Chapter 7 ~Siblings Abroad~
"We're in Kathelet now. About ten days ride to Castle Caelin if there's no delay." Kent explained.
"Ten days..." Lyn whispered.
"Hm? There's a child coming this way." Ike pointed out.
The boy coming towards them had short light blue hair with a circlet around his head. With red eyes and short green attire with blue boots along with a yellow scarf.
Suddenly as Ike gazed at him... he could see a younger version of the boy and a girl next to him who seemed to resemble one another with similar traits. They were approached by a man with the same color of hair... their father it seems. Telling them to be safe and cross... wait... The next moment, Ike immediately snapped to reality.
What was that...? But somehow, the man that was envisioned seemed familiar. Shaking his head, he faced the boy.
"Pardon me, but...You and your friends... Are you mercenaries?" The boy asked. "And if we are?" Lyn replied.
"My name is Nils and I need your help!" The boy named Nils demanded.
"What is the problem?" Ike asked.
"Milady Lyndis, Ike, you mustn't let your guard down. Not even for a child." Kent called out.
Lyn turned towards Ike, who pondered about what to do. Her thoughts the same as Ike, to consider the time it will take to fulfill the boy's request. Her grandfather could pass away at any time.
"Ninian's been... It's my sister! Some men have taken her away!" Nils cried out. Ike's eyes widened along with Lyn. Sain having the biggest reaction.
"Your sister? Did you say your sister's been accosted?" He added.
"Sain..." Kent muttered.
"That's right! By some cruel, awful men. I don't know what I'll do without Ninian." Nils cried out.
This made Ike really ponder on how to approach this issue. He wanted to help the boy immediately as a mercenary. Moreover, as a brother himself, he can't abandon a boy who wants his sister back.
"Milady Lyndis! Ike! We must help him!" Sain requested.
Kent immediately shook his head: "Nonsense! We haven't the time! If the marquess is as ill as we've heard, we must proceed!"
"I'll help him." Ike spoke out. With everyone's head turned towards him. "Lyn and Kent can take some of the group to accompany her, I'll try to catch up with some of the riders in the group. We'll be done as soon as we save Nil's sister, Ninian."
"Ike..." Lyn voiced out. "I have a sister too, Lyn. I can't let another person lose their own family. That's why I want help them." Ike explained. "Don't worry, I'll catch up." He assured her.
A good moment passed, until Lyn shook her head. Ike's eyes widening at her refusal. "No. I'll help you."
"Milady..." Lyn turned to face Kent, "I'm sorry, Kent. I'm worried about my grandfather, of course. But this! I cannot stand by and let a child be taken from her home!" Ike stood silent and nodded.
Kent became silent for a moment and bowed before her, and spoke, "I am your loyal retainer. You owe me no apologies. You must do as your heart dictates, milady. I will follow you, no matter where that may lead." With that, Lyn smiled back at him, "Thank you."
"Hah! Such a noble speech!" Sain laughed out. "Ever the true knight, that one! Ah, well. You're in luck, laddie! Let's go get your sister!"
"Where is your sister located?" Ike questioned Nils.
Nils nodded and replied: "They should have her captured in a large fort south of here. They're really tough, so be careful."
"No problem, I'm Ike, ranger of the Greil Mercenaries. We are at your employ." Ike introduced himself. "Kent, Sain, regroup with the others behind us and inform them to ready themselves for battle." They acquiesced, and rode off to gather the others.
"Thank you..." Nils voiced out. However, his jubilation is cut short by a group of hooded men approaching them. An archer and what seemed to be a magic user holding a dark tome. Was that what called a shaman, a user of dark magic? Whoever they were, Nils looked afraid.
"Ah! Oh, no..." Nils cried out.
"Heh heh heh... Found him! C'mon, it's back to Nergal with you. Quiet now." Trying to reach Nils as he spoke.
"No! Let Ninian go!" Nils refused the archer approaching him.
"We ain't supposed to kill you, but we sure can rough you up! Get 'em!" As the ruffian tried to grab Nils, Ike and Lyn stood at the ready, with their swords on their handle.
It was clear they were the ones who kidnapped the boy's sister. Moreover, they had no good intentions towards the siblings. They couldn't let an innocent boy and girl be involved with these people.
"Huh? Who do you think you are?" The man called out threateningly.
