Disclaimer: I think I figured out why the chapter is not centered...

Chapter 4 Part 3

A/N: Hey ho, everyone!

I'm done! Finally done! With both college and this stupid chapter!

Honestly, I don't know why I kept writing and coming up with something with the story! And I'm sure somewhere in the middle I didn't care for the couple anymore! Still. I truly prefer Maribelle to end up with Stahl. I guess you could say this is my runabout way of saying
"This couple deserves each other, and here's why!"

In any case! Here's the last chapter for Dukedom of Themis! Let's get this over with!

Stahl stood in front of Arthur's office, gathering his courage to knock on the door. It was still morning, but nearing noon and the hallway in which Stahl stood was bathe in light. A red carpet was laid along the floor, indicating the floor's importance. It was the second floor of the manor, and was lined with knight armors and red curtains. The double door to Arthur's office sported a golden Themis's crest split at center where the doors would part. As always, it was dark wood.

Stahl sighed. Then knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Arthur's voice came from within

"It is Stahl, lord Arthur."

"…" A moment passed. Then another. Finally, "You may enter."

Stahl released the breath he didn't know he was holding, and turned the doorknob and entered Arthur's office. It was a large room that sported book cases on both sides and the occasional glass case that showed off swords and trinkets. A fire place was set on one side of the wall and a set of couches across from it. Opposite from where Stahl now stood was a raised platform with a desk and chair where Arthur laid several stacks of paper. Arthur himself was standing and looking out the window behind his desk. He turned to regard Stahl.

"Come closer, Stahl. I'd rather not have a discussion from across the room."

Stahl nodded, and walked up towards Arthur. As he approached, Arthur pulled his chair and took a seat. He was wearing a fine noble's clothes, similar to what Stahl wore yesterday, but he did not button his coat. Arthur's hair was oiled back and blonde much like Maribelles'. He had a handsome face with a strong jaw, wide shoulders, and a little unkempt belly. A 'noble' through and through.

"Now, why have you come here fully armored and armed? I warn you, I do not give in to threats easily."

Stahl's eyes bulged, then chuckled as he realized that his current attire would have that effect. "I'm sorry lord Arthur. But I'm not here to threaten you."

"Oh?"

"Yes, you see, I came here just to confirm something. You love your daughter correct? All this time?"

Arthur raises an eyebrow to the question. "Of course I love my daughter. What kind of silly question is that?"

"Oh, don't worry. The fact that you love your daughter is not what I'm confirming. It's the other way around actually."

"Stahl. Get to your point. I have little patience for riddles, and I am currently sorting out the problems thanks to some low life bandits."

"Right. It's about the bandits actually. I'd like to join the guards search for them."

Again, Arthur raised his eyebrow. "Why?"

Stahl shrugged. "To get on your good side."

There was pause. Then Arthur burst out in laughter. "Hahaha, to get on MY good side? That's the most blatant way to put your ill intentions!"

Stahl shrugged again. "Whether you believe it or not, I too truly love your daughter. I know I'm not what you're hoping for in a son-in-law, you're looking for someone that can keep Maribelle financially stable correct?" Arthur gazed at Stahl with the same calculating look he gave him last night. A merchant's gaze. "I'm afraid I know little of how trading works, so you are correct that I'm a disappointment to you there. But people tell me I have a talent for making people's lives easier, so I'll just keep doing that. In any case, I'll take my leave now. I have to catch up with the scouting party." Stahl turned around to leave. As he reached for the door knob, Arthur called for him.

"Stahl. You watch yourself out there. I am not saying this out of concern for you, but I know my daughter would be saddened by any danger that befalls you. And if you die, I swear I'll make you pay even in the furthest reaches of hell."

Stahl looked back at Arthur, smiled, and nodded. "I'll take my leave then." It's not exactly a warm way to see someone off, but it'll have to do for now.

"Pops!" Brady called, as he spotted his father just about to leave the main door. "Why didn't you tell us?!"

"Hey, Brady. Uhh… You sure you should be talking like that?" Stahl replied, as he saw his son come close to him. They were alone in the main hall, but he didn't want to risk anyone over hearing Brady. He wore no armor, but had his sword to his side and a small bag over his shoulder.

"That doesn't matter right now!" Brady said. "Why are you goin' out there?!"

"Brady. Relax. It's nothing different from what we did in the war. In fact, compared to our final battle, this would be like taking a little stroll."

"Are ya crazy?! Have you forgotten how we nearly lost ya when you found me?!"

"Brady. I've decided this is something I have to do to get on Arthur's good side. There's nothing you can do that would stop me."

"I'm not stoppin' you! I'm comin' with you! Someone has to make sure you stay out of trouble!"

"No, Brady." Stahl said, he reached up to grasped Brady's shaking shoulders. "I need you to stay with your mother. I don't want to leave her here alone."

"No! I'm comin' with you!"

"… Why?"

"Because!"

"Because what?"

"Just because!"

"Brady… Come on. This isn't like you."

"I'm worried about you alright! I'm still scared ta death that the future might still happen! I'll be damned if I lose my pops a second time!" Brady was tearing up now, and his shaking quite evident to the naked eye.

"Hey, now. I'll be careful alright." Stahl said, as he embraced his son. "You're old man's made of sterner stuff than just some bandits."

"*Sniff* That's the same thing ya said in the future…"

"… what?"

