Chapter 15: Noble Lady of Caelin
"Finally... we're back!" Ike announced. He could see the castle off in the distance. With two villages to the south, they had to go past the woods and hills to reach the castle.
The Laus forces had yet to reach there, but it will likely be within a day. There was no time. Caelin had to be informed and set up their defenses. He turned to everyone behind him.
"Let's move out everyone!" He ordered to the group.
"""Yes sir!"""
"Hm?" A knight voiced out from the fort. "A group is approaching!"
There was a group of men and women approaching, all armed. One sniper came up to the fort's lookout. His eyes widened at the figures becoming clearer in his vision.
"Isn't that... Ike!?" Wil spoke with a pleasant surprise in his voice. Shouting out to the soldiers guarding, "It's OK! It's the Greil Mercenaries!"
"The leader who's a food shoveler?" "I thought the last we heard of him was in Bern not too long ago." "Lady Lyndis's lover?"
Everyone kept conversing to one another as Wil went down from the fort to greet them. Just as he was ready for a jovial reunion, he saw their faces which held concerned expressions. Something was wrong.
Ike walked to up to Wil and spoke: "Wil, we need the army to mobilize, Laus is on their way as we speak! Ready to attack!"
The castle was in an uproar, with Kent, Sain and Wallace leading to ensure the defenses as much as they could. Florina even confirmed Laus forces were marching through contact with the outposts. They will likely reach the castle on the morrow.
Within the office of Hausen...
"So... Darin has decided to attack us? Leaving his own son in the process." Hausen voiced out, with his hands clasped together under his chin.
"We've defeated some of their forces led by his son, Erik." Ike explained. "Let's just say, their actions against some people were inexcusable and it escalated. We ended up confirming through the villagers that they truly wish to go to war to take over Lycia to become the ruling house. It was only until Darin abandoned his land that we found out he was marching towards Caelin."
"I see... Wallace and the others will sure up our defenses." Hausen looked to Ike. "And if possible, can you lead the battle against Laus?"
Ike then looked concerned. To lead the Caelin army...
"But... I'm too young to lead an army... I'm fine with assisting the army with my own men... but-" Ike was interrupted with Hausen's hand held up to halt Ike's sentence.
"While I'm confident in our commanders... you hold exceptional quality to lead our people to battle. So please, at the very least, position our commanders and their troops wisely." He explained.
Lyn's grandfather... he had that much faith in Ike. Their battle will not be easy.
Ike finally accepted after deliberating. "Very well... I'll lead the counterattack."
"Ike!" He turned to the voice as he stood outside of Hausen's office.
There, Ike saw her. In a brand blue new dress with Sacaen style embroidery at the edges of her dress. Wearing frills at the end of her sleeves and even as a collar around her neck. To finish it off, she wore new earrings and a Sacaen style headdress in front of her ponytail (Love Abounds Lyn in Heroes). Her smile bright despite the situation. He thought she looked beautiful. But he could see a bit of worry within her expression if he had to say.
"Lyn... it's good to see you." He voiced out. Compared to the past, he would have thought nothing much about it. But since last year, he started to notice her a bit more. He quickly shook off his thoughts.
Although it was nice to reunite with her, they had no time to celebrate. Laus forces were marching to attack them.
"Likewise... Ike, I'm glad Erk is traveling with you once again." Lyn added. "He sent us a letter before he escorted Priscilla that he was hoping to meet with your group."
To which Ike nodded. "Yeah, to think he brought along Raven's sister. Next thing you know, she was on a mission to find her long-lost brother who was with us."
First it was Lyn with her grandfather, then Rebecca with Dan, then Priscilla with Raven. At this rate, the company will be an agency revolving around it. Ike only hopes he doesn't get included amongst that list with how he's stranded in Elibe.
"That Darin was so disgusting to do such thing to her..." Lyn pointed out. "I'm glad you and Raven managed to save her."
Ike nodded. In any event, it was a complete and utter coincidence their paths crossed. For that, he doesn't regret heading to Laus before Caelin.
Soon they heard droplets from outside. It was raining. Looking at the window of the castle, they could see the sudden downpour. At any rate, the march might be delayed for Laus forces just slightly.
"Oh... it's raining. That might give us a bit of time." Lyn spoke.
"Yeah. I'll meet with the others to check on them." Ike announced.
"Oh... I almost forgot." She exclaimed, immediately taking our a small present box to Ike. "It's for you."
He looked towards her and smiled. Taking the gift and unwrapping it, he opened the gift box, only to see a brand new green bandana. It's end and middle had a dark spiked pattern etched onto it like Guy and Rath's garbs. He smiled at the kind gesture.
