Fresh after their defeat of the Ganleon bandits Lyn and her colleagues stop to rest in an abandoned fortress. The bandits them selves are in a rage after their brethren fell to Lyn's swords. They race in pursuit of the companions Their angry footsteps sound closer and closer…
Mark sighs as he looks at the ruins in front of him. "I suppose its better then nothing My Lady Lyndis… I apologize that I was unable to find a better lodging." He bows politely; Lyn simply scowls at him and attempts her best effort at ignoring him. However complaints from the others arise and Lyn sighs. "This will be fine. Who wants to be stuck inside, anyway?" She sighs and closes her eyes feeling the wind. "I prefer a place where I can feel the wind blow." Florina always Lyn's shadow huddles up next to her. "As long as I'm at Lyn's side, I'll be fine." Sain walks up placing his hand on his chest. "For your protection I your man-at-arms Sain will be right here by your side, ladies." Kent sighs and takes Sain by the arm. "Sain, both you and I are to remain awake. We will alternate the watch."
Sain frowns and looks at Mark. "Come now Mark surely you think someone more suited for simple guard duty then myself." Mark chuckles and continues eating his apple. "Have fun Sain do tell me if you see anything." He bursts into laughter at Sain's horrified look. "Well lets head in at least we have some protection from the elements." Mark mutters brushing past Lyn slightly he gives her one last glance before entering the ruins. Lyn glares at him… why did he insist on playing this game. She closed her eyes and followed him in. "Oh bloody hell it's a hell hole in here." Mark sighs as Lyn brushes past him and walks in. To their surprise they weren't alone "You pardon, milady…" Lyn grabs her sword "Who's there?" A woman walks into view "I… Forgive my intrusion… My name's Natalie. I'm from a village not far from here…" She stumbles slightly Lyn walks to her side and steadies her. "Are you all right?" She looks at her leg "Your leg…" She smiles although weakly at Lyn. "It's fine. Don't worry. It's from a childhood sickness… I can't travel far on it, but it doesn't trouble me much."
Lyn looks her up and down "What are you doing here all by yourself?" Natalie looks down "I'm looking for my husband… I heard he was in this area. He said he was going to raise money to have my leg mended." Mark frowned and looked at Lyn but quickly turned away. She hands Lyn a picture "Here's a sketch of him it's a poor likeness but… his name is Dorcas." Mark chokes on his apple at the mention of the name and Sain could've sworn he heard him say Dorcas… get out that's a hilarious name but paid him no mind. "Do you know of him?" Lyn shakes her head Natalie looks down "I see… If you do meet him, please give him a message. Tell him that Natalie is looking for him." Lyn nods "I will tell him I promise."
The sounds of footsteps can be heard outside the ruins Mark mutters a curse and glances out. "They've found us… everyone get ready they far outnumber us." He continues looking around "Their surrounding us..." He catches a glimpse of one of the bandits "Interesting… very interesting." He grins to himself "I have a plan… Milady Lyndis guard the east entrance… he will come to you." Lyn looks at him and out the window and her eyes widen and she looks back at Mark who simply nods. "… We'll… we'll talk later Lyndis… I believe there is much to say. Now go" She looks at him one last time and runs off. Mark nods and looks to Sain and Kent "You two guard the other entrance… we'll simply hold them off Wil give them cover fire. Florina stay out of Archer range and help were you can" They all nod and leave for their assignments. Sain and Kent fight off all bandits attempting to enter through the main doors
However on the other side of the fortress Lyn approaches Dorcas "You! Tell me, are you Dorcas?" Dorcas frowns and looks at Lyn "How do you know my name?" Lyn closes her eyes and sighs "Natalie told me. What are you doing out here with these rogues?" Dorcas lowers his head in shame "I need money…" Lyn shakes her head "That may be, but… joining up with mercenaries?" Dorcas nods his head "It's the only way to earn gold in these parts. I'll do anything… even this." Lyn only stared at him shocked "For gold, anything? Would you hurt your wife?" Dorcas looks up at her "What?" Lyn shakes her head and looks inside the fortress "Natalie is inside… we're protecting her" Dorcas stares wide eyed "Natalie's… she's… here?" Lyn nods her head "She was so worried that she came looking for you." She shakes her head "I don't understand you men… you make it so obvious that you love someone and then… you" she closes her eyes and grits her teeth shaking her head "I… I don't understand it… Would your actions please your wife?" Dorcas closes his eyes "You're right." Lyn looks at him "Well?" He nods "I understand. I can't do this I'm done with these bandits here and now." Lyn smiles and nods "I would repay you for your kindness toward Natalie." He looks at the bandits "Allow me to fight you."
Mark looks at Lyn as Dorcas runs over to check up on his wife "I hope at the least he made you understand… why it is I do what I do Lyn" He closes his eyes. "I don't know what your talking about" Mark shakes his head. "If you understood Dorcas then you would understand why I do what I do for you Lyn" Mark closes his eyes but quickly returns to the battlefield even with additional bandits they are able to hold out the night and force the bandits back and after a touching reunion between Natalie and Dorcas, Dorcas talks with Mark who agrees to allow him to join the group "He invited me to join your group" Lyn clenches her fist but manages to soften her face slightly for Dorcas "But we're going to Lycia…" Dorcas nods "I have to go somewhere to earn money. If you think I'll be of use, I'd like to fight for you." He looks at Natalie "You helped my wife… I owe you." Lyn looks at Dorcas "Dorcas…" Natalie steps up "Please, Lyn. We are both in agreement on this, please watch over my husband" Lyn looks at her and nods
Kent approaches Lyn "Everything's finally calmed down." Kent nods "We'll continue taking turns keeping watch. Please rest easy" Lyn looks at Kent "Is that all right?" She looks at Sain "are you sure Sain" Sain looked as though he was about to say no when the not so friendly glare persuaded him to agree. "Let me warn you… If the bandits sneak up on you, they'll cut you down without mercy." Sain chuckles "Do not worry about me milady I shall be fine." He looks at Kent "we should be fine right Kent?" Kent nods "If there's anything suspicious, We'll take care of it." Lyn looks at them and nods "Really? Well, good night then."