"Ike! Lyn!" Nils called out. Their hands never left their blades.
"Let the boy's sister go. Or else." Ike spoke threateningly.
"Ah... So you want to help the kid, huh? What a shame. You're gonna die for something that don't concern you." The ruffian spat back.
"You think so, do you? Do we look so meek to you? I think you're in for a terrible shock!" Lyn pointed out. She readied her blade at the side, with Ike brandishing his blade within his normal stance.
"Stupid girl... You'll regret those words. Take 'em down, boys!" The ruffian called out. And with it, fighters and spellcasters came out along the path to the fort. "Heh heh... it's too late to... huh?"
His partner, the shaman suddenly received a hit from a flash of light, felling him. "Wha-" Ike took the opportunity to slash his sword at the archer distracted. "Ugh! Y-you can't escape the Black Fang..." and with two enemies felled they were closer to rescuing Ninian.
Black Fang... was that the group they were apart of?
"Ike! You did it!" Lyn called out.
"Yes, but who was it that cast that spell of light?" Ike questioned.
Erk only knew anima magic. The answer to their question as a young woman (?) coming from near the inns came to approach them with what appeared to be a light tome in hand. With long blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a blue garb and white cape.
"Please forgive me. I never meant to startle you." The spellcaster assured.
Their voice... could it be? While slightly effeminate still had a slight masculine tone. Soren while a pretty boy, still had a recognizable male voice.
"Your robes... They look like religious vestiary. Are you an Elimine bishop?"
"Yes... Well, no. I'm only an acolyte, an Elimine monk, to be specific." So Ike's suspicion was confirmed. "My name's Lucius."
Soren was a similar type, being a pretty boy by most standards. There were times when even men in the villages would attempt to flirt with him without realizing he was of the same gender. Now that he observed closer, Lucius had an lump in the throat that every man should have that was not easily visible.
"Why would you help us?" Ike asked.
Lucius gave a prompt reply, "I was at the inn when this child came seeking help. The innkeeper was afraid to get involved. He was...unpleasant." He looked towards Nils as he spoke.
"I wasn't afraid of him! I'm used to being treated that way." Nils defended himself.
"That's awful." Lyn added.
"May I please lend you my services? I truly wish to help the boy. If only a little." Lucius requested. Ike and Lyn nodded to him. "Of course."
"Thank you very much. The blessings of St. Elimine be upon you." Lucius spoke softly.
Soon, with Sain and Kent returning with the troop in tow. Sain immediately beaming at the sight of Lucius and did not get the memo that he is a monk. There was no time to correct Sain.
"Florina!" Ike called out. "Y-yes Ike?"
"Can you fly me to the air to get a scope out for the area?" Ike requested. "Y-yes!"
Climbing and sitting behind her on top of Huey, Florina soared Ike with Ike for a better lookout. The leader appeared to be a shaman stationed at the fort entrance. Accompanied with other two others along with a brigand. He knew what to do.
"OK, lower me down with the others, I know what to do." Florina acquiesced and gestured for Huey to descend back down.
"Florina take Lucius," Ike pointing to the newest member, "and position him near the fort over the mountain. Also, bring me and Lyn over to support him and we'll fight together." Florina nodded.
"Lucius, please engage with the dark magic users, since you hold an advantage using light magic." Lucius also nodded in return.
The magic triangle will be key to defeating the shamans. The enemy's mage is positioned east, so he has less chance of engaging with them.
"Kent and Sain will advance onward to the fort defeating whomever is in your path. One of you take Erk, and whoever at your discretion. Beware of the mage located east." Ike spoke. ""Yes, sir!""
Turning towards Rath, Ike continued, "Rath," with the man in question's attention to him, "Take Wil and support the knights as you advance to the fort."
""Yes, Commander!"" They replied.
Ike turned to the rest: "The rest of you shall advance onward and catch up or at least until one of the riders come to help pick you up, understood?"
"Oh dear!" Serra cried out. "But we'll be so tired! Will one of you knights be a dear and escort me with your steed?"
Erk shook his head in disappointment at his employer. Just as Sain was about to oblige, Nils came forward. "I can help with that!"
"Nils! Can you fight?" Lyn asked only for Nils to shake his head. "But I could do this." Bringing out what appeared to be a flute and playing a ballad. Suddenly, everyone felt invigorated. "This is..."
