strangers."

A beaming smile broke out on Kent's face as Guy stuck his head into the room where he and Wil were talking. It almost took Guy by surprise, as the red knight was looking far more weary and nervous then he ever had on the trail, the smile doing nothing to mask his nerves.

Guy decided he should probably say something, so he just waved a bit shyly, "Um, hi."

Kent and Wil were both on their feet in an instant, the red knight moving to clasp Guy on the shoulder in greeting, "Guy! It's good to see you, man. Have you seen Lady Lyndis yet?"

He's about to marry her and still calling her 'Lady'? I don't get Lycians sometimes. Shaking his head, Guy stepped into the room, "Uh, no, I haven't. Rebecca sent me right up here, she said you might need my help...?"

Kent blinked a bit, "Help? Oh! Yes, I am short one groomsman. I..." his expression faded back into it's usual calm demeanor, though his eyes still betrayed his true state, "I suppose I could ask another member of the Caelin knights to stand with me. But it doesn't quite feel right."

Wil nodded, "Yeah. Florina and Rebecca are the bridesmaids for Lyn, and I'm pulling groomsman duty for Kent. It would really be best if we had someone else who served in the war to complete it, you know?"

Guy nodded as well, "I understand. Though I wonder why Grant didn't stay long enough? I thought he and Lyn were really close friends?"

A grimace brefily flashed over Kent's face, "It was not entirely his choice to leave before the wedding. Dame Vaida and her wyvern were making things...difficult. But she and the others returning to Bern would not leave without Grant."

With a small snort, Wil added his own thoughts, "My bet is that she was doing it on purpose to make him leave sooner. She doesn't seem to care about much of anything besides her precious Prince Zephiel."

Kent shook his head, chiding Wil, "I cannot fault a knight for devotion to her Lord. Even if it does come at my own expense. I would do little different were our situations reversed."

"Come on, you'd just leave on your own instead of making a big fuss, Kent."

"I said little different, not no different."

Guy scratched his head a bit, feeling a little awkward at the exchange between Kent and Wil, and decided to change the subject, "So...I'm willing to help, but I don't really know anything about formal Lycian stuff. I don't know what to do here."

Wil smirked, "Don't worry, neither does Lady Lyn."

Kent shot Wil a disapproving glance, then returned his attention to Guy, "More to the point, it's not really difficult. Wil will present the rings, you largely just need to stand there and look respectable."

Guy looked down at himself, then back up to Kent, "Um. I don't really have any nice clothes. And I look pretty goofy without my sword."

Wil laughed, "Not a problem, the maids here can alter some of Lord Hassar's old things for you really fast. And we'll be carrying our weapons since we're the groomsmen for a knight. The real hardest thing you'll have to do is dance with Florina."

Guy started to blanch at that, but Kent raised a question, "Shouldn't he be opposite Rebecca? You and Florina are both sworn to Caelin, you should be at our right hand together."

But before Guy could relax a bit at that, Wil shook his head, "Well, Rebecca and I are both archers so it'd look better if we were opposite, I think. And we're both from Pherae, we grew up together and all. And..." he shrugs, "Well, I'm still an archer. Florina is like twice as nervous around me as normal men, even though we know eachother. It might be awkward."

As Kent started to nod in acceptance of that logic, Guy sighed, "Um, but I don't know how to dance at all."

This made Wil break out into a wide smile, "Don't worry, the only one of all six of us who does is Kent!"

Kent sighed and burried his face in his hands at that thought, "This is going to be the most awkward wedding in Caelin history. I just know it."

Well, things have been going pretty smoothly so far at least. Guy stood at the base of the stairs leading to the alter, across from Florina who he was a bit relieved to see looking just as uncomfortable as he felt. The two of them had drawn their swords in unison to salute as Lyn and Kent passed, and thankfully hadn't had to do much else since then. Just stand there and, well, look respectable.

Well, that and endure the speeches being given. Father Benar, the castle priest, delivered a long prayer of thanks to St. Elimine with a small and awkward bit about Mother Earth and Father Sky tacked onto the end, which made Guy want to snicker a bit. He wondered if Lyn was having the same reaction to it?

After that, Lord Hausen gave a much more stirring speech, commending Kent for all his service to the realm, and commenting that he could think of no more worthy man to take the hand of his only granddaughter. Guy stole a few glances up at the alter, seeing Kent standing more straight, holding his shoulders more square, under his lord's praise. The Marquess spoke of his granddaughter Lyndis, and how much joy she had brought him. He spoke of family and love, and how nothing, not tradition, nor rank, nor pride should ever come before them. Guy had heard rumor that Lord Hausen was known as a master orator in his youth, and hearing this speech now made him believe it.

