Mark laughed as he ducked a swing from his opponent's broadsword, and swiftly raised the Masamune piercing the man through the stomach. He grinned savagely as he sliced the man in half. Never once stopping in his laughter, he jumped back and avoided the swing of an axe man. He spun around and sliced the man's head off. Plenty of blood on his blade, he raised the blade to his mouth and proceeded to smile as the blood flows down his blade before entering the fray once more.
"He truly earned his title, didn't he Michael." Karel said walking up beside Michael, never once taking his eyes off Mark's butchery. "He is titled the swordsman of destruction, only because he takes such a sick and perverse pleasure in bringing upon death." Karel shakes his head, as Mark runs through a pair of axe men. "You're the opposite though, they say even on the battlefield life is created around you. Hence your title, the swordsman of life" Karel finishes by sighing, as Mark finishes up his battle.
Michael glances back at Karel. "They call you the demon swordsman, in the battle they say you're personality and appearance changes to that of a demon." Mark stated he watched as his brother approached them.
"We've all earned our titles." Karel calmly retorted turning around and walking off. Mark laughed as he approached his older brother, who simply nodded to him.
"It's a shame brother; you missed out on all the fun, the thrill of the battle." Mark crackles a sardonic grin on his face.
"I do have a question for you brother. Tell me, what is it you fight for?" Michael asks, staring deep into his brothers eyes as though staring into his soul. Mark only grins in response.
"I fight to be the strongest. The strongest this worlds ever seen, I'll fight and kill everyone that stands in the way of me and my goal." Mark claims, laughing as he does.
"Oh and what then, when your finally at the top of the world. When there is no one left to oppose you. What then?" Michael responds, still staring into his brother's soul.
"When I'm the strongest, hundreds of fighters will come to me. Only those truly worthy of the title swordsman, I will fight them, and I'll kill them brother. Eventually one will come, one that is stronger then I and I will die. What a beautiful death it will be." Mark places his hand on his face and laughs. "I will die without ever touching the ground, a true warrior's death brother. I will die the greatest this world as ever seen, and never once touch the ground." Mark continues to laugh almost manically.
"I see." Michael shakes his head and turns around.
"What about you brother?" Mark asks watching his brother leave. "Why is it that you fight? What reasoning do you have?" Mark furthers the question. His brother turns to face him.
(Present time)
Mark was at the head of the group. He gritted his teeth and spun around, they were behind. Unacceptable, didn't they know that every second wasted brought Caelin's destruction one step closer. They had to hurry, they had to reach Caelin now before Darin and Zero could conquer it.
"Hurry it up, your all moving far too slow. At this rate Caelin will fall, and Darin and Zero and the black Fang, all of them will succeed in their little rebellion!" Mark barks, barely able to contain his fury at them. He turned around and made to rush off.
"You damn fool we're going as fast as we can. We've been moving nonstop for nearly two days now. We need a break" Hector shouted out at Mark. Mark gritted his teeth and spun around to face them.
"Yes a break would be lovely wouldn't it Hector, I mean it's not like we're in a rush to get anywhere. Yes I think we should all just sit down and take a nice nap. While Caelin and is under siege, by a tyrannical lord. By god I think your right Hector, if there isn't a first time for everything." Mark mocked, glaring down at the young noblemen.
"You think you can talk down to me like that." Hector stood up and grabbed his axe but it was too late Mark was already upon him, the Masamune pressed up against his throat.
"I am the superior fighter here Hector, I run this little band. If you seek to be insubordinate I will kill you." Mark threatened pressing the blade tighter against Hector's throat.
"That's enough!" Eliwood shouted, at long last having had enough of Mark's attitude. "Master Mark I understand your desire to rescue Lyn, but if you keep this up. We'll be far too tired to battle the Laus troops." Eliwood concluded, motioning to everyone else who all looked to be on the verge of collapse. Mark gritted his teeth and made to say something but stopped, and withdrew his sword from Hector's throat and sheathed it.