Brady pushed himself from the embrace now and stepped back. "In the future, my future… It was risen at that time that was attackin' us. You, me, ma, and a group of survivors were makin a run for it, but the risen were catchin' up to us. You said *sniff*" Brady paused as he wiped his face momentarily and continued. "You said you'd give us time, even though you couldn't use your legs. Me and ma begged ya not to go, but you still went, sayin' somethin' about you bein a better sacrifice since ya couldn't use your legs." *sniff* "Me and ma were ballin' our eyes out, beggin ya not to go then said that you'll be okay, that you were made of Sterner stuff than some risen!" Brady could hardly control himself now. His fist clenched so tightly it hurt and shook violently, his tears streaming down his cheeks at the memory of losing his father.

Stahl sighed for a moment. So that's how I died huh? Leaving my son as a broken promise...

"Brady. Look at me." Stahl said, as he gripped Brady by the shoulders. "You already saved me. I'm not a cripple anymore. You've done your part as my son and rescued me from the future. Now it's my turn to get you a better future. You've been brave already, real brave. And I couldn't be more proud of you. But right now, I need to be brave again and trust your old man to get some bandits, okay?"

Brady dropped his gaze down on the floor for a long moment, then finally nodded and gave his okay. His voice barley a whisper. He tried to regain control over his body, and started searching the small bag he carried. "Here. Take this." He said, as he handed Stahl a small bottle of bright red liquid.

"What is it?"

"It's a potion. A cure all I made. Actually, it's somethin' based on the notes you left me, but it wasn't finished. It was suppose to even bring back your legs. It took me some time, but I was able to finish it."

Stahl nodded, and placed the potion carefully in his own pack and held Brady's shoulder once more. "You never fail to make me proud Brady." He said as he pulled his son into another embrace.

"Just promise me you'll come back this time pops! Or else I'll really pour so much tea on your grave, play my violin, do a back flip and all!"

Stahl chuckled. "Of course, Brady. Of course."

Stahl had left the mansion proper and made his way to the barracks of the guardsmen near the inner wall. He caught the scouting party just preparing to leave, and signaled for Jasper.

"Jasper! A moment, if you'd please."

"Of course mi'lord. Err… Any particular reason why you're fully armed?"

"Yes, actually. I was hoping to join you."

"Oh. Well, it's not exactly a comfortable trip mi'lord-"

Stahl raised his hand, stopping Jasper. "Just Stahl is fine Jasper. I'm not of a noble. Not exactly anyway. And do not worry of my comfort. Maribelle and I have seen our share of battles in the war, so you don't need to worry about my safety either."

Jasper nodded. "Well, si- Stahl. We can get you an extra horse. The scouting party will be split into two groups. Our group will be taking the East side of Stoney Vale. Jackson over there will be taking the West side." He said as he pointed out another group.

Stahl looked at Jackson and his men. Laxed, undisciplined, and probably forced into the scouting. They'd make terrible comrades, though they seemed more than eager to get on with the mission. A bit twitchy even. "Our group was suppose to take the west side as the terrain can get treacherous, with it being autumn and all, but Jackson and his group volunteered for it."

Wait. What? Stahl mentally gasped. "Volunteered?"

"Yes. Don't know what came over them to be honest. I can hardly get them to stand guard for longer than three hours without one of them getting into trouble."

"Jasper."

"Yea, Stahl?"

"I'd like to go with Jackson's group."

"Uhh… You sure about that Stahl? I mean, they look mean and buff and all, but my group can actually hold a sword properly."

Stahl chuckeld. "Yes, Jasper. I'm sure."

Jasper shrugged. "You're an odd one Stahl. I'll inform Jackson and get a stable boy to get ya a horse." He said, as he left Stahl on the field. It didn't take long for the horse to get to him, Stahl gave his thanks to the stable boy and handed him a silver coin. Just as he was about to mount his horse, someone shouted his name.

"Stahl!"

Oh boy, not again…

Stahl sighed, and then turned. Maribelle was wearing her battle dress and boots, complete with her parasol, as she was running towards him with a speed that out matched a horse. "How dare you?! How could you?!" She yelled as she got close to him.

"Hello dear. I'm just going out for a light stroll!"

"Don't you 'hello dear', me! Why didn't you tell me you planned to go out there?! Well, no matter! I'm coming with you and that's final!"

"No, Maribelle, I can't let you do that."

"And why not?!"

"Because your father would likely have my head for it. Listen. I know you and Brady are... more than just a little upset about this, and that's why I didn't bring it up. But I'm doing this to get on the good side of your father. Trust me on this."

"What about all the 'as long as we're together' hog wash you told me last night!? Am I suppose to just let you go after that?!"

"We are doing this together. We are securing a better-" Stahl stopped then lowered his voice so only Maribelle could hear, and took hold of her hands. "We're securing a better future for Brady. For BOTH Bradys'."

Maribelle instinctively placed her hands on her womb, and he followed her gaze followed. Stahl still held on to her hands, and followed her gaze as well. It was too early to tell, but she knew Brady was conceived last night. Stahl apparently read her like a book again.

"For now, I need you to talk to your father. Can you do that for us?" Stahl said, as he cupper his wife's face with one hand, and another wrapping around her waist. She met his gaze, closed her eyes, and nodded sadly. "Good" Stahl said, as he kissed his wife for a long while. In full view of the entire guardsmen. There were some hooting and what not, but they didn't mind.

