Chapter 8: Rending Relationships
Three days had passed since the attack by the soldiers of caelin. It was rather uneasily calm as no other group had tried to attack the legion as they moved slowly but steadily, towards the castle of Caelin, where the dreaded usurper Lundgren stayed. And in that time, the group wasn't as loud and rowdy as they usually were but focused since their objective was another three day journey away before they could reach their destination.
As the group moved closer and closer towards the castle, Lucas increasingly shut himself in his tent, only calling out for Kent, Sain and occasionally Matthew inside as they discussed and made plans. Ren, more than once, tried to bring Lucas out of his planning but always had failed to bring him out of his tent. Meanwhile Lyn, internally, was worried for the tactician but while keeping these feelings to herself, distracted herself by thinking of what the tactician said to her the night before they left the inn and what she could possibly do about it. The other members of the legion took turns either taking shifts on nightwatch, checking up on their equipment to make sure it was decent enough or was asleep, utterly exhausted from previous works, with Serra's complaining being the only source of noise of the group.
But that silence was ruined as the group arrived towards a foggy valley, making everyone stop to ponder the next course of action.
"Yikes, the fog is rolling in, we're gonna have to tread carefully and try not to get separated," Ren points out.
"You don't say. However, these are mountainous terrains after all, so of course the air density will be thicker than usual," Lucas deadpanned logically, but you could tell from his voice that he was utterly exhausted.
"I-I see–hey, someone is waving from afar!" Lyn trailed off before calling out to a person waving his hand from the nearest village.
Soon, the legion make their way to the village in order to meet this person while being wary of the foggy terrain. Lo and behold, the person was Eliwood in his usual noble attire and his trusty rapier in hand, calling out to Lyn and the legion to bring good news upon their arrival.
"Well met again, lady Lyn. I've come to answer your request and at this moment now, all the neighboring lords have agreed to stay neutral and not lend any aid to Caelin. However, this would also mean that I can't help you in this predicament."
"Oh no! Thank you for coming all this way to send this message. We are gratefully assured now," Lyn thanked with a grateful bow, making Lucas uneasy while tiredly glaring at him.
"It's my pleasure milady. I'd like to stay for a while, but I have matters to attend to back in my home as well, so forgive me for my immediate leave," Eliwood apologizes with hand at his bosom and a slight bow.
"Oh please, no hard feelings. You may go now if you wish. Thank you once more for this assurance," Lyn answered.
"Likewise, until we meet again!" Eliwood bade as he sets off to immediately return to Pherae.
"Well, that's one huge load off our back, right?" Ren deadpans to lighten the mood in some way.
"Agreed, we don't have to worry about outside forces for a while. We just gotta do what we can now," Kent adds.
"Hmm, the current issue is the thick fog now. It's too risky walking around when we can't see the pathway," Lucas reminds the group. "Which means I cannot make moves without severe consequences. Also Florina, do not fly too far, I do not wish for an archer to take you down at any point."
"Um, pardon me for interrupting, but just so you know, I have great vision even under these conditions to some extent, so allow me to lead the way," Matthew suggests with a bow.
"Assuring... but what about for the rest that may follow behind through this fog?" Lucas questions with the large group they have before getting tapped on the shoulder.
"Who–"
"Hehe, Lucas, look what I've got from shopping in the village when you and the rest were having a long conversation," Wil points as he brought out a couple of torches and vulneraries.
"...as much as I hate to admit it, good work for the initiative, again, " Lucas commended.
"Don't sweat it, " Wil smirked.
"Well, what are we all waiting for? We got the necessities, let's rock–oomf!"
"Ren what on–"
Lucas froze as he started in awe of a huge bald knight with bulky and heavy steel armor, a Great Lance in his hand, and his gigantic stature shadowing over Ren.
"Hey watch it–" Ren pauses from the intimidating sight of the giant he bumped into but was interrupted by Lucas moving in front of him protectively.
In that moment, the knight looks down at the tactician and stares at him. Lucas takes the time to analyze what he was wearing. Aside from this bulky and massive stature and armor, Lucas noticed that unlike usual knights, this knight wasn't escorted by any other low-ranking knights or apprentice knights as the usual entourage and came alone.
The huge knight then readies his giant lance for a thrust and launches it off his hand while missing Ren by a hair tip before retracting it back into his hand with a long and heavy steel chain.
"Wow-what?! How!?" Ren protests as he is taken aback by the giant knight's technique.