The Lord's words, the pride in Kent's eyes, and the radiant smile on Lyn's face were filling Guy with an emotion he hadn't felt in some time. Hope. Real, true hope, the kind that picks up the pieces of a cracked resolve and fits them back together. The cracks will always show, but perhaps in the end it would be stronger for the breaking. At least that's what Guy hoped. His thoughts turned inward as he conjured up an image of Matthew in his mind...of the horribly betrayal at Badon, of all the pain and the uncertainty...and then he pushed them away. I don't know why you did that. I doubt I ever will. Maybe you really are everything Rath said, maybe it was all just a horrible frustrated mistake. It doesn't matter, though. Life goes on. I can wallow in pain or I can keep walking the path of the blade. You wanted me to leave you alone...so I will. Good luck, wherever you are, whatever you're doing. This is the last I'll think of you, until our paths cross again. If they ever do. Father Sky, send my share of your protection his way, I'll rely on my skill alone to protect me.

"Um...um...Guy?"

Guy shook his head, snapping out of the introspection and blinking at...Florina, who was trying to get his attention. "Huh? Florina? What's...?" Looking around, he quickly noticed that people were crowding around Kent and Lyn to offer congratulations, the musicians were getting set up, and both Lord Hausen and the priest had taken seats.

"Um...are you okay? You were just staring at the cieling..." Florina was standing alot closer then Guy would have expected. Which is to say within arm's reach if he stretched just a touch. Easily close enough for the concern both in her voice and on her face to be clear.

Contrary to what was occasionally believed, Guy wasn't dumb. He could put two and two together just fine, even when he didn't like the result. Visibly wincing, he buried his head in his hands, "I spaced out. Sorry. I'm okay, I was just thinking about...stuff. Um," Guy decided to change the subject, but the only thing that came to mind was a subject that was almost as embarrassing. Almost. "So, Wil said that you don't know how to dance either?"

Florina's answer was turning red, taking a quick step backwards and shaking her head violently.

Guy sighed, eyeing the musicians wearily as they finished their setup and started playing the first piece. This is going to be awkward...

The view of the sunset from the top of the Lord's Tower was dazzling. Guy sat cross-legged on the wall, completely unafraid of the height, and stared out at the rolling hills of Caelin. It was like something from a painting, the sun's fading light painting half the land in soft reds and orange, while the shadows cast by the hills mixed in gray and the last touches of green. Though Sacae was a bit more flat then this, it still reminded him of home. A home he wouldn't be returning to for a long time still.

Behind him, he could hear a bit of laughter as Lyn was relating some of the drama the maids had been raising during the preparation. Apparently a wedding was a lot more work on the bride's side then the groom's, which guy was a bit thankful for. What he'd had to put up with was almost too much for him as it was, and poor Kent didn't seem to be handling it much better.

The six of them had slipped out from the festivities a bit early, with Lord Hausen cheerfully covering up their escape, and made their way up to the roof of the Lord's Tower at Lyn's invitation. He imagined that she spent alot of time up here. Especially at sunset.

"So what are you planning on doing next?" Lyn's voice was pitched a bit, right in his direction. Guy knew she had to be talking to him.

Turning around, he jerked his thumb off to the east, "I'll head off to Bern and try to meet up with Grant. Whatever he's doing there, there's going to be fighting, so I'm sure he could use my sword."

Kent frowned, "Hmm, I'm not sure it will be that easy. He sounded like he was planning on going to ground, working from behind the scenes. And he has quite a headstart, on wyvern-back no less. You may not be able to find him."

Guy shrugged, "Even if I don't, Bern is still the place to be right now. And if I end up working for the wrong side..." he half grinned over at Rebecca, "wouldn't be the first time I've switch sides in the middle of a battle."

The memory made Rebecca shudder, "I thought I'd hidden well in those woods, but you were coming right at me. If Matthew hadn't been there..."

Wil gave Guy a horrified look, "You almost killed Rebecca! How could you do something like that?"

Rebecca swatted Wil on the arm before Guy could even defend himself, "Oh don't worry about it. I'm fine, and he didn't even know us then. It was between Pherae and Caelin, back at the beginning of that whole mess."