"Very well… we'll setup camp here." Mark frowned and turned around walking off. "We leave at first light." He took one last glance back at the group and walked off. Serra sighed as she watched Mark leave.
"Why don't you follow him?" Erk asked, walking up beside Serra. "I know you desire to be by his side.
"He needs to be alone right now." Serra responded not looking at Erk. She frowned and walked off. She was too tired to pretend to be happy, and she really didn't want to be around Erk right now. Erk watched her leave and rubbed the back of his head.
"That girl, she's so very strange." Erk remarked, shaking his head. "Well I suppose I should go checkup on Priscilla."
(In Caelin)
Lyn was in the outskirts of Caelin, her usual spot as it was called by Sain. It was true after all it was the spot she last saw Mark. She placed her hand over her chest and sighed, the last vestige of the sun was beginning to disappear over the horizon. It was a beautiful sight after all. She only wished that he would be there to see it with her.
"Sep… has it only been a year since we've last seen each other. Such a short amount of time and yet it feels as though we've been separated for centuries." Lyn thought, she closed her eyes and let the cool wind gently touch her cheek. She missed Mark and she missed her homeland the Sacaen plains. Her grandfather needed her here though, and beside she enjoyed spending time with her grandfather. The walks in the garden, listening to stories about her mother when she was a child, or her telling her grandfather tales of her family.
"Milady Lyndis, it's getting late. If you stay out here any longer you'll catch a cold." Kent shouted out, Lyn glanced back at him and nodded.
"She gets worst with each passing day, I didn't think… he meant that much to her." Kent moaned his green haired companion walked up beside him.
"Are you jealous Kent heheh, we both know your feelings towards Lady Lyndis" Sain teases patting Kent on the shoulder. Kent simply blushes in response.
"I do not harbor any so called feelings for Lady Lyndis, I… I simply respect her that's all." Kent remarks hastily, though the blush shining through the lie.
"If you say so Kent, ahhh Milady Lyndis are you ready to retire back at the caste." Sain says to Lyn as she walks towards them.
"Yes I suppose now would be a good enough time. What were you two talking about I would've sworn I heard my name?" Lyn asked, genuinely puzzled by her two loyal retainers conversation.
"Oh it was nothing, I assure you. Now then let us make all haste back to the castle. I heard that the new serving girl at the tabard was a true vision of loveliness, I would so love to… introduce myself." Sain says slyly, Lyn chuckles and rolls her eyes walking past Sain.
Sain laughs heartily as he wraps his arm around Kent and drags him along. Promising to buy him a round and help him forget all of his troubles.
(Far too close to Caelin)
"So this is Caelin huh, hahahahaha. You were right Zero, Caelin is severely under manned." Darin laughed as he held up his spear. The Laus soldiers cheered in response.
"Did you have any reason to doubt me Marquess Laus?" Zero asked not bothering to glance up at the idiot. "If there's one thing I know, its troop strength. I've had my eyes and ears in Caelin for a long time and know them to be vulnerable." Zero continued.
"Tomorrow then, tomorrow we'll be feasting in Caelin's halls, we'll have a new home and soon we'll conquer all of Lycia. There's nothing those fools in Ostia can do, and that pathetic prince and his followers are all too far behind us." Darin cheers as he thrusts his spear into the air.
"Indeed" Zero responded casually walking away, Ephidel almost immediately at his side. When the two were out of ear shot, Zero turned to face his apprentice. "Where are they?" He asked.
"Their right behind us, as you expected Master Zero. Eliwood and his little band of miscreants will be upon us shortly after we begin laying siege to Caelin." Ephidel said, informing his master of the situation.
"Good, then everything is in place. That fool Darin has nearly outlived his usefulness." Zero said looking back at Darin. He grinned beneath his mask, oh yes that fool's usefulness was nearly all used up. Just one more thing need to be done and he can cast him aside for good
(The next day)
The Laus troops attacked Caelin, with such sudden and unpredictable ferocity that the Caelin troops were scattered without a fight, the castle had fallen in but a few scant hours. Lyn and those in here inner circle had escaped to the outskirts of Caelin but were swiftly surrounded. Kent had gone out ahead to scout the area but had returned.