"Thanks, Lyn. I'll wear it right now." Ike upon saying those words took off his current bandana, and wrapped the new one as a headband. Her eyes glimmered at Ike's new appearance with his new headband.
"Looks great on you, Ike." She complimented him.
Ike nodded in response. "Well then, I'll prepare with the others."
Lyn nodded in understanding. She too was going to prepare.
"Florina." Ike called out to Florina feeding Huey within the stables. Rath was silently tending to his own horse in the meantime, taking a glance every now and then. He then gave a slight smile at Ike's new headband. They remained away from the rain in the meantime.
"O-oh, Ike!" Florina replied. "I'm glad we're working together again!"
She seems more used to men now. Or it's just her being used to Ike.
"Are you ready for battle?" He asked.
Florina stood for a moment, before nodding with a determined expression.
"Me and Huey are ready. Thanks to my time here, I'm no longer as timid around men as I used to be." She explained. Ike nodded and smiled at her.
"Good. I'm counting on you. You'll be working with Rath to fight off Laus forces in the Northeast." He ordered. "You'll be making sure no other fliers might head towards the castle from the mountains. Wallace will assist you from an elevated position at the top of the castle."
It was likely that they will be flanked from where they entered Caelin as well as where they marched a year ago to fight Lundgren. The mountains and sea of trees are more abundant in the Northeast than it is in the Southwest. Rath can easily traverse past the forests and will pelt the enemies before they could even reach past the forts. While Florina needed to fight off potential flier forces coming from the mountains in the North. All the while some that may pass by Florina will be stopped by Wallace and Erk at a platform position that will be built on top of the roof. Ike requested it be built as soon as possible. It should be finished by tomorrow.
There was only less than a hundred forces in Caelin while Laus likely had more than twice that. In any event, they had to prepare.
"...And the occultic scroll I sent you and Wallace?" Ike asked. To which she met his eyes and nodded.
He sent two of them to Wallace and Florina over the past year. If he's correct, Wallace could learn Luna and Florina could learn Stun. The latter could keep enemies in an immobilized state, and prevent major movements.
"Thank you. We won't disappoint you." She confirmed. "I'm really glad that we're working together again..."
Huey also neighed in agreement. It seems her steed was ready for battle.
"I'm glad. It will be difficult tomorrow. Get as much rest as you can." He spoke.
"Yes commander!"
"Wil." Ike called out.
The man in question tending to his bow and arrows. He looked up at Ike with a smile. They remained under shelter from the rain.
"Ike, if only we could have caught up in somewhere besides this..." Wil voiced out.
"I feel you..." Ike replied. "At any rate, how about Dart and Rebecca?"
"Doing just fine, thank you!"
Just as Wil was about to reply, a feminine voice called out towards them. It was Rebecca, holding two baskets in her hands.
"When I heard you came back, I knew I had to prepare supper for you." Rebecca replied. "Brother Dart hasn't regained his memory yet, but there's a part of him that's still there."
She started calling him Dart. But still knows it's her brother.
Wil turned to Ike and spoke: "She visits him every week, preparing him meals. Heck, just last week, he got furious over some men acting fresh with her. Just wish he didn't want to sock me every time he sees me." As he said those last words, he rubbed his neck. Rebecca put her hands on her hips.
"That's because you lifted up his shirt when you first saw him!" Rebecca retorted. To which he gave a widened stare at her.
"You did the same thing when you saw him!" Wil responded with an astounded tone.
"At least I asked politely!" She replied. "He fights and looks out for me, just like he always did... the Davros were very kind to let me see him often. I've prepared a feast for them at times. Heck, Dart gave me a nice shell the other day!"
In any case, Rebecca and her father saw Dan as a pirate with amnesia. She decided to move to Caelin as it was closer to Badon. It was clear her brother still kept some habits for himself. In form of a bit of overprotective nature for his sister. Still, it was progress.
"Thank you." Ike replied. "I'm glad Dart's on good terms with you all."
Taking a basket of food from her, he saw fowl, fruit, bread inside. Probably enough to keep Ike fed temporarily until he reached the mess hall.
"By the way..." Ike and Wil turned to her. "Can you also put me in the same team as Wil when you fight back against Laus?"
Ike and Wil furrowed their brows upon her proposal.
"Rebecca, stay in your house... in fact, go to Badon and ask Dart if he can look out for you to get back to Pherae." Wil told Rebecca with a worried expression. "You'll be safer away from the conflict with Laus. At least your brother will look out for you."