As Wil grumbled and shot Guy a dirty look, Kent posed the question Guy had been waiting for, "I'm just surprised you want to go right into another conflict before really having a chance to rest from the last one."

"It's...well, it's hard to explain. Mastery of the sword is really what I live for. I don't really expect you to understand, but I wouldn't feel right resting wile I know there's an opportunity to improve waiting for me."

"That's Vita-Katti, right?" Lyn asked, "The Life of the Sword? None in the Lorca followed the path, but I had heard of it."

Guy nodded, "Yeah. Well, I figured you would understand at least."

Kent shrugged, "It's your decision to make, and I wish you luck with it. Will you be leaving in the morning, or staying a bit longer?"

"I'll be getting supplies and heading out tomorrow. It's a long walk from here to Bern."

Lyn smiled, "Walk? I'm sure grandfather can spare you a horse at the very least. And...could I ask you a favor, when you go?"

All eyes turned to Lyn, nobody really expecting her to ask for anything. Guy nodded, "Of course."

"Well," Lyn asked, "it would be a bit out of your way, but if you could head to the church near Bulgar and return this to the priest?" As she asked the question, she took her sword off her hip and held it out to Guy.

"The Mani Katti?" Guy looked at her in confusion, "But that's your sword."

"I don't need it anymore. It's helped me so much, but now it's time for it to go back to the church and wait for it's next wielder. It's also a piece of Sacaen history, I wouldn't feel right with it staying here in Lycia forever. I don't know when I'll go back to the plains, but I'd like you to take the sword back now. If you don't mind, that is."

He hesitated a moment, but took the sword, "Right. Don't worry, I'll see it safely back to the shrine."

A sigh of relief escaped Lyn as the sword left her grasp, "Thanks. Don't think this means I'm giving up swordsmanship. I just think the Mani Katti is better off returning to it's resting place."

Everyone sat in silence a bit more, simply enjoying the quiet company of trusted allies after the hectic day. Then Rebecca opened the basket she'd brought up, pulling out a wineskin and a bunch of glasses, "Well, it's almost dark, so we should head back in soon. But first, a toast. Just between us. Here, Wil, you can pour."

Wil took the skin and filled the glasses, passing them around. Looking around at the six of them, he was the first to raise his glass, "To Sain. And Lord Wallace. They would have loved to be here today, but...I know that they're happy that it happened, even without them."

Guy thought he saw a slight tear form in Kent's eye for a breif moment. But it had to be a trick of the fading light, as the red knight raised his own glass with a steady voice and a slight nod to Florina, "To Farina and Sir Lowen as well. Let their names and their lives never be forgotten."

Lyn raised hers next, "To Lords Elbert and Uther. Eliwood and Hector have large shoes to fill, but I know they'll pull through."

Hesitantly, Florina lifted hers, saying the first words she had since coming to the roof, "Um, and to Nils and Ninian, too. Oh, and Sage Athos."

Rebecca lifted her glass, "And here's to what we gained. The love," she smiled at Lyn and Kent, "the friendships," she smiled at Guy and Florina, "and to those who haven't figured out which they are yet," she grinned at Wil at this last, causing the young man to sputter, Lyn and Florina to giggle, and Kent and Guy to try very hard not to join them. Turning back to looking at the group as a whole, she continued, "Here's to the children, those with us now and those still unborn who will grow up in a world without the shadow of Nergal looming over it."

Guy and Lyn exchanged a grim look, but then Guy realized he hadn't toasted yet, and hastily raised his own glass, "Uh..." he hesitated, unsure of what to say...then closed his eyes and just let words go straight from his heart to the open air, "To the past, may it be our strength instead of our chains. And to the future, may we forge it out ourselves instead of fearing it's coming."

Kent nodded, "Well spoken."

They drained their glasses, and after another long moment of peaceful silence, went back inside.

The wind whipped through the horse's main, as well as Guy's hair, as he rode north and east. The pass from Tania was closed, though crews were getting to work on clearing it now, it was still longer then he really felt like waiting. So he left for the northern pass through Araphen.

He'd gotten some warnings about it not being safe in Araphen ever since the Marquess died, but Guy wasn't exactly afraid of bandits. If they had any skill, they'd be able to gauge his skill as well and wouldn't pick the fight if they had any sense. And if they didn't have the skill...well, he had no reason to fear them. Guy could dodge ballista bolts and magic lightning, the axes of bandits, or even the blades and lances of soldiers turned to banditry didn't even remotely scare him.