They withdrew from their long kiss, but Maribelle kept holding on to his hand. "Please return to me... In one piece preferably."

Stahl kissed her hands. "I promise."

Stahl and his party mounted and marched off outside the gate, he turned once more to meet Maribelle's gaze, filled with worry and concern. He hated doing this to her. But after seeing the guards, he knew he had no choice. She kissed two of her fingers and reached it out towards him. A flying kiss. Stahl smiled softly, and kissed his own fingers and pointed them back to her. She watched them go as they turned a corner, towards the city gates, then towards the open country.

Footsteps neared her, as she took hold of her resolve she so often used. She checked if tears had streamed down her face. There were none. But she still felt fear for her husband. "Milady?" Alfonse called, as he neared Maribelle.

She turned around quickly to face him. A fire in her eyes. "I wish to speak with my father."

Stahl bonded with the others in rather slow pace compared to how he did with everyone else he met. There were six of the large, and bulky men. Jackson, Tully, Flick, Harry, Adam, and Lance. They were quite a colourful cast. Jackson and Tully were quite the talkative sort, Flick a gambler, Harry a doom-and-gloom sort, Adam a nervous wreck, and Tully a womanizer who applauded Stahl for being able to 'enjoy' Maribelle's special cup of tea.

They had left the safety of the town walls long ago, and it was mid-afternoon on the trail. They were steadily climbing an inclined forested path towards their destination. Later on, they deviated from the path, entered the forested regions, and followed the course of a wide steam, reasoning that if they would find any bandit camp, they'd find it near a source of water. The afternoon went on and they soon stopped to rest the horses as they dismounted.

"Oi, Stahl! You have to tell me! What's your secret in getting into the bed of a girlie like Maribelle?" Tully asked as he sat on the soft ground.

"Oh, give it a break, Tuls! He said he did all gentleman-like, so he did all gentleman-like!" Said Flick.

"Nonsense! If it was like that, then Sierra should also be have a fiancé now! Not a long list of suitors!"

Some of the men groaned, while others tossed their hands ibto the air. "You're a hopeless cause Tuls!"

Stahl laughed and moved on to a lighter topic. One that didn't anger him so much. He didn't ask anything about thw men though, no personal information or the like. Then he asked Jackson something that made the men flinch.

"Hey, Jackson. You keep looking at that piece of paper you have there. Is it a map? Mind if I take a look?"

Jackson jerked, then looked at him wide eyed. The men were stunned silent. They hid things poorly.

"Um.. can't really do that Stahl. Ya see, it's uhh... a letter from yhe missums! Yea! So it's all personal stuff. Embarrassing really! I got the map here, though! Here." the large man said panicking, as he scrambled for the map in his pack. He handed it to Stahl.

Stahl smiled outwardly as he took the map, gave his thanks, and unfurled the map. The men all released the breath they were holding and went back to easy going topics.

They're such terrible thieves. Stahl thought. Whatever that piece of paper is, it must be worth a lot. I have to get it back. ...Still though, I should at least study the map for an escape route and where I should make my move.

Arthur Themis sat on his desk surrounded by piles of paperwork thanks to the bandit attacks. He soldiered on through his work, writing, reading, and thinking through all the loop holes imposed on them. This was his expertise. He could dance around peoples views, thoughts, and contracts like the wind lifts the leaves where it wants it to go. Able to make people do what he wants and have them think it otherwise. This was the reason his family owns a vast sum of wealth. The failure of that same expertise was also the cause of why he was madly in love with his late-wife. A knock came from the door, and a figure barged into the room without being announced. He knew of only two people that dared do that. His late wife and...

"Father. I wish to speak with you." Maribelle said, as she approached his desk.

Arthur looked from his work to view his daughter. She stood back straight and proud, with her head held high with a fire burning in her eyes. She wore a battle ready dress, with matching spell book and weapons. She looks about as deadly as Stahl when he came in. It was the same look she had when she decided to join the Shepards. And yet it was also very different. He sighed audibly and removed his spectacles. "I suppose you came here to ask for another group of guards to go with you and Stahl?" He asked.

"Huh? Oh! Its the dress isn't it? I'm sorry to disappoint you father, but no. I simply wish to speak with you. The dress was for... Err... Well I was trying to go with Stahl but he had told me to stay." She said.

"At least the boy has some sense with him."

Maribelle visibly twitched at that. "Father, must you treat my husband with such disdain. I've already told you that Stahl is-"

"Nothing but a gentleman. Yes, yes, I know. And our conversation of this will return full circle to last night and I do not like repeat performances."

"Then why do you mistrust Stahl?!"

"Because I refuse to believe that anyone in this world does not do things for their own benefit like that bastard apothecary that killed your mother!" He yelled. He was furious. Furious at the memory of his wife. Of how an apothecary poisoned his dearly beloved wife.

Maribelle recoiled at that. Her father did not like to discuss the topic. They both grieved at the death of Maria Themis. But when Arthur had uncovered that the apothecary poisoned Maria, for their own selfish desires, he flew into a mad rage. Though justice had been met, and even though Maribelle herself would never forgive the man, it had changed Arthur Themis.

Its probably only blind luck that had saved us from mentioning Stahl himself is an apothecary. I'll have to be sure to avoid saying so. But still... she thought.

