Chapter 10: Distant Plains
The group reached the North of Castle Caelin. The remaining forces are but a few archers, spellcasters, mercenaries, a knight and possibly cavalry on standby. Their numbers matching roughly the group. The forces were spread out throughout the forests and mountains. The weather looked to be ready for rain, impeding both forces.
Kent took the initiative to speak: "Lady Lyndis, you should be able to see Castle Caelin once we pass these mountains."
Lyn and Ike nodded. This was their final battle. Everyone was at the ready.
"Grandfather... I'll be with you soon." Lyn spoke quietly.
"So this is the last obstacle." Ike voiced out. "It doesn't look like reinforcements for Lundgren will come as he planned. Eliwood did a fine job keeping the other houses from aiding Lundgren. At this rate, he's going to advance with his remaining forces."
"Let him come! Let them all come!" Lyn shouted. "I will not be turned away! I will see my grandfather... I've come too far to let anyone stand in my way. This is it, Ike. This is our final test."
Turning her head towards the rest of the group., "My friends, for one last time, lend me your strength!"
Ike closed his eyes for a moment. Having bonded with most of them throughout their journey, he contemplated on what he should say. His mind drifted to the Greil Mercenaries, and what his father would say. He opened his eyes before everyone.
"Listen up!" Ike announced. Everyone's attention on him, as he continued, "This will probably prove to be the biggest fight this company's faced. Remember–you've got only one life. I don't want any of you dying on me. If you don't want to cause your family or friends any grief, then live!"
Everyone smiled at Ike's declaration. Their leader led them to victory thus far, there was no doubt that he will once again lead them to experience it once again. For some, they will see their wives, friends, and parents again. To those loyal, they look towards having their lord regain family once again. To Sacaens, they defend and help their own people. Regardless of the reason, they're united to help Lyn and Ike accomplish their goals.
"All right, let's move out!" Ike shouted out. "Florina, carry me and Lyn beyond the mountains Southeast while avoiding the archer's range! Everyone on mount, carry at least one person with you to drop them off for combat with the remaining forces. Continue advancing forward till you reach the castle! The terrain will be difficult with rain falling, but keep moving onwards! Now charge!"
"""Yes, Commander Ike!"""
Lundgren gritted his teeth upon the sound of his... grandniece's forces advancing. No matter, their forces will be hindered by the weather, but that goes the same for his own forces. His purple heavy armor at the ready to defend against his foes attacks.
He was forced to take a page from the usurper's book and hire a few sellswords. But he could only hear the struggles of his 5 cavalry within the forts. They've reached this far. He would end their march towards his... brother and end their accursed line. Only he would remain.
The sounds of battle continue to reverberate beyond the castle gates. His remaining knight must have marched onwards to deal with the enemy. So they've come this far. Their journey ends here.
As he expected his forces to deal with the intruders, he saw a lone figure. Her green hair tied back along with a matching Sacaen garb. All the more reason this mongrel doesn't take his rightful place as the Marquess of Caelin. Her expression of that of anger and resolution to end him. Foolishness, he should be the one to end her.
"So you're the girl claiming kinship with my brother!" He snarled. As if he'll let her take his throne.
"You'll play this farce to the end, won't you, Lundgren?" She spoke. Those were his words he thought.
All the more reason why she could not reach his birthright.
"The royal house of Caelin has no need of a Sacaen mongrel! I'll put an end to this foolishness here and now!" Readying his silver lance as he rebuked her.
"To further your own black ambitions, you've harmed my grandfather and the very land you ought to serve. I have neither pity nor mercy for you." She announced as she held her blade at the side. "Lundgren! Prepare yourself!"
"Whelp!" He growled out, only for the sounds of battle to get worse the next moment. Everything becoming worse as forces were likely clashing but somehow, a single person's footstep could be heard. He turned to behind her, hoping it was reinforcements or one of his men. But he saw a young boy the same age as the whelp. Blue hair and eyes with an armorslayer in hand.
"So... you're the mercenary she hired." Lundgren voiced out. Lyn's glare only intensified as he spoke to Ike. "How much did she pay you? Whatever she gave you, I'll pay you more. Money, status, just name it. You've done well above any of my soldiers. Just name your price and go far in my service..."
Ike in question only chuckled and began to ready his stance, "I hate break it to you, but I'm not suited for knighthood. I'd rather keep my end of the bargain. Moreover," Lundgren's snarl became worse as Ike spoke, "I'd avoid being under a man who tries to kill his remaining family for power."
