Chapter 6: Blood of Pride
Having arrived in the 2nd largest city in Lycia, Kent and Ike decided to advance to the castle and meet Marquess Araphen. Lyndis could have come but since Ike was the commander of the group, he could help with negotiations on what could be needed. The castle separated by a moat and a drawbridge being the only connector. Upon entering the castle, they were greeted by young man who seemed to be Sacaen. He had green hair like Lyn's with the top of his head wrapped up with a bandana and a reddish brown Sacaen garb.
"Marquess Araphen shall see you." The man spoke. "I shall guide you."
"Thank you." Kent replied. With Ike also bowing in thanks.
"Are you a Sacaen like Lyn?" Ike questioned as they walked within the hallways of the castle. The man seemed to be silent for a moment, and halted for a moment to turn to Ike, "I indeed come from Sacae, I am Rath of the Kutolah tribe."
Another tribe besides the Lorca. Ike hadn't received full information about the other tribes that existed in Sacae.
Kent decided to speak, "Lady Lyndis is of the Lorca tribe." Rath's eyes widened at that revelation, "A survivor?"
So news traveled far. Despite being employed in Araphen, he found news of a tribe being slaughtered.
Ike nodded, "Her father who was chief sent her to safety. The remaining weren't many, moreover, they couldn't accept Lyn as the leader."
Being the daughter of the chieftain wasn't enough to sway the survivors to be under her. It would be nepotism to have her lead without knowing her prowess or accomplishments.
"I see, but she's traveling to Caelin to reach the Marquess, her supposed grandfather, is she not? A perilous journey regardless." Rath commented. "She must be very strong to reach this far after the tragedy of her tribe."
So he's heard of Lyn coming to reach her grandfather. He must be well-informed. But why did Rath not know she was Sacaen? Suddenly a voice interrupted Ike's thoughts.
"Ah, Kent, you're here!" The man who had slicked back blonde hair and a pointed nose arrived. "Come, come! Make way to my throne room."
Marquess Araphen turned to Rath: "You may carry on with your duties outside Rath. I'll be entertaining our guests." With Rath bowing and leaving for outside the castle.
Ike and Kent slowly made way to the throne room, but on the way, he noticed a portrait of a woman. The woman being beautiful, resembling Lyn. But her hair color did not match, so Lyn's hair color comes from her father. Come to think of it, Rath's hair was also green. Green hair was slightly more common in Sacaens it seems. 'But why does Araphen have a portrait of Lyn's mother here?' Ike pondered.
Sitting upon his throne, he looked between Kent and Ike. "I see you've grown thus far since the last time we've met. Hausen should be well, should he not?"
Kent shook his head, "I'm afraid the Marquess is in danger of being usurped by his own brother. Therefore, we are in need of immediate aid for Lady Lyndis to reach the Marquess." Marquess Araphen closed his eyes for a moment. "I see... very well, so the daughter of Madelyn wishes to request help from me. Very well. Have her come here, Kent. And you are...?" Turning towards Ike as he spoke.
"Ike of Greil Mercenaries. I'm assisting Lyn on her journey." Ike announced. Marquess Araphen's eyebrows raised upon Ike not saying the full name of Lyn.
"I see... Kent, you leave for Madelyn's daughter while I speak with Ike here." Kent bowed his head and looked to Ike to which Ike reciprocated with a nod.
"I will be back with Lady Lyndis. Until then, take care Ike." Kent announced and immediately went off.
Marquess Araphen turned to Ike, "So you are under the employ of Madelyn's daughter." Ike nodded. "The Greil Mercenaries. I've never heard of that company."
"Yes. My father, Greil, runs the company and currently, I'm employing my services within Elibe. I already have capable men under my command." The marquess raised his eyebrows at his last sentence. "At such a young age...? Hahaha!" He chuckled.
The room filled with Marquess Araphen's laughter. But somehow he didn't doubt Ike's words. Soon, he regathered himself and coughed into his closed hand.
"You say Elibe, not any of the nations in particular, what do you mean by that?" He prodded. With Ike obliging, he answered. "Certain circumstances led me to Elibe, I come from another continent of Tellius." The marquess's eyes widened at that. "Tellius... I've never heard of it. In that case, what led you to Madelyn's daughter?"
"Lyn found me in the plains of Sacae after I collapsed." The marquess's eyes twitched at the word Sacae. But Ike wouldn't point it out, so he continued on, "Out of gratitude and to begin my services as a mercenary, I decided to help her on her journey."
The Marquess stood silent pondering on what to ask. It was strange that this mercenary boy would journey this far from Sacae just to help. Clearing away ruffians along the way on top of commanding his own group despite being so young? Just as he was to ask a new question, a smell of smoke permeated the air. Along with it, noise of battle happening in the direction of gates they came from. Ike immediately readied his blade as a soldier came.