"Milady, I've returned, and I have brought news. Laus soldiers are scattered from the castle to the edge of this forest. There must be at least 50 soldiers!" Kent gasped, looking at Lyn. Whose face remained stoic in light of things, again she placed her hand over her chest and took a deep breathe.
"Are you sure about this Milady? Going back to the castle would mean almost certain death." Sain interjected.
"My grandfather is in the castle. I left the castle on his orders, but… I can't leave him in there alone!" Lyn shouted, her calm expression breaking slightly.
"The numbers we face… Rescuing Lord Hausen will be no easy task." Will muttered.
"I wonder if we can expect reinforcements…" Sain wondered, Kent nodded and stepped forward.
"I overheard some of the Laus soldiers talking. They claim Lord Eliwood invaded Laus and drove them out." Kent said, looking towards Sain and then back at Lyn.
"Eliwood? Why would he attack Laus?" Lyn mused, rubbing her chin slightly.
"It gets even more interesting… Not only did Marquess Laus abandon his castle, but he also left his son, Erik, behind when he fled here to Caelin." Said finished his tale, both Lyn and Sain look disgusted by this news.
"That's despicable! He abandoned his own son?" Sain shouted.
"But at least we know Eliwood is in Laus. We might be able to ask him for help." Lyn paused slightly. "Assuming there where a way to contact him." She finished and sighed.
"If we are to avoid being caught, the best path would be through the forest. Shall I go?" Will offered.
"I suspect you're right. Horses cannot move well in the woods… It'll take you a while, but you can travel lightly…" Lyn said but was interrupted
"Lady Lyndis! I'll go!" Florina said, gasping for breath as though the effort of saying that left her nearly winded. "I can fly above the forest. I can be in Laus faster than anyone else."
"Florina?" Lyn asked surprised. "You can't do this on your own! It's not possible!"
"Thanks to my time here, I'm no longer as timid around men as I used to be." She said softly, glancing at her feet. "And I've met Lord Eliwood before. I'm sure I can do this on my own." Lyn looked at her friend concern written all over face.
"It will be terribly dangerous… You understand, don't you?" Lyn asked, as she stared at her friend.
"Yes. But… I promised myself I would become braver for you. I'm not the weak little Florina I used to be. I'll be fine. Trust me." Florina remarked, for the first time some confidence in her voice. Lyn smiled at Florina and nodded
"You've won me over Florina. But you have to promise me that you won't try anything impossible!" Lyn commanded, again the worry in her voice evident. Florina smiled and got onto her Pegasus.
"Yes, my lady." Florina nodded and flew off.
"… What would you have done Mark?" Lyn thought as she watched Florina fly off.
"To reach Laus, I must go over the forest… and fly north." Florina thought as she flew over the battlefield. Florina glanced down and saw a group of people approach the battle field. "Wait! Who are those people? They fly no banner, and yet…" She continued to stare at the group and spotted Eliwood. "Ah! That man in the lead! It's Lord Eliwood! He's come to Caelin's aid! That's wonderful. I have to tell him where Lady Lyndis is waiting!" Her thoughts became all the more excited as she flew towards the group.
Mark was quite as they reached the ridge. This was where he had last seen Lyn, and from it he could see perfectly the enemy swarming over Caelin.
"I've spotted the enemy… Why are their archers advancing?" Hector wondered as he peered down at the Laus troops.
"They're aiming up high…" Mark said following the trajectory. "A Pegasus knight… Florina!" Mark glanced up at the sky and saw her. She swooped down towards them.
"Lord Eliwood!" Florina shouted as her Pegasus approached them.
"Could it really be…? Florina, is that you?" Eliwood shouted up at her.