"So is that heart of the matter, father? Why you can't trust anyone outside of the family? That's fine." After all, I was like that too with Gaius... "Then just trust MY judgment father. Trust your daughter in her decision of a husband. If not that then... Well, Stahl has his ways. I'm sure that we'll be able to convince you one way or another." She smiled warmly. A smile that gave off hope.

But Arthur just scoffed. "What childish nonsense. If that is all you came here to say, then off with you. I am quite busy thanks to those rapscallion bandits."

Maribelle sighed. She knew it would take more than just some impromptu speech to convince her father, but its no less hurtful.

Still. At least I know what I must do now..

"Then I shall take my-"

The door suddenly snapped open. Father and daughter snapped their necks towards the new arrival to the room. It was Alfonse. He looked ghostly white and out of breathe. His usual clean and straight head servants uniform drenched in sweat and wrinkled all over.

"Alfonse! What in blazes-"

"Mi'lord! We've been robbed!"

"What?! How could they get inside the treasure room?! Which treasure did they take?!"

"No milord! Its the vault! The deeds to your lands have been taken!"

"Impossible! That room is guarded by 2 men all day! How could they... What happened to the guards posted there?!"

"They saw nothing milord. The documents were still there yesterday too!"

"Then the guards who were posted there last night! Did they saw nothing?!"

"That's just it milord! The guards that were stationed there last night have left this morning to join in the search!"

Maribelle gasped. "Stahl...!"

This is it... Stahl thought as he slowly unsheathed his blade.

"Gee... Look at 'em go." Tully said at Stahl's left as the men viewed the battle that unfolded before them. They had traveled through the forest, reached the very edge, and now watched a battle between Knights and bandits unfold below. From their elevated perch, they saw the knights scramble into a disciplined formation around a Themis carriage as the bandits ambushed them.

Jackson whistled to Stahl's right. "Dam, look they got the knights outnumbered 3 ta 1 and they're loosing men. But knowing the boss, I'm sure the knights won't have a chance in-"

Stahl took his cue and cleaved the mans head off his shoulders.

"HE KNOWS!" Tully shouted, scrambling to unsheathe his blade as Stahl back-handed the man in the face, causing him to lose his balance and fall off his horse.

Have to get rid of the mounted men first. Stahl thought as the Flick and Adam readied their weapons to his far right, while Harry and Lance on his far left. Tully was on flat on his back, unconscious. Tully's and Jackson's horses were spooked as they became riderless and made it difficult for the men to surround Stahl. Making use of the opportunity, he maneuvered to the right to face Flick and Adam first as the latter panicked to ready his blade, Flick on the other hand was ready with an axe.

Making full us if the advantage, Stahl charged his horse towards flick and launched a downward slash. Flick raised his weapon and blocked, then tried to go for a counter, but the heavy weapon was too slow and Stahl jabbed the man in the face. Flick reacted with one hand to cover his face and blocked his sight as he recoiled in pain, causing an opening for Stahl to slice the man across his torso. Moving to the next opponent, he found Adam just releasing his sword from the scabbard and their weapons clashed against each other. Adam's defense were undisciplined and clumsy, just barley blocking Stahl's attacks. But time was against Stahl as Lance and Harry just maneuvered out of the horses way and was closing the small space between them. Stahl did a feint and Adam fell for it, causing him to block too early and giving Stahl the chance to cut off his hand. Adam screamed in agony as he clutched his handless arm, as Stahl whirled around to face the two new foes.

"You dastard!" Harry yelled.

"We should have cut you down sooner!" Lance yelled.

"I'd like to have seen you try." Stahl replied. He retrieved his spear that lay next to his saddle and wielded it in his left while he held his sword on his right.

"LUNA!" He yelled. And his horse charged forward as he rammed his spear in Harry and slashed at Lance. Lance blocked with his spear, but Harry died clutching Stahl's spear and fell off his horse, dragging Stahl with him. Stahl cursed, but recovered quickly. Still crouching, Stahl faced to see Lance just about to turn around to charge at him once more. Thinking quickly, he dove for Flick's axe. Clutching it with his left, he fell into an easy stance that could quickly move even while armored. Lance turned, kicked his horse here enough to make it stand, and finally charged at Stahl, aiming to run him down or gut him with a spear. The horse quickly closed the gap and Stahl stepped to his left, the far side side of Lance's weapon, and slashed with both weapons at the horse and rider. The horse neighed in pain, and crashed down as it pinned its rider to the ground.

Checking back at Adam to make sure he was still there, Stahl pointed his sword at him and yelled in his best nobleman impression: "You! Adam! You've lost your hand but not your life. Take it with you and think twice about banditry. You can get your hand and see if a healer can heal you, but I'd stop the bleeding first. Now get out of my sight!" Adam mumbled an appreciation, through all the pain and gnarling of his teeth. He retrieved his hand and remounted and left.

Now for the grim work... I hate this part... Stahl thought as he walked over Lance, still pinned down by the struggling horse. Stahl reached him and saw that he had hit his head on a rock and the struggling horse had crushed practically half his body. Sighing, he went over the horse and stabbed the poor creatures heart to end its misery.

Jobs not over yet Stahl... Not until you get back to your wife... He thought as he cast his gaze over to Tully. His body wasn't there. NO! He ran towards Jackson's body to check for the bag that contained the 'letter', it was gone too. 'No! Dam it all!' Looking around quickly, he spotted Tully running down hill towards the bandits and knights.