"General Wallace! Sir!" Kent and Sain greet as they appear in front and salute before the bulky knight.
"Kent! Sain! Hahaha, you two are a sight for sore eyes yes!" the loud Wallace answered as he momentarily stood his lance down.
"Kent, Sain, explain?" Lucas asks with infuriated annoyance in his tone.
"Lucas, meet former knight commander Wallace. He may be retired, but he still should not be underestimated, " Kent and Sain introduced.
"I can tell by how he is worthy of a knight crest on that broad shoulder of his, " Lucas points out humorously, making the former knight commander laugh loudly in response. "But that doesn't mean that he could be trusted..."
"Hahaha, keen eagle eyes you have there. This is proof of my power when I was once still in my youth yes. Enemies break their weapons upon my impenetrable armor! Now pleasantries aside, " Wallace answered before looking straight with serious eyes. "Hand over the imposter, " he straightforwardly requests.
"Excuse me?" Lucas begged his pardon while preparing his spear in his hand.
"Truth be told, I was supposed to be retiring peacefully in my fields till that greedy bastard Lundgren came about dispatching me to assist in finding two traitorous knights and the imposter pretending to be lady Madelyn's daughter, " Wallace explained.
"What?! Traitors?!" Sain hysterically retorts.
"B-b-but sir, we were–"
"Sorry kiddo. I too got my orders. Now, hand her over and make things easy for me, " Wallace commands with his giant lance ready for another thrust.
"Oh bollocks, " Ren curses in fear from getting impaled by that huge spear. Lucas rushed into a protective stance in front of Lyn, using his body as a shield but before the tension could escalate further...
"Enough! I am that girl!"
Lyn, hidden behind Lucas, steps out courageously before the giant knight and takes Lucas aback from her fearless gesture.
"Lyn!–"
"Hold it brother, I think she knows what she's doing, " Ren stops Lucas, making him annoyed from blocking him.
"I am that girl that you speak of as an imposter, but yes, my mother's name is Madelyn, and my blood and the name Lyndis that I bear are a heritage that I will never be ashamed of!"
Lyn stood there under Wallace's shadow moments after her stern declaration before being confused by the giant's response…
"Such beautiful eyes…"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Those eyes, they speak the truth. You really have her bearing by appearance alone, " Wallace adds before letting out a hearty laugh. "You know what, let me join your meager band!" he excitedly suggests.
"W-Wallace?! Sir?! Really?!" Spain asks excitedly.
"Aye! Those eyes don't tell lies and must be shown towards his true Highness at once! Allow me to clear the way!" Wallace replies as he prepares his giant lance in hand with a broad axe as his side arm before turning to the tactician.
"You in the green cape, my lance and axe are at your disposal, don't waste 'em fast!" he adds with a content and excited smile.
"Call me Lucas, a strategist by trade."
Lucas then proceeds to eye Wallace warily before muttering quietly "...Rook…" Before he turns around and addresses the group. "Prepare for battle everyone. Wallace, before you join the fray, tell me all of the battle plans that the enemy discussed with you, we need every advantage we can get."
"Actually, not much planning was being done with Lundgren busy with his Highness, but with a terrain like this, I believe there are fortresses and small base camps deep within those woods and over the mountains. However, I do not think they will bother us that much if we move away fast to the marquess' domain," Wallace points out. "The fog though might even the odds if we aren't so careful," he adds.
"Are there any archers or any threats we need to worry about? The position we are in is vulnerable to flanking and now have a high ability of being surrounded." Lucas says twirling his spear in his usual way of warming up. "If there is anything I need to be aware of, I suggest you tell me now or your vow would forever mean nothing."
"I can tell you I bet on me lance and axe that Lundgren's minions are idiots if you like. Archers were stationed here in the worst remote areas possible, unless they were aiming for yer white winged-pony friend right there," Wallace jokes while referring to Florina and Huey.
"So...Surprisingly bad…" Lucas muses as he scribbles in a spare makeshift map of the area. "Any reinforcements I have to be aware of?"
"Surely you jest! He didn't care any less for whatever happened other than his majesty! My bet though would be cavalrymen stationed in the fortresses behind those dense forests and some soldiers in the valley up north from remembering what I was told. Nothing to worry about if we just press on," Wallace assures.