"Yes! I'm Lady Lyndis's…" Florina responded but was cut off by arrows whizzing past her head. She moved her horse to avoid the oncoming barrage. But in the thick of it she slipped off her Pegasus and began to fall from the s sky
"Damn it she's going down!" Hector shouted running towards where she was falling. He wasn't sure what he was going to catch her, it was just a matter of lining up perfectly… and she landed right on him, nearly crushing him. Hector groaned in pain, it wasn't the perfect rescue.
"Can you hear me? Florina?" Eliwood asked. Florina stirred and looked up at Eliwood.
"Lord Eliwood? … I…" Florina couldn't finish, as she noticed she was sitting on something or rather… someone.
"I'm glad to see you're alright… but could you please. Get off of me." Hector groaned, Florina flushed quickly and jumped off Hector hiding behind Eliwood.
"Florina, what happened to Lyn? Is she alright?" Mark's panicked voice shone in over the chaos of the battle.
"L-lord Mark… yes Lady Lyndis is alright. She's just beyond that forest." Florina points to the forest. "Guy, Garrett you two are with me everyone else head for the gaps between the ridges, now let's go" shouted Mark, just before he, Guy and Garrett raced off in the direction of that Florina said Lyn was at.
"Mark you damn fool! Don't rush off on your own!" Hector shouts after Mark, and then sighs. There was no talking to him, he'd be fine. Mark was a master swordsman, now what to do about the castle. Florina said Lyn was planning a counter attack.
Hector glanced at Florina who was still explaining the situation and quickly glanced away. He was surprised; she was so… so beautiful. He took a deep breathe now was not the time to be thinking about a beautiful girl. No he had to focus on the coming battle.
"Get out of my way!" Mark shouted as he carved his way through the enemy troops, he was so close he could almost feel her. He stabbed a soldier through the skull and spun around decapitating another.
"Hold up Master we can't keep up with you" yelled Garrett as he slashed two mercenaries across the chest.
(Flashback)
"What about you brother?" Mark asks watching his brother leave. "Why is it that you fight? What reasoning do you have?" Mark furthers the question. His brother turns to face him.
"I fight for you brother, I fight to protect you." Michael responds calmly, Mark narrows his eyes and grips the hilt of his sword.
"Protect? I don't need your protection I'm perfectly capable of defending myself!" Mark shouts, pointing his sword at his brother.
"Like you said, one day you will find an opponent who is superior to you and he will best you. When that day comes brother I'll protect you so you won't die. You see brother in order to become a truly great swordsman it's more than simply wanting to be the best, it's about having someone to fight for when you find someone you care about and can fight for them. Then you will find true strength more then you ever thought possible." Michael smiles at his brother, and turns around and begins to walk off. Mark only glares angrily at his back.
How dare he talk down to him, even if he was his older brother, no one can talk down to him. He was the best he was Mark, the swordsman of death. The strongest amongst the three swords, he gritted his teeth and charged his brother sword at the ready. In a flash Michael spun around and drew his sword knocking the Masamune from Mark's hand who could only stare at the sword in shock. Michael's shook his head and smiled at his brother.
"I'll be waiting for you brother at the top, maybe one day you will surpass me." Michael calmly said, smiling down at his brother.
(Present time)
"How foolish I was, I should've realized just how right you where brother." Mark thought as he stood at the front of the forest that Florina had said Lyn was hiding in. He smiled and entered the forest. It wasn't long before he spotted her, as though sensing his presence she turned to face him. She stared at him for a moment and before he knew it his lips were locked with hers in a passionate kiss.
"Somehow I knew, I knew you'd come to my rescue again Mark." Lyn whispered, as she rested her head against his chest. Mark placed his hand on her head and stroked it lovingly.
"Of course, I wouldn't be much of a hero if I didn't come to your aide my love." Mark responded kissing her lightly on the forehead. Their reunion was broken by an arrow flying at them they broke the embrace and dodged the arrow.
"I take it you didn't come alone." Lyn said looking at Mark, before spotting the archer and rushing towards him, before he had a chance to draw another arrow he was dead.