"That was lovely... invigorating, even." Lyn spoke out. So as a bard, he empowers his allies with a tune.
Ike immediately asked, "Does this affect the enemy as well?" With a shake of the head, "I could concentrate the effects of my music to everyone else, so they could keep on fighting." Nils explained.
Very good. They have someone who could keep the army energized.
"Very well, Nils. Advance with everyone else while supporting them. But stay behind while they protect you." With a nod of the head, Nils replied with a smile, "Happy to assist!"
"Alright, Greil Mercenaries, advance onward!"
"""Aye!""" They all shouted.
Florina quickly took Lucius and flied out to over the mountains. Quickly coming back and taking Ike with her, they saw Lucius engaging and having the upper hand against the shamans. His invocation allowing his tome to glow and he felled one foe, leaving two more. However, a brigand came forward, brandishing his axe and ready to attack him.
"Florina, fly over to that Brigand!" Florina nodded and soon, the axe user looked above before slashing his axe at Lucius, seeing a blue hair mercenary drop down towards him with a sword. Ike slashed downward as he safely dropped, instantly ending the life of the bandit.
"Ike, you saved me!" Lucius giving his thanks. "Don't mention it. Florina, get Lyn over and if possible, get Nils!" Ike called out.
"Yes, Ike!" Florina replied. This time she did not stammer.
Facing two shamans, Ike readied his blade. The man in the dark purple robe and hood appeared to be the leader guarding the gate. Heintz, the shaman of the Black Fang.
"Who are you supposed to be? Playing the heroes in some foolish knightly romance?" Heintz growled out. "You may think you're helping the children, but you're only rushing to your doom!"
"I'm no hero. I'm Ike of the Greil Mercenaries, and I've been contracted to save a boy's sister from your clutches."
The man snarled and immediately began to chant alongside his single comrade, readying their tome. A spark coming from their tomes.
FLUX
And a balls of darkness was lifted into the air and dripping itself downward and quickly reforming underneath Ike and Lucius feet. They immediately shuffled backward. And the ball of darkness reformed itself where they stood and impounded the air. Predictable, but dangerous if they were not careful.
Ike and Lucius nodded to each other, and Ike went towards the leader. Advancing onward, the shaman did not falter and kept chanting keeping his distance from Ike, with more balls of darkness forming wherever Ike stood. Quickly shuffling back and forth to avoid the flux spell, he needed an opportunity, and just right above, Ike saw his chance. Advancing forward, Heintz readied his tome once more, only to be cut short with Lyn dropping downward with Florina to help Ike. Slashing her Mani Katti at Heintz, he immediately moved back to avoid her strike. But Ike was ready. Putting his blade over his shoulder and lowering his one knee in front, he immediately dashed forward.
QUICK DRAW
Heintz stepped backward his blood running across his wound. His glare at those who defeated him. "You were only...striking at air...You are...too late. The girl is already-" With Ike and Lyn's eyes widening. Heintz fell, and the leader gone.
The pair looked to each other and went inside the fort. Soon, Nils quickly joined them inside.
"Nils! Where's your sister?" Lyn cried out.
"Ninian! Ninian... She's not here. Why? Where could she be?" Nils panicking at his missing sister.
Quickly looking around the fort, there was no trace of Ninian. Soon, the knight pair quickly came to report.
"My lady Lyndis! Ike! A villager spotted a group of men riding south." Kent reported. With Sain also in tow, "The boy's dear sister... They must have her!"
"Come! We have to ride after them!" Ike commanded.
Perhaps taking Florina or the calvary, they could quickly catch up.
"But... But... We won't make it! What if they've already..." Nils despaired. But his fears were interrupted by a voice calling out to them.
"Are you looking for this girl here?" They looked to where the voice came, with a long haired girl with the same color as Nils being held in the arms of the young man. That girl... she matched the vision Ike had upon seeing Nils but older.
The man had short red hair and blue eyes, with band around his head. With a blue attire with spaulders, white pants along with a blue and red cape.
"Ninian! Ninian!" Nils called out to his sister.
"She'll be fine. She's just lost consciousness." Laying down Ninian within a comfortable spot.
"Who are you?" Lyn asked.