This is gonna be a long day...

Quickly running to the nearest horse, he mounted it and sprinted the beast towards Tully. Tully saw him coming and screamed for help and that he had the 'deed'. The bandits saw their comrade and those that could rushed to get to him, but Stahl caught up and cut him down. The packed flew into the air and Stahl urged the horse to a faster sprint. He dropped Flick's axe and made the horse jump, catching the pack in mid air.

Traveling so fast though, the bandits were close enough to him to strike. Keeping the horses' momentum, he pushed it further to its limits and made a bee line towards the knights. Bandits tried to block his way, but he cut them down easily. Finally reaching the knights formation, they saw that he was no friends with the bandits.

"Who's in charge here?!" Stahl yelled.

"I am!" Replied a mounted, full plate knight. He was ranked as captain.

"Captain! We have to leave! If my assumption is correct then what I hold in my hands are deeds and titles to the lands of house Themis, which you serve."

"I am well aware who my employers are, sir. And we can't. The bandits would run us down while we have the carriage." The captain gestured to the dark wooden, red draped carriage that bore the Themis house crest. "And I am not risking the occupants safety by bringing him out! My men have their hands full just forming a disciplined line around the carriage and the blasted driver got an arrow in his neck! The armor you wear... you joined in the war?"

Stahl nodded. "My name is Stahl. A Lieutenant in the Shepard's main army. And husband of Maribelle Themis." Stahl had no idea why he added the last line, but asserting an authority that was his was not wrong.

The captain nodded. Whether he was surprise or not, he hid behind his helm. "Then I hope your good with that sword milord because-"

"Captain! The bandits have a mounted calvary!" Screamed one of the knights.

The captain and Stahl looked to the direction where the knight pointed, and sure enough, mounted bandits were sprinting their way towards them. The captain cursed. "Damnation! We can't hold the line!" He surveyed the area quickly and decided on a course of action as he place his hands on Stable shoulders. "Listen to me milord." The captain said, addressing Stahl with a title but spoke with authority anyway. "My men and I will keep the bandits distracted and you get on that carriage and drive it TOWARDS the town! Just stay on the path and you'll make it! Is that understood milord?!" H ordered.

Stahl could only nod towards a ghostly memory of Frederick barking orders at him.

"Good! Now get off that horse and on that carriage!"

Stahl did as he was told and quickly sat himself on the drivers seat. "Stahl! Take this shield. Just in case. Now ride!" The Captain ordered.

"Hiya!" Stahl yelled as urged the horses in a gallop. 'So much for asserting my authority.'

The knights moved in response and cut down bandits to give way for Stahl.

"Ranks! Form into ranks! Don't let the bandits get the chance to chase the carriage! Spear men! Make sure you stop that calvary!" Stahl heard the captain bark his orders. He could hear the knights moving in plate armor into formation as he urged the horses on the path. The path was like a border to hills and a flat terrain, but both were riddled with trees. The path itself was covered in leaves and branches thanks to autumns season, and the sceenery looked like it was on fire as it passed Stahl quickly. The noise of battle and screams of dying men grew more distant, but the captains orders were resounding clearly through the valley.

"The calvary is here! Hold that line! Hold it! No!" Stahl heard. "Archers! Get those horsemen before they- dastard! Don't interrupt me as I give orders!"

Stahl whipped the horses harder. This was now a chase. Stahl kept to the path and glanced behind him to see three horsemen closing the distance between them. He cursed. I hate chases.

"Maribelle! Hold!" Arthur called.

"What?!" Maribelle replied, extremely irritated at the pace they were going.

Maribelle, Brady, Arthur, and a group of loyal guardsmen had left to search for Stahl's party for a while now. Though they now reached the Western forest, the same forest Stahl and his group took to search, the speed they were going irritated Maribelle to the extreme, and with her father insisting on coming, though he wasn't much of a rider, only added fuel to the fire.

"Calm down, ma. I'm sure pops is doin' fine. He was a lieutenant after all." Whispered Brady.

"A hesitant lieutenant if I might remind you! He didn't enjoy the war and only did it for his loved ones." She replied without whispering.

"Listen dear, all I'm saying is the horses need to rest! You've pushed them well beyond any regular limit and the beasts might collapse!" Arthur complained.

"You mean you're afraid your horse might collapse under your weight!" She replied bluntly.

"Maribelle! I will not be conversed with in such a manner! Especially my own daughter!"

"Yes, well, this daughter has her husband in dire peril thanks to your lousy guardsmen!"

"Both of you! Be quiet! We could walk right into an ambush and you'd give our position away thanks to your family squabbling!" Rebuked one of the guardsmen.

The Themis nobles were taken aback by this as they didn't even have an idea who this handles guardsman is, much less him having the audacity to the all his employers to shut up.

"Quiet all of you! Someone approaches!" Another guardsman said.

"Its Jimmy! At ease boy'os. He's back from scouting ahead. With good news I hope."

Jimmy reached the party and saluted. "I found bodies."

Maribelle gasped.

"Not to fret milady. Not one of them is a noble. They were all Jackson's men." Jimmy said with a smile, trying to reassure Maribelle. "However..."

"Oh, stop the dramatics boy! I hate them! Get on with it!" Arthur complained.

Jimmy nodded at the his employer. "Below hill, past where the bodies lie, a battle is taking place. Between bandits and knights. Sir, we should help them and-"

"Not our fight guardsman. We need to keep looking for Stahl and the deeds."