"You miserable fool, you'll regret selling your services to this mongrel!" Lundgren spat out.
Lundgren quickly pulled out a javelin and threw it straight at Ike, who swiftly dodged it aside. Lyn quickly rushed towards Lundgren, who proceeded to takeout his silver lance, and thrust it towards her. She quickly shifted to the right to avoid, only for Lundgren to quickly have the lance be released and swung with a chain. Slinging the lance within a circle, causing Lyn to shuffled back away from the radius of the lance, only to cause a slightly deep gash on her left forearm. Luckily, it was not her sword arm. She quickly held her wound from bleeding further. Her glove stained with blood dripping from the forearm.
"Tch, You should have remained where you were..." He spat out. As he spoke, he spotted Ike quickly dashing forward to Lundgren with his sword in hand, only for Lundgren to retract back his lance and once again thrust to Ike. Only moved slightly to the side, allowing the lance to impale near Ike's hip. Lundgren's grin upon hitting Ike which quickly turned into a glare, as Ike held onto the lance that pierced his side.
"Let go!" Lundgren shouted out. Ike would not budge. Not for this man.
"Lyn now!" Ike called out with blood slightly coming out of his mouth. Lyn, who snapped out of Ike being hit, moved forward with her Mani Katti in her hands. Lundgren upon seeing Lyn recover, quickly shoved Ike away from him, and readied his released lance once again to intercept her, only for the sound of another javelin to be thrown. This time, hitting right where Lundgren's lance arm was. He let go of his weapon in pain, only to glimpse at who threw it.
"WAAAALLAAAACE!" Lundgren yelled out. The man in question grinning at having pierced the true usurper. He was now staggered, leaving him for an opening, now he looked back at Lyn who halted for a slight moment. No, she readied herself for her next attack.
Lyn placed her blade over her shoulder, lowering herself, and dashing forward, she slashed at Lundgren with blinding speed. Just like Ike without the use of her sheath.
QUICK DRAW
Lundgren fell onto his knees, coughing blood. The slash having penetrated through the armor.
Gritting his teeth, Lundgren cursed out: "That annoying little girl...Nothing but a savage from Sacae...The Caelin throne...should be...mine..." And fell forward, never to wake again. Ludgren had fallen.
"Ike!" Lyn shouted out while quickly approaching him.
His wound was slightly deep, with the silver lance having gouged at his side. He kept putting pressure on the wound using one hand while his face grimaced in pain. Serra quickly moved to Ike's side after having been transported by Sain. Everyone came to the castle gates, having won the battle with Lundgren's remaining forces. Using her staff, she healed the wound left by Lundgren on Ike. The pain left by the lance slowly fading away.
"Lyn... I'll be fine." Ike spoke with tiredness evident in his voice. "Go... go to your grandfather."
"Not in that state, missy!" Serra called out. She used her staff to heal the gash on Lyn's arm.
"Thank you, Serra." Who also proceeded to beam with joy at Lyn's gratitude. Lyn turned to Ike, who was still recovering from his wounds.
"Ike... thank you. I'll be back before you know it..."
Those were the last words before Ike lost consciousness. His smile not fleeting after hearing those words.
Ike woke up, finding himself resting in a vacant room that seemed much more luxurious than any inn. The decorations and embroidery making him wonder if he may have slept inside Castle Caelin. His clothing that was pierced and bled through was stitched up perfectly and clean. Soon the door opened, and a figure appeared. It was Lyn.
"Ike!" Quickly coming to Ike's bedside with water and cloth in hand. "It's already been two days, are you feeling well?" Ike nodded. He wasn't feeling as groggy as before.
Two whole days of sleeping. No wonder he felt hungry. But that would have to wait.
"Lyn... your grandfather..." Lyn responded to Ike's inquiry with a passionate smile. "We made in time... You were right, Ike. He's very strong."
Ike sighed in relief. They made it. It was almost surreal they made it this far.
"Grandfather wants to see you once you're ready. You must be starving." Lyn pointed out. "Just remember to eat in the mess hall. Everyone is there, except Matthew. He seemed to have left on his own without a word."
Matthew probably had his duties to attend to. Most likely informing House Ostia of the events that occurred. Hopefully, he was hoping to inquire about House Cornwell. But he seemed to avoid conversation at times.