They trusted the Davros and Dart to do that much at the very least. Hell, they would even be willing to fight back against Laus if they were informed. Laus would likely attempt to take control of Badon due to its importance as a center of trade and the value of it being a central coastline compared to the rest of Lycia.
Rebecca shook her head. "I went through the same practice drills as you, Wil. I'm good with a bow. I know you've improved alot but so have I."
So she's went through a bit of training in Caelin upon moving there.
"That's different! We're at war with a different territory." Wil protested.
"That's exactly the problem! I don't want the people of Caelin to get hurt! While you and Dart are off fighting, I have to be scared of the idea one of you might not come back, just like before... The same goes for alot of people in Caelin. At least I know how to fight with a bow." She exclaimed. "Let me at least be by your side of archers..."
"Rebecca..." Wil voiced out. His face filled with concern at her determination to want to fight beside him.
Ike stood silent, pondering on her request to join the battle. She may not be a good as Wil or Rath, but another archer would be helpful. Besides, it would be hypocritical if he allowed just Priscilla to fight alongside her brother and not Rebecca to help protect Wil.
"Very well. You'll be on Wil's squad where he will be stationed Northeast. You'll follow his lead when using the trees to your advantage. Although it would be poor form... use the same principles of hunting when fighting Laus forces." Ike turned to Wil who knew of what he was getting at. "Can you do that with her, Wil?" The man in question nodded but with a worried expression.
Rebecca stood silent for a moment. Just think of soldiers as the animals she's hunt... that was easy, right? It just won't be like target practice that don't make noise upon being hit. She could still do it, right? She finally nodded, accepting the conditions.
"Good, prepare your bows and rest. It will be difficult tomorrow." Ike announced. To which the pair responded: ""Yes sir!""
Ike approached the West fort, where soldiers and cavalry were scrambling to prepare for the attack. Kent and Sain were directing the soldiers and Wallace kept carrying many heavy weapons to their respective areas. They soon saw Ike approaching them.
"Ike, my good man!" Sain called out. "We're ready to receive your command! Sain, sub-commander of Caelin, ready to protect Caelin and the lovely maidens, at your service once again!"
"Ike, we've readied the forts. It will not be easy for Laus to get past our defenses." Kent added.
Good to see Sain has not changed. Kent also remained dutiful and serious as always.
"Great, I will lead the charge from the Southwest with the both of you. Can I count on the both of you to back me up?" Ike asked. Both of whom saluted upon his question.
""Yes sir!"" They both replied. They were ready to receive and retaliate against the Laus forces.
"Good. Wallace." The man in question turning towards him. "Are you ready to work with Florina and Erk to defend the castle?"
"Ready to shoot down wyverns and pegasi that aren't little Huey." He responded.
Good. He'll be stationed on a temporary platform built on top of the roof of the castle. Throwing javelins and hand axes at the enemy. Erk will use wind spells which are effective against enemy fliers to impede them.
They all received a scroll from Ike. It was a boon against marauders and had them all prepared against the enemy generals that came their way. Their forces had consisted one of the finest knights and generals in Lycia at any rate.
"Once again, you two along with your cavaliers will accompany me in battle to the Southwest. Soldiers will use their javelins to prevent the advancement from the forts. Lucius will join us in support by healing and casting spells at enemies. Wallace will protect against fliers alongside Florina and Erk. Raven, Priscilla, Rath and Guy will advance to the Northeast, while Wil and his archers will take advantage of the forests to impede their forces while giving support." Ike explained the plan to the trio.
They will likely face many of the enemy cavaliers due to the less trees in the South. More ground troops will likely enter from the North, so it was better to fight with their own (discounting Rath who could traverse past forests with ease). They had a plan and intended to follow it.
"For now, rest and be prepared for tomorrow. Also, we should inform villagers to prepare to evacuate." Ike ordered to which everyone saluted.
"""YES COMMANDER IKE!"""
Ike walked to his quarters. After having ate in the mess hall, amazing Priscilla who grew up on table manners as well as new recruits, the others who already witnessed Ike's speed-eating shrugged, as they already seen it.
As he walked within the hallways, he heard footsteps and a figure emerged. It was Lyn, wearing her usual Sacaen blue garb, with her bow along with her blade, the Mani Katti, at the ready.
"Ike, I-" Just as she was about to finish her sentence, Ike held up his hand.
"I know, I was expecting you to come with us." Ike explained to her. Her eyes widened. "Does your grandfather know?"
She nodded, with a smile forming on her face.
"He agreed, he knows I'll be fine under your command." She replied. "I'm glad we'll fight together once more."
He nodded with a smile. He'll be glad to work with her again alongside the others.