"Sir! The knights, they bare the house crest of Themis!"

"Oh, naga..." Maribelle gasped. "The only knights that bare that are grandfathers-"

"Personal praetorian..." Arthur sighed, shaking his head. "Gods and damnation! The entire house of Themis is in danger of falling today... Jimmy. Take us to the knights. Quickly now!"

"Sir! This way!"

The group rushed onwards and quickly passed the dead bodies of ex-guardsmen. Maribelle admired her husbands work, though a bit grim, she was glad he was skilled. They passed the trees and saw the knights in a tight formation with the injured at the center. When one fell, they were pushed back to the center of the formation and another took his place. It was a formation used to outlast sieges, but their numbers were dwindling quickly. One of the guardsmen took out a battle horn and blew to signal their approach, as the horn resounded across the valley and got everyone's attention, the knights cheered at the sight of rescue and they found new vigor in their bodies to fight against the now cowering bandits. The guardsmen Arthur took with him were candidates for knighthood as well, and they charged into a spear head formation against the bandits. The undiscipled line quickly fell away and the group managed to unite with the knights.

The bandits were running away in every direction and Arthur gave the order to have a few men chase them down. Maribelle, however, stormed towards the captain of the knights.

"You! Captain! Where is my grandfather and my husband?!" Maribelle demanded.

"M-milady? What are you doing-"

"Answer my question! Or I WILL use this spellbook to turn you and everyone here into a charred corpse!" She threatened.

"M-ma'am! Your husband- Stahl?" The captain inquired. Maribelle nodded. "He came here a while ago! I told him to take the carriage, with your grandfather on it, and told him to escape! We tried to block the bandits from giving chase, but a calvary of bandits came and three of them managed to get through our lines! I apologize milady, we tried-"

"Which way?!"

"That way, milady but-" the captain tried to say more, but Maribelle was no longer listening.

"Brady! Let's go!" Maribelle called to her son as they turned to the direction the knight pointed at and charged off. Arthur and some of the men called out to them and tried to stop them, but they were not listening.

Gods! They're relentless! Stahl thought through gritted teeth. They have been on a relentless chase for what felt like an eternity and the horses were starting to slow. Stahl recalled the Mao he had memorized to mind to see if he could somehow out smart the bandits.

There. A blind turn along the path. I'll have to be quick. Stahl pushed the horses onward and took one final turn just before the blind one.

'NO!" Stahl yelled as he pulled the horses to shrieking halt. His path was blocked by a blockade of fallen trees. They prepared for this! I fell for a trap!

The bandits stopped some ways behind him and were observing his movements.

Grima's blood. No choice... Stahl knocked and opened the drivers slit and peered into the dark interior of the carriage. For the first time, though it was dark, Stahl finally met Oscar Themis.

"Is everything alright, my boy?" Asked Oscar. Back straight, and utterly calm despite of the situation. He wore fine regal clothes befitting his rank, his face elderly but kind. Hair white as snow and oiled back. He held a walking cane in both hands and a smile that pierced through the gloom.

Or perhaps he was just unaware of the danger we're in... Stahl thought. "Of course, milord. Just uhh... A passing herd of sheep."

Oscar laughed. "Hahaha. I may be old young man, but I have yet to be senile. I'm well aware that we have been attacked and you are not Earnest, my driver, nor any of my knights. Nor do you look like any bandit, being so clean shaven. Now. I assume that we are being pursued, but since we have unexpectedly stopped, our path is blocked, no?"

Stahl sighed. "Yes... yes it is..."

"And our pursuers are just observing for now?"

Stahl nodded.

"Then I have little choice but to leave my fate in your hands." Oscar smiled, knowingly.

Stahl sighed. Nodded. And met Oscar's gaze with his best resolve. "I'll do my best, milord." He said, and closed the driver's slit. I just hope they don't have any more tricks up their sleeve. A planned attack on six men is quite different from an ambush from three.

Stahl disembarked from his seat, and faced the three bandits. Correction. Two large men, and one giant....

Two of bandits, the large men, were about to charge but the giant stopped them both and dismounted. "No. I'll be taking care of this one. He's no knight. That armor of his... he's a soldier from the war... Aren't you, Ylissean?" The giant asked at the end as he regarded Stahl. He wore a studded leather armor over a chainmail, making him protected but also giving him agility. He wore no helmet, and kept his hair short and tidy, surprisingly tidy. And on his back, was an over sized lump of iron molded into a giant sword. It was a sword that looked like it could cut a dragon in two in one sweep.

"That's right. And if you know what's good for you, just turn around and walk away!" Stahl yelled. Drawing, and pointing his sword at them and taking the captain's shield from his back.

The giant laughed. "Unlikely, soldier! Tell me, where you there when your forces and the Conqueror's met at sea?"

Stahl nodded. "I was there..."

The giant giggled. "Good... I was there too..." he said as he slowly reached for his sword and slid it out. "And I think, I am due some revenge... Have at you!"

The giant leaped into motion with surprising speed. Stahl leaped sideways, away from the carriage. The giants sword hit the ground and sent a shockwave reverberating through the air as well as clumps of solid rock and earth.