Ike quickly readied himself to leave his quarters.
~Base Convos Part 10~
Ike decided to walk to the castle stables where he spotted Rath tending to his horse. While Guy was beside him chatting. The man in question interrupted from feeding his horse hay, and saw his leader active.
"Ike, you've recovered." Rath pointed out. Guy did the same and looked to Ike.
"Boss, you're Ok!" Guy called out.
"Thanks you two. Do you guys plan to stay in Caelin for awhile." Ike asked.
The pair looked to one another before answering.
Guy spoke up first, "Actually we decided to see you through to the end. You mentioned being from another continent, right?" Ike nodded. "Well, we want to help you get a voyage back!"
They want to help me? Ike would have assumed the group might have an inkling that Lyn and her grandfather would help fund his journey back to Tellius. In other words, the two already know what Ike is planning. Albeit, Rath quickly figured it out and Dorcas wouldn't speak of what was said at the time.
"Even though it is justified... you had no intention of taking advantage of their kindness... did you?" Rath questioned with his stoic, yet mindful gaze. It was a rhetorical question, and one everyone knew the answer to.
Ike closed his eyes... before opening them again and replying: "But why exactly would you two help me?"
"That's because I like the Greil Mercenaries, boss! Being a knight doesn't exactly suit me. But you pay us, feed us, and if I know if I keep traveling with you, I know I'll become the greatest swordsman in Sacae! No, Elibe! Actually, scratch that, the whole world!" Guy explained with stars in his eyes. "That's why, take me with you when you sail back to Tellius! With Father Sky and Mother Earth as my witness, I'll come back as the best swordsman that the Kutolah tribe and the world will ever see!"
Ike chuckled and grinned at Guy's declaration. His enthusiasm even astounding Rath who he saw with slight turn of his lips. Becoming the best swordsman in the world... Well, he's certainly a contender.
"All the more reason to hone your skills and become stronger, alright Guy." Ike then turned to Rath. "What about you, Rath?"
Rath already finished helping Lyn. There was no reason to help Ike further. There was no obligation left to help follow him.
"... I offered my help to Lyn of the Lorca Tribe. And I offered my bow and skills to you, Ike. My job is left unfinished." Just as Ike was about to object, Rath raised his hand and continued: "You spoke on our behalf of our culture. And you are a fair man, I do not mind becoming a mercenary under you. With that gratitude in mind, I will not take back something once offered."
Ike could see it in his eyes. He was determined to help Ike earn enough to trek back home to Tellius. Ike wondered if all Sacaens were as determined as Lyn, Rath and Guy. Nevertheless, he was filled with gratitude.
"Thank you. Once again, welcome to the Greil Mercenaries."
Ike decided to go to the training grounds. Wallace was currently running laps with Wil... while throwing training lances at him. Kent and Sain were off to the side commencing their lance training regiment, not envying Wil in the slightest. The pair saw Ike approach.
"Ike, you've recovered!" Kent called out. Sain spoke in tow: "Ike, my friend! How are your wounds?"
"It seems as though Wallace decided to come out of retirement again?" Ike pointed out. The pair nodded.
"Since Caelin has gone through much as recent events, it was best for Wallace to remain in service for the time being and train new recruits." Kent explained. "Wil decided to enter knighthood along with Florina. He's currently undergoing... secret training."
Sain decided to whisper close to Ike, "Between you and me, I do not envy Wil, we went through similar experiences during Wallace's tenure. Ten days of suffering. Which only got extended if we did not comply." Kent also nodded in understanding. They soon walked away in the direction of the horse stables away from the chaotic training grounds.
Soon, the pair who were running laps noticed Ike and stopped.
"Ike! You're OK!" Wil called out while halting his running.
"Hey! You can't avoid my training, Wil!" Wallace shouted out, aiming his training spear at Wil, who immediately ran off in another direction.
"You gotta be kidding me!" Wil cried out as he kept running.
"Sorry Ike, I have to resume my secret training with Wil, you are free to join if you like. But with how you've been eating and constantly fighting, you'll be turning heads with the muscles you'll gain in no time!" Wallace spoke out in a proud tone. Ike only smiled awkwardly as Wallace patted the back of Ike.
"Until then, take this." Handing Ike what appeared to be a book. "Now then, Wil, you keep moving!" And proceeded to run after Wil with more training javelins and lances.