"The castle is under attack! We cannot bring down the bridge for reinforcements in the town! We must protect the Marquess!" The soldier yelled out. And immediately went to the side of the Marquess.
"Damn it! Hold on. I have a passageway to leave." Ike turned towards Marquess Araphen, who began to unlock a mechanism near his throne. Gears shift to see a wall uncover behind the throne. "This will lead into the barracks. From there, Rath and the others can come and drive off the marauders."
Ike nodded immediately, and went ahead with the marquess and soldier in tow. As they ran across the halls of the passageway, Ike notices a heavily green armored knight and archer blocking their path. They appeared to be attempting to use the mechanism to block the passageway. The marquess immediately backed away for safety behind his soldier.
"You must be Lyndis's cadre. And Marquess Araphen. Can't have you escape now. No matter. I shall deal with you." As he spoke, he readied his steel lance on his left arm, staring down at Ike. While his companion readied his bow behind him. Ike immediately dashed forward, heading to his left, as the knight tried to use his lance, Ike evaded his strike successfully, quickly reaching the archer. With his occasional spars with Gatrie, he knows knight movement is limited. Hence, during combat, it is recommended to avoid being near the position or same side as the arm holding the lance.
Striking his blade downward at the archer who panicked, attempting to shoot, Ike put all his strength into his slash, breaking the enemy archer's bow and cut deeply into the archer. The archer breathed his last as the knight, Bool, tried to turn himself to strike at Ike. Meanwhile, a less armored lance soldier came around to assist his comrade. Not ideal. Two lance users with greater reach than Ike.
Heading towards the soldier, he tried to slash at him, only for the soldier to block the sword with his shield. Using the opportunity, the soldier used his lance to thrust his lance at Ike, Ike didn't evade in time, and was hit right at his left side. But Ike quickly held the lance that pierced his side, using the chance to ready his sword. The soldier struggling to removed his lance. Returning the thrust with his own, he went straight for the throat that was unprotected, killing the soldier instantly. Removing the lance that pierced his left, he held it to stop some of the bleeding.
Upon hearing the sound of armor, Ike immediately rolled forward. To dodge a thrust by Bool who advanced forward to Ike. Turning towards the knight while holding his wound and his blade in hand.
"Tch. Risky play, boy. Your blade, however, won't reach my armor." Bool called out. Brandishing his lance again, he was ready to strike at Ike once more.
Ike grunted at his words. Unfortunately, he was right. With a lance and armor that can resist his slashes, he's lacking in a weapon that can cut through his armor. Suddenly, the sound of a door unlocking came out from some paces behind them, and with it, the entire group in tow. "Ike!" Lyn cried out.
Hurrying to his side, she readied her blade at Bool. He sneered, "You must be Lyndis. Your group won't be able to reach my armor. None of your pathetic weapons will hurt me."
That was discounting the fact that the Mani Katti would cut through his armor. Also not including the fact that an armorslayer will do the same job located Northeast in a chest. Even Dorcas would be a better bet at damaging him. Moreover...
"I see... then how well does your armor protect against my flames?" A voice came out from the corner.
"Wha- aaagggghhhh!" Bool cried out as he turned to where a new member joined the fight. Doused in flames, he struggled to ward them off. Once again, Erk readied his spell, and shot a ball of flame once more at Bool, struggling to keep the flames off him. The flames burning away at his body.
"Gah! Lord... Lundgren..." And thus Bool fell incinerated by flames.
"Good shot, Erk!" Serra's bubbly voice called from behind. With Erk immediately sighing at the sound of her voice. Serra immediately positioned herself to Ike's side. Healing his wound with her staff.
"Thanks Serra." Ike said to her. "No problem. Feel free to lavish me with praises or a little reward." Everyone chuckled at her display, save for Erk, who facepalmed.
"A splendid display! At a young age no less!" Marquess Araphen's voice came out from within the walls.
"Sir!" Rath's voice came out from the barrack entrances. "I will immediately gather the men to clear out the rest of the intruders in the castle. You will be in the safety of Kyn's group in the meantime."
The marquess nodded at Rath. "Very well. I will speak with... this girl in the meantime."
Having relocated to one of the bases within town, Ike stood at the door outside. Ike this time decided to decline, preferring to wait outside while introductions were in place. What he began to hear from inside however... made Ike clench his fists... He then noticed Rath coming back after clearing the intruders.
"Ra-" The man in question put his finger to his lip to shush Ike. Ike nodded. It appeared his ears were finely tuned. Upon hearing the arguments inside, made the nomad's stoic gaze turned into a sad look. His fists began to clench just like Ike.