So he rode onward, and let his mind wander a bit while he scanned the road for hazards.

It had been some time since he left Caelin. At Lyn's request, Lord Hausen spared not only a horse, but supplies, gold and even a new sword, his preferred style of Killing Edge. Guy wasn't so sure what he'd done to deserve all that, but when he voiced his concern it just made Kent look at him funny and tell him to accept the Lord's generosity with grace. Well, he was certainly glad for the new sword at the least. His old one had been nicked and damaged and was in pretty bad need of repairs.

As he thought of the sword, his hand fell to the hilt of his new blade. Just running his thumb along it heightened his awareness, made his senses sharper, his eyes keener. It was probably all in his head, but whatever the reason, Guy knew that even having his hand on a sheathed blade made him pay more attention. Heck, he probably wouldn't have noticed that guy over in the trees if he wasn't focusing like this.

...wait, who is that? He looks familiar.

Guy slowed his horse to get a better look at the figure...and when the man stepped out from the shadows a bit, a cold feeling settled in the pit of Guy's stomach. Oh no. No no no, not you. Not here. Not now...

The man's face was cold, as it had always been. Guy had never seen him smile. He didn't even know if he could.

Then the man spoke, "Guy. I had not expected to find you here."

Guy controlled his breathing. They had just fought together, right? There wasn't anything to be afraid of...right? Forcing a slight nod, he responded, "Karel. What are you doing here?"

"Waiting."

"Waiting for...Karla?"

Karel shook his head slightly. No wasted motion, even in his expressions. Some called it graceful, elegant even. Guy used to think so himself, but...not anymore. Karel is what became of those who tried to follow the way of the sword, but let it become more about the killing then about pushing their own limits.

"Then who are you waiting for?"

And now, Karel, the dreaded Sword Demon, half smiled. The expression was more terrifying then any scowl or mask of rage Guy had ever seen. There was no mirth in this smile, no innocence, no joy. Only a twisted and black anticipation.

"Strong opponents," Karel answered. The Sword Demon casually placed on hand on the hilt of his sword as he explained, "You see, with the pass closed, many who think themselves strong try to take the northern route. Some are even strong enough."

Twin emotions of fear and anger were rising in the young swordsman, "So what, you just kill everyone who comes this way? Is that what you're doing?"

Another slight decline of the head, "No. Only the ones skilled enough to notice me. I can see it in your eyes. Once you were beneath my notice, but now..." Karel drew his blade, "Face me."

Guy's blood ran cold. He'd seen what this man was capable of. What happened to anyone and everyone who stood against him. But at the same time, he remembered how Jaffar dealt with it when Karel tried to fight him in Badon. Guy didn't much like taking cues from the Angel of Death, but right now it was the best idea he had.

"No." Guy shook his head, "I won't. You're not a murderer, you don't kill people who don't fight back. I don't know why, but I know you don't. So I won't fight."

For some reason, this made Karel smile wider, "Oh? That isn't a choice you can make, Guy of the Kutolah."

"Why not?"

"Look at your hand."

Confused, Guy looked down...to see his sword already in his hand. He didn't remember drawing it. It was reflex. He thought about dropping it...but his hand wouldn't open. In the face of a man who desired to kill him, Guy's body wouldn't listen to the absurd notion that not fighting was the only way out. It was too well trained.

Karel took a single, slow, step forward...which was all the time Guy had to react. Instantly his blade was up to guard, barely parrying the blow aimed right for his heart. His incredible speed saved his life, but the force of Karel's attack still carried Guy clear out of the saddle.

Rolling to his feet, Guy fell into a defensive posture. He knew Karel was better then him. Stronger, more skilled...but maybe not faster. Guy's sheer neckbreaking speed was his greatest advantage, and the one thing he might have over Karel. If anything would let him survive this fight, that was it.

As Karel leisurely circled, carefully measuing his next blow, Guy was relieved to see the horse already running off. It wasn't a full warhorse, but it had been trained enough to carry a rider in battle without spooking too much. He was worried it would try and lash out...which would have cost him his only chance at escape. Not waiting for Karel to set the pace of the battle, Guy started to back away. If I can just lure him away from the horse...maybe I can get past him and run.

A mere breath later, Karel flashed forward again, pursuing Guy with a lunging slash. This time, Guy threw himself to the side, attempting to parry and come up in a roll. Pain seared into his mind as the tip of the Wo Dao sliced right through his cloth armor and into his side. But the cut was shallow, simply slashing a small line beneath his ribs, not even an inch deep. Which means that as far as the two men fighting were concerned, it missed.