Turning to face Ike and Lyn, he introduced himself: "I'm Eliwood, of Pherae. My father is the marquess."
Pherae, that was one of the Lycian territories under the control of the Marquess. Just like Caelin. So this man was the heir.
Looking at Ninian, he explained: "She was with a band of ruffians. She seemed upset. She looked in need of rescuing... Was I wrong to involve myself?" He questioned.
"No, you saved her life. Thank you. My name is Lyn. I'm from Sacae. I'm Marquess Caelin's granddaughter." Lyn introduced herself. Ike also greeted with her, "I'm Ike, ranger of the Greil Mercenaries, and current employed to escort Lyn to her grandfather, the Marquess."
"Marquess Caelin?" Eliwood repeated.
"My parents have died a while ago, but I soon was found by Kent and Sain, knights of Caelin, as the grandaughter of my grandfather, Hausen. We traveled from Sacae encountering bandits and men hired by my granduncle, Lundgren." She explained. "It's not an easy tale to believe, I know..."
Eliwood shook his head, and replied: "No, I do believe you."
"What?" Lyn voiced out.
Ike also turned towards him. This is the first noble they encountered without prejudice (not including Serra who self-proclaims herself as one). Who actually believed in them unlike Araphen who decided to turn his head away at them.
"At first glance, all I saw was a daughter of the plainsfolk. Now I can see it, though. You have your grandfather's eyes." Eliwood explained. His expression of acceptance.
"Do you know my grandfather?" Lyn asked.
Eliwood nodded, "The marquess, Lord Hausen, is my father's good friend. I also know that the proud people of Sacae tell no lies. It's true, isn't it?" Ike nodded with him. "She really is a proud Sacaen."
Lyn was a proud member of Sacae. One that tells no lies and keeps her word. And one deemed worthy to wield the blade that is renowned and beloved by the people there.
"Yes... Thank you. I would not have expected any Lycian noble to be so courteous to a Sacaean nomad." Lyn spoke remembering Araphen.
"You seemed to be in trouble. May I be of assistance?" He prodded.
Lyn looked towards Ike, who nodded at one another and responded: "Thank you for your kind offer. This is my problem, though, and I'll deal with it."
"We've gone this far with just the Greil Mercenaries." Ike explained. "However, can you perhaps arrange horses for us to traverse to Caelin?" He asked.
It would be much easier for the rest of the troop to attain their own horses on the way to Caelin outside of riding with just one of the current riders. Rath, Kent and Sain could not accommodate all of them.
"Of course." Eliwood nodded immediately. "I'll be in the area for a few days longer. If you need anything else, please let me know. Lyndis, I'm on your side."
Finally, turning towards Ike, "The Greil Mercenaries... I could imagine Hector becoming a mercenary. You remind me of him, with how pretty straightforward you are, and not just the matching hair color." He started chuckling at his last statement.
"Eliwood... Thank you." Lyn replied with Ike nodding with her.
Some time passed after Eliwood accommodated the group with horses. Sounds of a girl awaking resounded. Ninian began to awake from her slumber.
"Ninian! Are you awake?" Nils cried out. "Nils? Is it really you? Oh, you're safe!" She spoke with relief.
"Uh-huh. These people helped me." Pointing to the everyone. "Who are they?" She asked.
"The Greil Mercenaries. I'm Ike. We were at your brother's service to save you." Ike explained. Lyn also introduced herself: "I'm Lyn. I'm glad you're feeling better."
"Milady Lyn... Ike... Thank you." Bowing in gratitude. "I'm called Ninian. My brother, Nils, and I are traveling performers."
"Both of you? Your brother's a musician. How about you, Ninian?" Lyn asked.
"I... I dance." Ninian responded. Sain beamed with his usual expression towards women.
"What? Oh my... you're a dancer!" Sain spoke fervently. "Sain... Later, please." Lyn called out while Kent facepalmed once again.
"Um, yeah. Of course." Sain meekly replied.
"A dancer? Your clothes don't look like those of a dancer." Ike pointed out.
She had a transparent shawl wrapped around herself. Her garb looked ceremonial. If anything, it resembled a temple garb that his mother may have once wore. With a sleeve on her left and without on her right.
"Ninian dances to honor life. It's special... Sacred."
"So do you perform for some religion or shrine I assume?" Ike pointed out. She and Nils nodded.