Ike was dumbfounded at the display, and looked at the book. "Wallace's Manual of Knightly Prowess". He wasn't much of a knight in the first place. Oh well. Soon, he heard a call from Wil.
"Ike! I sent a letter to my parents and friends back in Pherae, thanks for everything!" Wil called out while dodging the spears left and right.
Ike only smiled. At any rate, even if Wil doesn't gain muscle, he'll be much more nimble. Soon, he saw something shadow above him in the sky. Looking up, he saw Florina with her pegasus Huey flying. Upon seeing the... training regiment... she looked slightly panicked and kept riding away quietly. Hopefully to avoid being noticed by Wallace. But as soon as she spotted Ike, she smiled slightly and waved at him. Ike noticed this and waved at her as she quickly rode off to near the stables.
Having ate (shoveled) his meal in the mess hall, he decided to look for the spellcasters. Ike noticed them in the library, with Serra dreamily looking at Lucius who was picking out books while Erk remained in his study, pretending to not hear Serra's constant sighing.
"Oh Ike!" Lucius called out. "You look much better!"
"Of course, Lord Lucius! He did receive care from I, feel free to praise me!" Serra announced.
" You've done splendidly, Sister Serra. Thank you." Lucius responded, unbothered by her request to be praised.
"He praised me... Saint Elimine preserve me!" Serra swooned in a jovial mood after having heard Lucius thank her. Erk having rolled his eyes at his escort's display.
Anyways... Ike quickly looked to Erk, "Do you plan to head to Ostia soon?" The boy in question nodded.
"We were only waiting for you to be awake. I'll finish my mission to escort Serra to Ostia. Soon after, I'll return to Etruria to my family." Erk announced with a smile. "It's been a pleasure working with you, Ike. I hope you return to your family safely."
Ostia was closest to Etruria, residing West. It was a long way from their destination. But Lyn likely offered them some carriage that will help carry them without Serra constantly nagging about going on foot.
"Likewise. Without your help, it would have been more difficult getting Lyn back home." Ike explained. "Make sure to stay safe and don't make Erk worry over you too much, Serra."
"Don't worry, Ike! I'll be sure to watch over Erk. He'll be helpless and brooding without me..." She replied, boasting about herself as usual while Erk facepalmed himself. "Please, write to me Lord Lucius."
Lucius only nodded with a small smile. "Of course. Farewell, Sister Serra." Serra decided to merrily go off out of the library upon his reply. Likely to pack away her things.
Erk stood silent, until he turned to Lucius.
"I will inquire about House Caerleon upon my return. As I escort Serra to Bern, I will try to ask more about Cornwell there. Expect a letter on my findings. Until then, take care Lucius." Erk announced with Lucius bowing in gratitude.
"Thank you... I will write to you as well. I pray for your safe return to Etruria, Erk. May Saint Elimine protect you on your path." Lucius replied with a heartfelt gratitude. Erk nodded and went off in the same direction as Serra.
Soon, it was just Ike and Lucius in the library. The pair wanted to say farewell to Ike before they departed to Ostia. Ike turned to Lucius who saw them off.
"Do you plan to reside in Caelin for awhile?" Ike asked.
Lucius nodded in response: "My search for Lord Raymond continues. Unless a situation arises, I will remain here for the time being. Until then... I pray that you will find your way back to Tellius, Ike."
Ike nodded at him and replied: "I hope you find your friend, Lucius."
It was time for Ike to meet Hausen, Lyn's grandfather. Within the time Ike woke up, the marquess quickly recovered. It was likely because of his granddaughter being with him. Lyn's remaining family being him.
Chancellor Reissmann guided him to Lord Hausen's office.
"He has been anticipating you since Lady Lyndis spoke highly of you. His complexion has greatly improved since her arrival." He explained. Opening the door, he continued: "You may enter, Ike of the Greil Mercenaries."
Entering the room, the man in question sat at his desk. He had slicked-back short white hair and an aged face. Resembling his brother, Lundgren, but of a much better temperament.
"You can leave, Reissmann." Hausen announced. Chancellor Reissmann obliged and shut the door behind him.
"So, you are the boy my granddaughter speaks so highly about. And you say you come from another continent?" Hausen asked.
Ike nodded. "Yes. I come from Tellius. My father's company is situated in the nation of Crimea."
Hausen did not doubt the boy's words. This boy was a companion of her granddaughter. And the way she spoke with her eyes glistening...