"Hahahahaha! Oh, don't worry about the old man! I want to enjoy myself! Not come! Ylissean!" The giant made for another leap into the air and Stahl moved towards him. As the great sword came down, Stahl side stepped, jumped, and then slashed at the mans side. The man grunted as the sword's shockwave propelled him backwards to safety. The giant laughed once more. "It's been so long since anyone was able to hit me!" He said as he charged off once more towards Stahl. Stahl charged likewise.

"LUNA!" Stahl yelled, and almost instantly he dashed towards the giant with one great slash. The giant blocked and was surprised that he was pushed backwards by his opponent. Recovering quickly, the giant punched Stahl square in the chest. Stahl flew backwards with great force and smashed into a tree, his blood gushing out of his mouth. Splinters flew in every direction and his vision blackened for a second.

Gods... such strength! He moves fast as well! How could I even injure this man beyond a few nicks!

The giant grinned even wider and blood lust was written all over his body. "Its been so long since someone was able to do that!" The giant said and charged. Making a horizontal slash as he drew close to his opponent. Stahl ducked through the attack, but the sword completely split the tree in two, burying both of them in leaves and twigs.

"Curse this dam tree! I should have used this one as the road block!"

Stahl managed to slip out and looked back at his opponent, struggling to move.

The tree... of course! But... Stahl looked back to the carriage, then towards his opponent, then back to the carriage. Che, no choice! Stahl turned his back from his opponent and dashed towards the carriage. The giant managed to untangle his view from the branches, cursed, and gazed on Stahl running away from him. He cursed on more. "Oi! Don't you dare run away!" And struggled against the tree with even greater force.

Stahl reached the carriage, entered, and motioned to pick up Oscar. "No time to explain, milord. We have to leave. Now!" "Wait, what in blazes-" Oscar started, as Stahl carried him on his shoulder and exited the carriage through the other side.

The two bandits sat, as their leader got out of the trees and rushed towards the carriage. Stahl, with Oscar being carried on the shoulder, were out and running. They were deliberating on whether to move in and block their path or not.

"We gots to help the boss!" One said.

The giant swung his sword upwards at the carriage and it flew high into the air, horses and all, unblocking his path.

"Ya, well, some help we'll be!" The other complained, moving to block the running duo regardless.

"Almost there!" Stahl said out loud as he ran towards the safety of the trees with the giant close behind him.

"You're not getting away from me, Ylissean!" He heard the giant say, as well as the rushing footsteps of the other two bandits.

'Damnation! I forgot about them!'

Stahl had reached the trees, turned, and waited for the giant. His opponent swung horizontally as he had hoped and dodged the great swing just barley. The trees fell and blocked the giants path. Good! I hope this works! The man roared like a wild beast in rage, and attacking the the blockade he had just created. It was instantly obliterated.

Well, that didn't last long! Stahl thought and continued running.

"Get back here!" The giant roared, giving chase to Stahl.

The two bandits just sat on their horses, mouth agape, as they saw their boss basically swinging his sword with the force of a mountain.

"Seriously! What help are we?!" One complained. As the other merely shrugged. "Well... come on! We don't have all day."

"THORON!" Came a voice as one bandits was struck down with blinding lighting.

"What in gods name did-" the other bandit started.

"Get busy dying'! LETHALITY!" Came another voice, and the bandits vision turned red.

Stahl had run quite a bit and decided that the area was good enough. He put down Oscar to the ground, standing.

"Listen to me milord! Keep heading east! Don't stop! Go, quickly!" Stahl said.

"I shall not abandon-" Oscar started but was cut off as the giant roared once more and came into view.

"No time! Now go milord! I'll handle him here!" Stahl said as he ran a distance away from Oscar.

"Over here, Valnesian! I'll fight you here!" Stahl said, dropping into a stance.

"Tired if running around?! I told you didn't I? That you shouldnt worry about the old man. My men will find him. Sooner or later. But you... You should worry about yourself! RAAAAAGH!" The giant roared, swinging his axe downwards towards Stahl. He dodged it easily and feinted an attack. The giant fell for it, but didn't block, instead, he swung his sword upwards, missing Stahl, but striking a tree. Leaves started raining down, and these only angered the man even further.

"Curse this infernal forest! I'll see it burn down like what you did to our fleet!"

Yes, that's it! Keep swinging!

The giant swung wildly, cutting down tree after tree. Stahl just barely dodged most of it, sometimes he moved in close, beyond the swords reach, and received a fist instead. The giants anger blinded him as more and more leaves and branches fell in his view. Taking the chance, Stahl moved in and slashed the man in the arm, dodged a blind counter, slashed at his leg, blocked a knee attack with his shield, stabbed the man in the arm, received a back hand attack in full force. 'Naga! That hurt!' Stahl continued his offensive, attacking, dodging, blocking, and sometimes receiving the giants wild counters. The giant still swung his sword around wildly, but as the great blade cut through more and more trees, the more momentum it lost and was easily avoided by Stahl.

Come on! Almost there!

"I HATE nature!" The man yelled. And tried to swing his sword once more. It didn't move. "What in the-" he gazed at his sword, removing the leaves that blocked his view. His sword was stuck among the trees! Not only that, but the area around him had so many fallen trees and branches, his feet were tangled into them and his arms could barely move freely.

Now! Stahl moved through the branches, keeping low and shield up. As he came close to the immobile giant, he leaped into the air and readied his blade. 'Time to finish this!'