"I... The dance I perform when we travel is just a normal dance. My other dance, though... When they caught me, I twisted my ankle. I cannot dance to aid you... I'm sorry." Bowing her head as she apologized.
Lyn raised her hand, "Please don't worry. We're just happy to see that you're out of harm's way."
"Thank you."
Lyn continued on staring at Ninian's leg, "But I am concerned about your leg. You can't travel on it..."
A good moment passed until Nils decided to speak up.
"I've an idea. Would it be too much to ask that we travel with you?" He suggested. Lyn's eyes widened at his proposal.
"I can't allow that! It's far too dangerous. We're being hunted. We never know when we're going to be attacked." Lyn speaking out of warning to the siblings.
Ike decided to speak up: "Even if you can energize us during battle Nils, you and your sister could be harmed."
Nils shook his head and replied: "We wouldn't be a hinderance. We could even help you." Turning towards his sister, he continued, "Right, Ninian?"
"Yes. We might be able to repay our debt using our...special talents." Ninian explained.
"Besides invigorating us with melodies?" Ike questioned.
Ninian nodded and continued: "When something poses a threat to us, we can sense its approach."
Ike and Lyn's eyes widened. "Truly? That's amazing!" Lyn replied out.
"We can feel it coming, but we can't do anything to stop it. You're warriors, though, so you don't have that worry." Nils assured.
Melodies that could raise the spirits of people in battle, a ceremonial dancer, an ability to sense danger. They seem pretty useful in terms of abilities but why exactly did the Black Fang want them? Ike would have to ask them later.
Lyn turned towards Kent, "What do you think, Kent?"
Kent paused and decided to respond: "I think leaving them here would cause Lady Lyndis more worry than having them travel with us." Then Lyn decided to turn to her other knight.
"Sain?" Upon hearing his lady's voice, Lyn immediately decided to look the other way, shaking her head, "Oh, never mind. I know what your answer is. Do you really want to travel with us?" Facing Nils and Ninian.
"Of course!" Nils happily responded. With Ninian also adding onto her brother's enthusiasm. "You have our gratitude, milady."
But their jovial mood was soon over upon hearing Ninian's worried expression.
"Oh..." Ike and Lyn turned at the sound of Ninian's crestfallen voice.
"What's wrong, Ninian?" Nils called out. "I've lost my ring." Nils eyes widened at his sister's reply.
"Not Ninis' Grace?" He asked. Ninian nodded sadly: "The very one."
"They stole it? Those curs!" Nils cursed out.
"What happened, did the Black Fang steal something from you?" Ike prodded. "Was it valuable?" Lyn added.
Ninian nodded and replied: "It was a keepsake from our departed mother."
"It was blessed by the spirit of Ninis... There's no other like it in the world. And now we have lost it to those villains. There's nothing we can do." Nils explained.
"You're right." Ninian closed her eyes.
A spiritual item? And a memento at that? Thinking about the medallion that Mist holds and the melody that his mother hummedsung to the both of them, Ike knew it was priceless to them. Wait... what was that?
Ike paused for a moment to regain clarity but saw the worried face of Lyn.
"Can I talk to you, Ike?" Ike nodded and they went to a corner away from the siblings. "What do you think? I'd really love to retrieve Ninian's ring for her. But..."
A good moment filled the vicinity with silence. Lyn would love to help them but her grandfather...
"If they went down South, it doesn't hurt to try and make a stop along the way to Caelin." Ike explained. Lyn's hopeful eyes looked into Ike's own. "Besides, they lost something dear to them, it's all the more reason they need to get it back, right?"
Thinking about Mist's medallion. It's all the more reason no one should lose a precious keepsake. Despite what trouble it may have caused him, it still was important.
Smiling back at Ike, she responded: "You want to help them? That's great! I was hoping you'd say that, Ike." Turning towards the knight pair, she gave her orders: "Kent! Sain! Those men were headed south. We must give pursuit!"
"On your word, milady!" Sain called out. "Yes, Milady." Kent, obeying his lady's command.
"There's no turning back now. Let's ride!"
"Nils, Ninian, we're going to get your ring back!" Ike called out. The pair smiled at that news.
Riding the horses that Eliwood left, their next destination was the sibling's pursuers. To retrieve a precious memento.