"No mercenaries then." Lucas scribbles some more different things and starts to think a little bit. "Alright Wallace, I want you to lead the group forward, in the vanguard position. With both Kent and Sain following at the flanks. Florina will cover up rear, with Ren and Ninian nearby just in case things go south. The rest are considered to support the front with any means necessary, use any, if at all torches when needed. I am sorry Nils, but you are playing that invigorating song until the battle is over. Matthew, you are to be behind Wallace and see if there is anyone going to flank us from any side. Now go, I have some things to discuss with Wallace before we begin."
The rest nod off and prepare their equipment for battle, as Lucas moves closer and whispers in his ear so that only he could hear. "Also after this battle, I need your help for a plan or two of mine. I need someone who has recently left the employ before I could make any final decisions." He then turns to dismiss the knight to think to himself, the likelihood of him acting on that plan slowly becoming higher and higher. He shook his head before jogging off to check on Lyndis and to see how she is doing.
"He seems delightful to be around, somehow?" Lyn nervously answers pertaining to the huge knight in their party.
"Maybe...I am going to the nearby village to check it out, seeing as they might have learned something of Caelin." Lucas replies, informing her.
"Don't bother them. Sorry to overhear, but the citizens are in the dark of what has happened to his majesty as I am. Don't cause panic if I were ya," Wallace advises before walking with Matthew to check the environment.
"Well, Let's get this show on the road. I suppose," Lucas says, a bit upset about what just happened.
Immediately, the legion ventured forth carefully with Matthew and Wallace along with the two cavaliers, Kent and Sain, in the forefront of the line for maximum rushing momentum as they traveled around the mountains and forests while avoiding any obstacles that could give away their position in the fog. T'was, however, a tad lively since their bubbly bard is present to liven up the atmosphere, despite the murky fog around them. But little did they know, trouble slowly crept closer and closer from the clouded forests.
"You hear something?" Ren warns as he turns towards the forest.
"N-no, no I haven't," Florina nervously answered while gripping her slim lance tightly.
"Brother, calm yourself and be at ease to be able to focus your mind sharply," Lucius advises Ren while holding Ninian's hand to assure her.
"It can't be helped with this fog blocking our vision," Ren deadpans.
"No kidding, my arrows are useless without visible targets," Wil adds, with Rath nodding in agreement.
Meanwhile, Lucas was covering the left flank making sure that the group wasn't flanked and with Lyn covering the opposite flank slowly but surely making it through the dense area. Soon Lucas was deep in thought but was interrupted when he heard something from the forest to his left.
"Look out!"
"For Caelin–gwaagh!"
Out of the forest came a squadron of cavaliers that struggled their way out of the cloudy woods with their weapons armed and ready. Lucas was rather shocked since he had not anticipated them to utilize the battlefield to his advantage. But before they could get the first hit, they were immediately intercepted by a quick Wallace.
"Hey hey! Lemme handle them!" Wallace excitedly replies as he faces off with the cavalier squadron with their weapons barely denting his armor with every strike.
After, Wallace swiftly pulls out his broad axe and flails it towards one of the cavaliers, instantly and brutally pulverizing him to death with the sheer force and momentum of its weight accompanied by his strength.
"C'mon stop dawdling there like spectators! Lay some heavy metal over 'em!" Wallace rallies.
Lucas shakes his head before moving away and throwing a javelin at one of the attackers before leading the rest of the vanguard beside Wallace and Lyn as they move forward through the dense fog and battling other straggling soldiers along the way.
"We're almost there! A little further!" Lucas calls after pushing off a soldier with his better lance skills before impaling him.
"Let's keep pushing guys!" Ren rallies while fighting against a myrmidon and a brigand with assistance from Florina and Erk.
The legion gradually wards off the obstacles and enemies as they traverse the foggy plains until the coast is finally clear of any other enemy unit in place.
Lucas at this point decides to pull out his scope, which could see quite a little bit more due to the fog lifting a little bit. He taps Wallace in the back. "I see a castle, up ahead. Anyone inside we need to worry about?"
"If my memory still helps me, I do remember someone was stationed in case of contingencies like this happens, but I forgot who it was," Wallace fretfully answered.
"Gods end me…either way, we still have to take that entrance as it is our only way in. Charge!" Lucas rallies with his lance held high as he runs towards the castle upfront with Kent and Sain following up with the legion following from behind. Upon reaching the gates, there stood a gray plate-armored cavalier with a long heater shield protecting both the user and his armored steed. In his hand, a double-edged axe with a short handle similar to Dorcas' axe and a long spear as his sidearm. The tactician then notices a knight crest emblemed on the cavalier's pauldron, indicating his rank as one of Caelin's paladins.