"Of course not, Eliwood and some friends are just to the west of us. I've cleaned the path up quite a bit, but I have no doubt in my mind that more troops are filling the pass." Mark begins looking around. "Where are the others?
"Sain and Kent should be at the edge of the forest, Wil is probably close by as well." Lyn hastily replied dodging another arrow.
"Very well, gather them up if you can and meet me at the western edge of the forest, we're going to cut a path across and meet up with Eliwood." Mark commanded, before running off. Lyn shook her head and smiled as she watched him go.
Kent reared back his horse just in time to avoid the blow that would've surely cleaved him in two he drew his sword and swiped it quickly slicing his opponent's throat neatly. He shook his head at the barbaric actions he had undertook but had no choice and was about to ride off when he saw Lyn running up to him.
"Kent! We've got reinforcements, Mark and Eliwood have arrived. Eliwood's forces are to the west me and Mark are on our way over there now! Find Sain and Wil and start heading over!" Lyn shouted before ducking an attack from a myrmidon and promptly finishing him off.
"Very well Lady Lyndis!" Kent shouts back before riding off.
Lyn nodded too herself and returned to Mark's side. Mark dodged another arrow and looked at Lyn smiling slightly at her.
"I sent Kent to find Sain and Wil." Lyn said blocking an oncoming attack from a bandit. She swiftly cut him down in turn before looking at Mark. "Should we be on our way Mark?"
Mark nodded and looked out across the battlefield. "It seems as though Eliwood and his company have carved a path towards the castle. Most of the troops have already fallen by the way side." Mark shook his head and ran off to join up with Eliwood's company. "Well best to make haste Lyn."
Lyn sighed and ran off after him it wasn't long before they ran into the first of Eliwood's company.
"Ah! Lyn! I'm so happy to see you safe!" Serra squealed as she ran over and hugged Lyn, despite the battlefield situation. Lyn looked down at Serra in puzzlement.
"Serra! What are you doing in Caelin?" Lyn asked as Serra broke away from the hug and walked beside Mark.
"I'm with Mark of course Mark insisted that I come to your aide. After all only a beautiful priestess like myself could be trusted in such a situation." Serra boasted with an arrogant laugh following it. Mark simply rolled his eyes and glared down at Serra.
"She came with Lord Hector he's a friend of Lord Eliwood's and Marquess Ostia's younger brother." Mark added, he sighed at his would be little sister and rested his hand on her head.
"Pft your no fun Mark" Serra whined. "Well even so, I had to come and help a dear friend."
"A dear friend?" Lyn asked raising an eye brow slightly. "Well thank you for coming Serra it means a lot to see you again."
"Don't worry about it! Besides Social positions never bother me, I know from experience that we'll get along fine, Lyn!" Serra said patting Lyn on the shoulder.
"She's technically higher caste then you are…" Mark drolly added on, he simply stuck his hands in his pockets and walked past the pair. "Well let's get a move on Lord Eliwood and Lord Hector will need our help reclaiming the castle."
Oswin scoffed as a horsemen's lance bounced of his chest. He raised his own Lance and in one powerful thrust fell both horsemen and rider. He sighed and picked up a javelin taking aim and letting throw striking another horsemen in the chest. From behind him the sound of a bow being strung could be heard and an arrow flew past him striking yet another horseman in the eye. Rebecca nodded to herself and drew another arrow. Oswin glanced to his side and saw Merlinus huddled up in his tent. Oswin sighed Lord Hector's decision to set him and Rebecca as the guards to the merchant was certainly a sound one, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't' feel the itch to go out and do battle with the main force.
The ruffians sent on him and Rebecca were little more than reserve's nothing of true merit. Oh well he could see the last of the horsemen coming down on them now. It wouldn't be long before he could join up with the others.
Mark, Serra, and Lyn had finally joined up with Eliwood, who looked relieved to see the three of them unharmed.
"Lyndis!" Eliwood greeted waving at her as the three approached.
"Eliwood, it's good to see that you made it!" Lyn responded running up to Eliwood's side.