"I've never heard of Tellius before. I will do my best to find you a seafaring vessel that might escort you to Tellius." He replied.
This time it was Ike who shook his head.
"Lyn already saved my life in Sacae. The only way I could repay her is having her regain her family. There's no debts left between us. Besides," Ike paused for a moment before smiling, "It wasn't just because she saved my life. She's my first employer as a mercenary. No, it means more to me than that... She was my first friend in this continent. Just knowing she'll be happy with her family makes me all the more glad for her."
Hausen stared into the blue-haired boy's cerulean eyes. Wallace was right, eyes really do tell the truth. If only he accepted Hassar, whose eyes matched well with Madelyn's own. Which begged the question, could this boy also...? No. Not yet. He could tell that this boy was not ready yet.
Hausen chuckled slightly: "You speak in such a direct matter, and address my granddaughter as 'Lyn', should I be a bit worried?" He remarked in a slightly playful tone.
"O-oh, sorry about that. My father and his second-in-command had alot to say about my etiquette..." Ike apologized only for Hausen to give him a gesture to not worry.
"I could recommend routes and villages that could offer you work. And I could also sponsor you and give a good word of mouth to your service." Hausen offered. Ike paused and nodded.
"That would appreciated. I have to be busy until I earn enough funds on my own." Ike explained. "I know it will take me longer, but I plan to earn my way back to family."
This time, Hausen raised an eyebrow.
"Do you plan to keep your family waiting? They would be worried sick about you." He explained with a concerned expression. Ike closed his eyes.
Lyn's grandfather would understand that feeling the most. He grieved over his own daughter eloping for over a decade.
"Even so, I know they'll be fine without me. The Greil Mercenaries are family after all. Just as I have hope in them, they'll have hope in me." Opening his eyes, he continued: "No matter what, mercenary contracts are based on trust. And I trust in my family to expect me back, one way or another."
"...I see" Hausen replied. "Then I recommend you to head to the Port of Badon. Perhaps you could gain a quote and information on your potential seafaring vessel."
Ike nodded, "I will, I'm glad the both of you found one another."
Why did he remain there? Out of sentiment? His best friend was likely gone. It was irrational to remain there, but he couldn't deny the Greil Mercenaries treated him well. Well beyond anyone in this world. While most expect sharp retorts or harsh reality of Ike being gone, he surprisingly remained silent. He remained at his desk, writing up further requests and descriptions of Ike.
Despite his friend's sister and the youngest brother of the three being the most optimistic, he couldn't find the heart to respond to them with cynicism. After all, he continued to make these request despite how illogical, he remained committed.
"Soren..." A woman called out. Soren turned his head to the voice, it was Titania. Her expression meant no avail. They turned to searching for information within Gallia... the subhuman country. But strangely enough, a surprising response from even the King of Gallia came to Greil, promising him an inquiry into the matter. It's already been over a month.
The group remained to their duties, while attempting to spread out a network through merchants and aid from former contacts. He kept himself busy in his studies on his own time after making letters and interacting with the others on their efforts in finding Ike.
"I half-expected for you to be sharp-tongued. But you remained reserved all this time." Titania remarked.
Soren remained silent to her words. Not even retorting.
"Just as Ike's family worry about him, he's probably just as worried about them." Soren pointed out. "With that in mind, I'll remain to my duties."
She smiled at his explanation. And soon had a remorseful expression.
"I'm sorry... you're just as in pain as everyone."
Indeed, he was.
"But... Ike doesn't consider just Greil and Mist as family. I know he considers everyone as his family in the Greil Mercenaries. Even you, Soren." Titania pointed out.
"...You really think so?" Soren spoke out.
She nodded, and replied, "I noticed just now of how considerate you are. Although your words at times may seem pessimistic, I understand how you look out for the group. For Ike."
Soren stood silent and closed his eyes.
"I've don't believe in faith... how I prayed for providence to come when I was all alone. Yet, no deity came, I only met my first friend. Before tragedy struck Ike's family the very next day I met him." Soren explained.
Titania's eyes widened. So he was there that day.
"I don't believe in miracles, only the efforts of individuals. That's why if Ike is doing his best, then I will do the same. No matter how long as it takes." Soren spoke with resolution.
It was contradictory for him, but somehow, he had faith. Faith that Ike will return. Titania only nodded in understanding.