"End of the line, interlopers. Surrender now and I'll let you live," the bearded paladin advises with his axe ready for combat.
"Eagler, boy you are a sight for sore eyes, but more of a sore from where you stand now," Wallace comments with slight disappointment in his tone from the latter statement.
"General Wallace...never thought you'd side with those traitors," Eagler laments.
"I fight for Caelin's justice, not for Lundgren's lies," Wallace protests with his axe in hand.
"Us too!" Kent and Sain protest with the blades ready for combat.
"Kent, Sain...both of you have been excellent knights for as long as I can remember whilst under my tutelage. Is this the resolve that both of you have chosen?" Eagler laments from chancing upon his two former best knights.
"This is what we have chosen, sir! We have no regrets!" The cavalier duo answered.
"...very well, may I at least glance upon this imposter that Lundgren so despise…?" Eagler requests, with Lyn responding by walking out to him.
"My name is Lyn of the Lorca, my other name is Lyndis. Daughter of Madelyn and Chief Hassar," Lyn answered while looking straight into Eagler's eyes.
The tactician then notices the paladin's grip tightening on his weapon with a downcast scowl and his body barely fidgeting as if he has emotions of guilt built up within him. And moved closer in case of the scenario that he attacks her.
"...you even sound like her…," Eagler muttered before steeling himself up and declaring his last statement.
"Come at me, all of you! As long as I stand, none shall pass through this gate!"
From there, most of the legion, more particularly for the knights of Caelin, are hesitant to engage in combat until Lucas steps forward with his spear in hand and slams its pummel on Caelin's soil.
"Let me fight you. At the very least, Kent, Sain, and Wallace won't bear the burden of facing an old acquaintance on the battlefield."
"Bold and protective. May I have the honor of knowing your name, valiant fighter?" Eagler asks.
"I am a tactician named Lucas, and I am here to fight in place of my friends," Lucas answered before feeling a light tap on his shoulder.
"Don't forget me. The name is Ren, much obliged. Here to assist my friend," Ren curtsies with his iron sword ready for combat, annoying Lucas to his dismay.
"General Eagler, a paladin in the service of the marquess of Caelin and knight commander of the order. Admirable bonds you all have. A pity that you are all labeled traitors. Now, come!" Eagler commended before charging towards the odd duo.
The tactician and the swordsman swiftly dodged the paladin's charge and ready their defensive stances. But as Ren makes his move, he freezes and barely dodges a flying javelin before spotting Lucas to help launch himself high and slam his spear upon Eagler's shield, putting a huge dent from all the power combined from Lucas' weight and falling momentum. He pulls away and kicks him back.
"Willing to surrender?" Lucas taunts with a smirk, placing his lance over his shoulder.
"Brother, watch out!" Ren calls out, catching Lucas' attention to see and dodge a flying axe that nearly grazed his favorite cloak as it passes by and returns to Eagler's hand.
"Two throwing weapons!?" Ren hysterically points out.
"Shut up and just fight!" Lucas orders as he charges in and parries Eagler's three-spiked spear, engaging in single combat.
"Impressive, but not enough!" Eagler roars with a charging attack aiming for Lucas.
"Lucas!" Lyn exclaimed before being restrained by Sain and Kent.
"Let me go!"
"Milady, this is a man's resolve to handle. Trust in them. Am I right lady Florina?" Kent explained before turning to Florina, startling her upon mentioning her.
"I-I-I think they can do it too!" Florina embarrassingly responds, shocking Lyn from her stern answer before turning to Lucas and Ren evading and engaging with Eagler's swift techniques.
"Enough of this nonsense and fight like a knight!" Eagler taunts, making Lucas slightly infuriated.
"Funny, I wouldn't dare to. Lucas!" Ren calls out, making him throw one of his javelins towards Eagler.
"Is that really giving your all–"
"Hwagh!" Ren roars as he deals a quick and deep slash on Eagler's side with his lancereaver, immediately Lucas follows up with another similar slashing motion using his spear, causing him to fall over his startled horse and clutch onto his bleeding wound.
"Hehehe, well fought, warriors. Now, give me what my honor deserves. Finish me, I have no regrets facing fighters like you," Eagler exhales as he kneels down and bows slightly while clutching his wound.
Lucas then steps forward before the depressed Eagler with his spear ready in an impaling stance. Lyn turns her eyes away from the morbid scene of Lucas intending to end the paladin's life and jerks from the sound of broken metal clashing loud. She then looks to be awed as Lucas barely impales Eagler and aims for one of his pauldrons instead.