"Florina told us where you were. Needless to say to hear that you were okay was a great relief on Mark. We immediately set out to help when we heard word that your castle was under attack." Eliwood said
"Thank you! Your aide has been greatly appreciated." Lyn nods to Mark and glances ahead.
"The rear guard is pulling back all that remains are the commander. Eliwood find Hector and Bartre tell the two of them they are to engage the commander together. Their only two with an axe and have a leg up on him, once he's down the castle is ours." Mark commanded, he glanced at Lyn as Eliwood ran off to convey the order
"Let's gather everyone else up Lyn we'll have to be ready. No doubt more troops lie in wait inside the castle." Mark said, running his hand through Lyn's hair. She nodded and the two of them ran off.
Bartre narrowed his eyes and gripped his throwing axe tightly. He reared back and let fly the axe just as Hector cleared out of the way the axe connected with the commanders throat and he simply gasped for breathe before collapsing onto the ground. Bartre grinned and stepped over his corpse, the battle was done.
Kent sighed as he leaned back in his saddle, he had seen the enemy commander fall at the hands of one Eliwood's men. The battle was done he could take a deep breath and regain his senses for the battle that was sure to come. He heard the sound of hooves and looked up to see Sain ride up next to him.
"Sain, it's good to see that you're unharmed." Kent said nodding at his companion.
"Ah, Kent likewise" Sain returned looking his companion over.
"I hope you didn't get to hurt in this last battle. No doubt more Laus troops hiding within the castle itself. I hope you didn't work too hard out there" Kent continued the semi-lecture of his friend.
"But of course. If I did not put in my all how could I have possibly show off my grace?" Sain asked tilting his head to one side. Kent sighed and rubbed his temples slightly, this was not calming him down.
"For whom do you intend to "show off"?" Kent asked the patience in his voice clearly lacking. Sain grinned one of his grins and Kent already knew the answer.
"Why, all of the lovely ladies in our camp, of course! This is the best time to catch their eye, you know." Sain answered with too much enthusiasm "I've got to look good for my admirers!" Kent sighed and rolled his eyes.
"You will never change, will you? You should think more of the needs of our whole group, instead of rushing off into the fray like a berserker!" Kent scolded. Sain only smiled and laughed at his friends concern.
"I'll be fine, Mother!" Sain laughed and rode off. Kent's eye twitched slightly and he rode after Sain.
Rebecca panted as the last horsemen fell she looked at Oswin who simply nodded at her. The only sign she needed to catch up with the others. No doubt Oswin could handle any remaining troops. She continued to run and then paused when she spotted someone who seemed too familiar.
"Huh?" Wil muttered narrowing his eyes, his eyes then widened in shock as he recognized her face. "Hey! Rebecca? Yeah! Rebecca!" He shouted and waved at her. Rebecca brought her finger to her lip and bit on it lightly.
"… Um, who are you, again?" She asked lightly rubbing the back of her head.
"What? It's me! You know, Wil! The guy next door!" He enthusiastically responded pointing to his face hoping his eyes would sell it.
"… Well… I know of no such person." Rebecca feigned, looking down at her feet.
"Really?" He responded puzzled at this turn of events he was so sure. He didn't get a response and then frowned slightly. "Sorry… I guess I've got the wrong person…" He sighed and turned around. Rebecca frowned and looked up at him.
"What?" She mentally cursed herself, why couldn't she think of anything better to say to him. Of course she knew who he was. Wil glanced back at her and smiled slightly.
"Well, so long…" He responded and left.
Rebecca watched him leave and mentally began to kick herself. "Damn it…"
Eliwood approached the castle and stared down at the fallen commander. "Commander Bauker… He was a fierce enemy." Eliwood said a slight prayer to the fallen commander. He looked up in time to see Mark and Lyn approaching them, Serra having run off to bother Erk.
"Lyndis, once we've defeated the remaining troops, the castle's yours." Eliwood claimed, looking towards the castle.