Karel's eyes narrowed as Guy rolled to his feet and fell right back into his defensive stance without pause. "I see. You're faster then I am. I never would have imagined it. I have to kill you more then ever now."

Strangely, these words were more of a comfort to Guy then anything else. I was right. I am faster. Even he knows it. The next strike is my chance. I just have to dodge it. Somehow.

So Karel resumed his circling, and this time Guy moved with him. The trick was to maneuver himself into the right position to bolt from, without giving his intentions away. Guy couldn't imagine Karel wouldn't pick up on it. He must be very used to people trying to run away from him by now.

The sword demon stepped in again, and again Guy reacted...realizing his mistake a split second after he started to move and trying desperately to correct himself in the right direction.

Karel had stepped in, but quickly slid to the side when Guy reacted to his feint, swooping low like a grounded hawk as he closed the distance, the Wo Dao flashing in an upward arc...

...and carrying with it only a thin trace of blood as it barely brushed Guy's chest. Again, the younger man had managed to jerk out of the way just in time.

The demon's blade was extended, his chest exposed. This was the perfect time to strike. On instinct, Guy began to bring his blade around...but then by sheer willpower aborted the attack, spun to the side, and RAN.

Karel blinked, taken by surprise by his opponent's sudden flight. The shock gripped him only for a second...but even a single second head start was more then Guy could have expected.

Putting the pain in his side and his chest out of his mind, the young nomad ran for all he was worth, chasing down the fleeing horse. It wouldn't keep moving at a full gallop forever, only a few moments to escape the battle. Then it would slow, and perhaps even turn around. Guy knew horses, he grew up on the plains. He just had to keep this speed up until he caught the horse...as he could hear Karel giving chase behind him.

The scene would have looked strange to an onlooker, if they didn't blink and miss the whole affair. Two men, both running for all they were worth, one fleeing and the other pursuing, neither making a sound as they went in stark contrast to the usual shouting that accompanies most deadly chases. Guy did not dare waste the breath to even scream, and Karel had nothing to say.

Bit by bit, the younger man gained ground, putting another inch, then another foot, another yard between himself and his assailant. He needed it. He needed every inch of ground he could put between them, because it would take the horse a moment to launch into a gallop, and that moment could still very well mean Guy's life, even if the vault was perfect.

There! Suddenly, the horse came into view. Finally calling out, Guy whistled to the creature that was his only hope, catching it's attention, shouting the command to turn as he neared. Responding as trained, the horse began to turn around, presenting it's back to Guy, and more importantly, pointing it's nose in the direction Guy wanted it to run as soon as he jumped on.

One chance. I've only got one chance. If I miss this...I'm dead. The thought steadied his nerves. He couldn't afford to bungle this one, everything was riding on it. Lyn's counting on me. I can't let Karel take the Mani Katti.

He closed the distance...and leapt. A harsh pain in his thighs joined the ones in his side and chest as he landed, thankfully in the saddle. But he did not pause even a moment before barking out the command to run, digging his heels into his mount's side to give the order the urgency it needed.

The horse lurched forward, quickly accelerating into a full gallop. The moment he felt the familiar rythem beneath him, Guy breathed a sigh of relief. He was safe. He had escaped.

He didn't turn to look behind him. But if he had, the sight of Karel's emotionless eyes fixating on his retreating form would have haunted his sleep for a long time to come. The sword demon stopped chasing the moment Guy made it into the saddle, not even attempting a final desperate strike. There was no need. He knew where Guy was going.

Sheathing his Wo Dao, Karel casually turned south to collect his belongings. It seemed to him that a trip to Bern was in order...

Author's Footnote: And there we have it. This was a long one and was pretty draining to write. Also didn't get it up until the last minute, but hey, it's still March 31st where I am! I'm still on schedule. Really. Humor me here.

Anyway, please read and review. I'm not too sure on the characterization of the Caelin crew especially, so feedback along those lines would be welcome.

And yes, I'm aware that Wil goes back to Pherae with Rebecca, not her going to Caelin with him. I just wanted them there, so in the S&S-verse, she heads to Caelin with Wil long enough for the wedding and for him to get an official type discharge and such, then they head to Pherae together. Sure I could have put that in the main story, but this story isn't about them. It's about Guy and Matthew. So, they get a footnote.