A good moment passed until the door opened. Rath already went into the direction of his supposed quarters, his expression uncertain... or rather resolute? The angry face of Sain while Kent had a calm but defeated expression as he left. Lyn's face was calm, but Ike could tell underneath her emotions were like a tempest. They went out regroup with the rest while looking towards Ike for a moment. Ike returned with an expression that showed understanding and went off. Finally, Marquess Araphen stepped out with a soiled expression. Looking towards Ike, he immediately changed to a amicable look.
"Ah, Ike. If you wish-" only to be cut short by Ike's raising of the hand. He closed his eyes and opened his mouth to speak his piece.
"Fortunately, mercenaries have the luxury of choosing their employers." Ike opened his eyes and continued on: "and I refuse to work under someone so prejudiced against one of the people who saved my life. You insulted my friend, Lyn, as well as Rath's culture. Not only that, you are willing to look the other way at the enemies who attacked you, and allow an ally of yours to be taken over. What makes you think I am willing to be under your heel?" And Ike stepped off to be with the others. Much to the bafflement and a single word from Marquess Araphen.
But as Ike spoke those words, Rath looked from the distance, coming back from his quarters swiftly. With a determined expression, he knew what to do. So did Lyn watching Ike defend her honor.
"The marquess of Araphen… He said my grandfather was ill. We must hurry to Caelin…" Lyn spoke with a worried expression.
"All the more reason we need to leave. Who knows what he's planning to his own brother?" Ike explained.
If he's suddenly fallen ill, it may be the work of his brother. To even consider siblicide... all for political power and ambition.
"As we approach Caelin, Lundgren's obstacles will be more difficult to overcome. However, I've vowed to see you through to the end, milady!" Kent explained. "So shall I, Milady!" Sain added.
"Kent, Sain, thank you..." She replied. Turning towards Ike, she spoke: "Ike… I'm sorry we couldn't get aid. But thank you for always standing at my side. It's because of all of you that I… I will persevere! They will never break my spirit!"
"There's no problem, Lyn. We could handle ourselves. We've gone this far, haven't we?" Ike responded. Lyn nodded happily at Ike's assurance.
As they moved to the outskirts of Araphen, near the forest. The sun set off in the horizon, they noticed a figure galloping off in the distance. It was Rath.
"Rath! What is it? What are you–" Lyn was cut off by Rath's raise of the hand.
"I overheard the marquess talking to himself. Lyn of the Lorca… Proud daughter of the Sacae… I would join you. I would add my strength to yours." Rath turned to Ike in turn, "My skills and bow are at your service, Ike."
Ike nodded " Welcome aboard. Rath of the Kutolah tribe."
"And this… I want you to take it." Holding a bag of gold out to them.
The pair's eyes amazed at the amount. Within it, could be a few thousand or so.
"This is… Gold!? It's too much." Lyn pointed out.
Ike added onto his take: "This is money that you earned. We can't accept it."
"I have no need for it. And if it will help you…" Rath declined, making his point across. Turning towards Ike as he spoke. "Moreover, I cannot take back something once offered. That man declined you aid after offering. I intend to finish it in his stead."
A good moment passed and Ike accepted.
"Rath… I thank you." Lyn responded.
However, Ike decided to speak his piece, "We will accept this aid. But..." Rath turned to Ike. "As you decide to work as a mercenary under me, you will get your due pay. That is all I ask as a current commander of the Greil Mercenaries in Elibe."
"...Very well." Rath replied promptly.
"Payment... oh right, Ike! You haven't met Matthew!" Ike turned towards Lyn. "He's a thief who decided to come under our employment. He assisted in unlocking some of the doors."
"Indeed I did." And a man short auburn hair called out to them. He had a red cloak and green sleeveless shirt underneath while wearing matching wristband and anklets along with white pants. "And as appreciation for employing my services, here are things I took from the Marquess's chests within the barracks. You can thank me later." He whispered.
And angelic robe and armorslayer. Very useful.
"Thank you, Matthew." Lyn replied. "This will help us in future battles." Ike nodded with her. "We'll discuss your rates later."
"Thanks to you both for letting me into your group. By the way, don't let the pink haired cleric see me. I kinda know her from Ostia, and we... don't see eye to eye." Lyn and Ike looked at one another. Suddenly a voice came out.
"Maaaaaaatttttttthyooooo! It's you!" It was Serra. Her boisterous voice could be heard, scaring off the wild animals within the vicinity.
"...Cripes. Speak of the devil and she shall appear..." Matthew ran off while Serra chased after him.
Once again the pair looked at one another and began to laugh. Even Rath began to chuckle at the display.
Two capable men entered the employment of the Greil Mercenaries in Lycia. Time would tell if they are successful.