"Thank you, Eliwood. If not for your help, I don't know where I'd be right now." Lyn responded.
"Although this was largely our fault, if we had not routed Lord Darin at Laus." Eliwood said the apologetic tone in his voice evident.
"That's not quite true Lord Eliwood, I believe Lord Darin was planning this attack long before we arrived." Mark responded his hand resting on his sword.
"Yes well regardless, thank you for coming to our aide Lord Eliwood. I know that you are searching for your father, so even had he not been planning this attack. I do not blame you for your actions Lord Eliwood." Lyn replied smiling at him.
"Thank you. However, until your castle is yours again, I take responsibility." He replied.
"I understand. Thank you." Lyn bowed in response and walked beside Mark.
"Eliwood! We're moving into the castle!" Hector shouted at the small group, before rushing into the castle.
"Who was that?" Lyn asked watching Hector vanish from sight.
"That was Hector… he's a fun one to be around." Mark said shaking his head.
"His fighting style, the way he swings his sword it's so… barbaric so dangerous." Lyn responded, Mark raised his eye brow and looked down at her.
"That's unlike you, so critical…" Mark responded in wonderment, but he shook his head. "Now is not the time for such thoughts my dear, we should head follow the fool into the castle."
Lyn nodded in response and ran into the castle alongside Eliwood, followed closely behind by Mark.
(Within Caelin castle)
"Ri… Ridiculous... Even Bauker?" Darin muttered astonished at the turn of events. His best commander had fallen. Lord Hausen shook his head and walked up to Darin.
"Lord Darin, it's time to give up this madness. Further resistance is meaningless. For what you've done, you may never be forgiven, but it's not too late to try." Lord Hausen informed his once friend. "Tell Eliwood everything. He'll intervene with Marquess Ostia on your behalf…"
"I… I've… lost…" Darin muttered collapsing to the ground. Lord Hausen shook his head and kneeled down to be eye level with Darin.
"Hurry! Eliwood will be here in no time." Lord Hausen urged. "Let me speak for you." Lord Hansen's eyes widened as a dagger pierced his back.
"Let's have none of that now. Marquess Laus needs no troublesome advice." Ephidel whispered into Lord Hansen's ear pulling the dagger out of his back. Darin looks at Ephidel wide eyed.
"L-Lord Ephidel?" Darin stuttered. Ephidel smiled beneath his robes as Zero walked up behind him.
"There is no turning back for you now. You should know that. First, Marquess Santaruz… and now Marquess Caelin. Both deaths are your head." Zero stated stepping on Lord Hansen's hand, and stepping on it just hard enough that the break could be heard to all in the room.
"What? It was by your hand and your damned apprentice Ephidel that they both died!" Darin accused pulling raising his lance and pointing it at Zero. "I-I never asked for this."
"But you did, after all we killed them for you." Zero replied calmly walking past Darin, not in the least threatened by the lance. "Come Ephidel, I fancy a game of chess before they arrive.
"To… to trap me?" Darin asked watching the pair leave, Ephidel glanced back at Darin, his inhuman golden eyes seemingly glowing.
"Don't be absurd. I follow my master's orders. My only wish is to deliver your dreams to you. The crown of a united Lycia… And once that is done, dominion over the entire continent. Is that not what you desire?" Ephidel asked, the errie calm in his voice was horrifying and yet hypnotizing. Darin paused and began to wave slightly.
"Yes… Yes, of course. That dream IS still worth a few sacrifices, isn't it?" Darin responded his voice matching the calm in Ephidel's.
"You're exactly right. Our plans may have gone drastically awry, but as long as we have the master's power behind us, we cannot be defeated. Now come along Darin, I want you to watch this game very closely. It'll have huge impact on your future." Ephidel said before following after Zero.
"Pathetic Imbecile…" Ephidel hissed under his breathe so only Zero could hear.
"Do not worry I told you already, the fool's usefulness to us has nearly reached its limit. Now then let us relax with a simple game of chess, we should have plenty of time before Eliwood and his friends arrive." Zero's said.