"ASTRATA!" Stahl yelled, and slashed wildly as he came down. The man roared in agony, as he helplessly received the attacks. Stahl kept his barrage and injured the man gravely, opening more and more wounds as blood flowed through his body and reddening the surrounding leaves, but also fueling his fury. The man roared once more as his fury reached into its limits, and pulled at his sword with so much strength, it broke free, catching Stahl completely unaware.

Nooooo!

Stahl dodged, but the great sword swung true, gutting his side in one great wound, and more blood gushed out from his mouth and his already bleeding head. It nearly sliced him in half, but the sword was stuck once more in a tangled of trees and branches.

"No..." he gasped through the pain.

Stahl crashed to the ground, wounded and in great pain. His vision started to dimmed, and numbness ate away at his body. The giant stood still and breathed heavily, blood coming out and covering his entire body. The ground around him had puddles of blood. For a long moment, neither moved.

No! I can't die. Not here... Stahl thought as his vision blackened. I promised Braddy. I promised my son... I have to get up... I have... to...

"Stahl! Stahl, where are you!" He heard Maribelle called.

Stahl gritted his teeth and opened his eyes.
Maribelle...
Stahl rolled to his knees, and held on to his sword.
Maribelle!
Stahl stood, shaking, using the sword for support.
"Ma... ri... belle..."
He clutched his wound, and stepped forward. Then another.
"I have... to go..."
He walked slowly, towards the glossing giant.
"I have... to see my wife..."
He stopped. And raised his sword to the giants chest.
"Your're in... my way..."

The giant laughs through the blood. "Is that... why you fight, Ylissean? For your wife? *coughs* No matter... I'm done for. Tell me... What is your name... Ylissean?"

"My name... is Stahl Themis..."

The giant nodded. "And mine... Is Mars... Re...member me... As I will you..." the giant last said, and his head fell.

Stahl crashed to the ground, clutching his wound. Dam... This is fatal... No matter how you look at it... If only I could...

"Dam these trees! Why are they all fallin' over each other like a gods-dam hurricane came through here?! Pops! Where are ya?! You better be alive or I'll drown ya in that potion!" Brady yelled.

The potion! Of course! Stahl thought with renewed vigor, as he scrambled for the small potion in his pouch. Naga! Please don't be broken! He felt it around his fingers, brought it out. The vial was perfectly fine.

Yes! Thank you Brady! He thought with success, and struggled to open the vial. His bloody hand slipped and the potion fell.

Nooo!

A hand caught it mid air and opened the small vial and lifted Stahl's head to help him drink it. It was Oscar. "There now, son... drink up... I don't know what this is, but I can't very well have my grandson-in-law die now can I?"

The red liquid went down Stahl's throat. It tasted like honey and he felt it working immediately as the pain was leaving and he could feel his wound closing up immediately. That's some powerful stuff!

"We're over here, Maribelle!" Oscar yelled, as he gently laid down Stahl's head.

"Grandfather?!" Maribelle said, as she rustled through the branches. Finally pushing the last brach, her eyes fell on to Oscar. "Grandfather!" She smiled joyfully. Then her eyes fell on a bloody Stahl. "Stahl!" She shrieked and rushed off towards her husband at once.

"What?! What happened to- Pops!?" Brady yelled as he pushed through the branches and saw his father. He rushed towards him as well. "The potion! Where's the potion!?"

"Maribelle. Brady. Calm down. I'm alright now, thanks to Brady's potion! See!" Stahl said casually. He really was alright.

Maribelle, however, looked like she was deciding whether to cry or hug him. She slapped him instead. "You idiot! You did it again!" Then cried and hugged her husband. "I told you not to! And you did it again! I am never letting you put yourself in danger ever again!" She cried into his ear.

Stahl laughed lightly and embraced his wife. "Haha, Sorry dear."

Oscar coughed loudly, taking their attention. "Now, this is all well and good but... Would someone explain to me why this man calls you, Stahl, 'pops'?"

Oh, naga... Stahl, Maribelle, and Brady thought at the same time.

Stahl sighed and looked at Maribelle. They both nodded. "Well, you see grandfather..." Maribelle started. "It's sort of a long story... " Stahl continued. "And we're not completely sure you'll believe it..." Brady added. Stupid time travel! They all thought.

Author's Note: I swear to God I did not mean for it to reach 8,500 words! I just kept typing, having the thought 'I'm almost at the end! Just a little more!' then boom! It's twice as long as I usually wright! Well... At least this is over. I don't know if you've noticed, but whatever force made me write with such joy in the beginning and middle, left me at the end, and all I managed to come up with is some hurried ending of how Stahl escapes death thanks to Brady. I could take all the way back to the Themis household and have them talk it out with Arthur, but that would be another 4000 words, and I really want to move on! Haha! And I have to do a winter special for LucinaXRobin. I have time now. College is over (YES!) I'll be taking a break from real-life for about a month, and use it to play tons of games and write silly fanfiction a few good people read ;)

Oh, to my reader's of Sage's Hamlet. Nope. still haven't come up with a proper wedding for it. Frankly, I keep writing and removing things. All I can say is... I want it to be perfect! So it's taking quite a while... I'll see if I can release it on February 14, as a special to all you lovey-dovey folks.

Stay tuned next time as I write a Chapter X, reveal a teeny-tiny bit of what I'm planning for this series, and the next couple! Henry and Panne and their life on a farming village! Because I'm sick of this noble drama, and action scenes! See ya in a few days!