"Why...why did you spare me…?" Eagler questions while he clutches his wound and stares at his shattered knight crest on the grass.
"While I want to kill you for damaging my favourite coat. I believe we have shed too much blood for a silly inheritance feud. A huge joke in my opinion for two noblemen. I'm here to only take her ladyship to her grandfather, but it would've been a whole lot nicer if the entourage were not so violent," Lucas deadpans with a serious composure while glaring at a certain swordsman who injured the paladin too much. "Serra, come over here and heal him up," he ordered.
"Geez, so demanding," Serra grumbles as she goes out of her way to apply ointment from a pair of vulneraries on Eagler's wound, ignoring the tactician's infuriated glare.
"But why…?" Eagler questioned once more with his face downcast.
"Why you ask? Let me ask you this then: who is your master? Lundgren, or the marquess of Caelin?" Lucas sternly interrogated with a straight face.
Eagler, silent for a moment, slowly regains his strength and stands on his feet before Lucas before answering sternly with a salute to his chest.
"My master is Lord Hausen! Marquess of Caelin!" Eagler answered with great conviction that it raised the spirits of Wallace, Kent, and Sain. "Young Lucas, thank you, for this chance of redemption. However, I cannot help you fight Lundgren at the moment," Eagler laments yet with gratitude.
"I know, I however have a certain thing you gotta do for me." Lucas says, before whispering into his ear. The members of the legion including Lyn wonder what he is saying to the paladin.
After the conversation has ended, Eagler and Lucas walk to the legion with suggestions to disclose.
"By this time, I may be considered a traitor to Lundgren, but I will still be revered by my men. They will not harm you and promise to stand down and stay neutral upon your arrival in the capital. After that, all the soldiers you will deal with are Lundgren's henchmen. I apologize again for my inability to lend my assistance in your conquest," Eagler explains and apologizes.
"No please! Thank you for giving us way. I would rather like to avoid any further confrontation on my grandfather's own domain," Lyn thanked with a grateful bow.
"Haha, even your gestures are similar to that of my late mistress' courteousness," Eagler comments heartily.
"Wait, you knew my mother?" Lyn asks.
"Knew her? I have been once assigned as her bodyguard when she was younger than you along with those times she accompanied that wandering nomad," Eagler reminiscences from those past memories.
"Really?!" Lyn excitedly questions to hear her mother's past.
"Yes indeed. I wish to furtherly converse with you, but now we must hurry! His majesty has not much time left," Eagler laments as he mounts atop his steed. "I can lead you to a shortcut near His majesty's manor, but once you step into his domain in the capital, Lundgren will wait for your arrival," Eagler warns before entering the capital gates then halts midway with a serious request.
"Milady, Sir Lucas, I apologize, but may I ask you a favor to do for me…?"
"What is it? Please tell us," Lyn asks.
"Please...save her," Eagler mumbled loudly before slowly entering the capital.
"Who?" Lyn wonders.
"Well, let's save her later. We have an ursurper's reign to focus on, Eagler and the rest of Caelin's citizens will forever be oppressed and eventually suffer many fold under his thumb," Lucas explained sternly before ending with a note.
"Which is why we are here to help them help you find your grandfather, the marquess of Caelin, and bring peace to your home. Well, your second home, in a way," he added slightly confused and embarrassed while recollecting his words before being taken aback by Lyn's tight grasp on his right hand.
"You will stick with me to the end...right?" Lyn asks while looking straight into his eyes, making Lucas flustered and flinch out of embarrassment upon Lyn's serious eyes, glimmering like dark emeralds.
"Hey you guys!" Ren calls out, snapping the two out of another crucial moment from afar. "Come along unless you wanna be left behind!" he adds before following Wil, Florina and the rest of the legion into the marquess' domain.
"S-sorry for, well–"
"I-it's fine, likewise. I understand and of course yes...I will always be on your side. Always," Lucas answered contently with a calm smile.
"Lucas…," Lyn mutters before following him along with the rest of the legion led by Eagler's guidance.
"Shall we get going, your ladyship?" Lucas muses with a gentlemanly gesture.
"We shall," Lyn follows along as they enter with the legion.
With Eagler's initiative to lead the legion safely and swiftly into the marquess domain, Lyn, Lucas, and the legion are only few steps closer to finally freeing Caelin from the tyrannical rule of her uncle, Lord Lundgren, and save her grandfather along with the oppressed citizens from his absence.
Chapter END