"Are you sure the soldiers of Caelin will be comfortable knowing that their Lady will also be fighting for them?" Ike remarked. To which Lyn put her hands on her hips while giving a playful look.
"I may have been working to be a proper Lady of Caelin, but don't assume I'm not willing to defend my own people. They all know I'm the best swordsman in Caelin." Lyn boasted to herself.
Ike gave a slight snort at her statement. Guy would definitely contest her just to prove himself. And he would definitely be a contender with how much he improved. He even developed his own sword technique.
"How has being a Lycian noble treating you?" Ike asked. To which she shook her head.
"I'm still trying to get a hang of it... I'm still no good with banquets. Chancellor Reissmann tells me I need to learn manners. I have to attend all these affairs in place of grandfather, since he's not well enough to attend them." Lyn explained.
Despite Lyn's grandfather's recovery, he was still rather elderly, he was too old to attend formal gatherings. In any event, the next heir, Lyn, had to attend.
"Sounds tiring. Not a place for you or me I suppose..." Ike voiced his thoughts.
"Yeah... although, if there were other noble ladies who were good at weapons, we might become fast friends." She replied. "Maybe someone like that could teach me to become a proper lady. The chancellor doesn't think I act enough like a lady of Caelin..." Holding a somewhat depressed expression as she explained further. So that's why he saw a worried look from earlier that day...
Ike held his chin, thinking of Erk's mentioning of his adoptive mother aside from his mentor and adoptive father, Pent. He opened his mouth to respond. "Erk mentioned his adoptive parents, namely his mother, who is a countess, at least once. She is very skilled at the bow it seems. But they're all the way in Etruria..." Although, he might have mentioned she was a bit too doting on him. It embarrassed him a bit, but he still loved his adoptive parents. Priscilla didn't wield any weapons despite being present and being a noble girl. So that was out of the question.
Lyn's hopes were dashed again. At any rate, she'll have to rely on herself for proper guidance and Chancellor Reissmann.
"Ahhh..." Lyn breathed out. "My grandfather must be vexed to have me as a grandchild. My late mother was gentle, well mannered, and beautiful..." Reminiscing about her mother as she spoke, she continued in a depressed tone: "My grandfather took me in, a mixed-blood child, but I fear the other nobles of Lycia will not be so accepting. I don't want the Sacae blood in my veins to bring my grandfather shame..."
Ike then frowned at her statement. They already went through this issue on their journey, most specifically, Araphen. It's as if whatever that noble or whatever her granduncle said was coming back to haunt her for no reason.
Ike closed his eyes and shook his head and responded: "Don't belittle your grandfather like that." Lyn turned to him, surprised at his scolding. "He let you wear that dress from earlier, didn't he? It was inspired by Sacaen patterns by its design, is it not?"
Her dress had its Sacaen inspiration that her grandfather had specifically allowed. He basically approved of its design to allow his granddaughter to be comforted by the fact she still was a Sacaen.
"Y-yeah... but..." Lyn attempted to retort only for Ike to put his hand on his head out of frustration and sigh.
"I'm disappointed in you for thinking like that." Ike spoke with exasperated tone. He looked into her shocked eyes as he spoke: "Lyn, no matter what, your mother chose to be with your father, regardless of her status and Hassar's heritage. She accepted the Sacaen lifestyle and culture. It didn't matter to her, so long as she had you and your father, so why does it matter to you? Your grandfather grieved over his mistake of not reconciling with her but chose to accept you beyond your status as a mixed blood. Why are you disparaging yourself of the Sacaen way of life? That's disrespectful even to your parents, your own family."
Taking a step towards her who felt ashamed over herself, he looked into her emerald eyes. He then pointed to his new headband.
"Why did you give me this, then?" She opened her mouth in surprise over his words. "How did you become so shy of your heritage? If you're so ashamed of it, then are you just insulting me by having me put it on, as well as Guy and Rath?"
"N-no, I... didn't..." Lyn stammered, regretting her previous choice of words. Ike may have gone a bit too far, but his words rung true.
"Look, I understand wanting to meet the expectations of your family, to make them proud. I want to prove myself to my father and his company. My friends... my family. I don't want to hold shame for where I come from or any of the people I know who are willing to trust and follow me to feel shame over their lives. And I'm sure whether it be Tellius or Elibe, that I hope they can stand proud of the lives they live. That's why I'm proud of the Greil Mercenaries, my family, no matter where they are. I want to see them again." Ike spoke with passion, with Lyn listening to every word of it.
Lyn held her head down, slumped over Ike's words. That was until... she heard his next words...
"...And I want to once again see the girl who saved my life to stand proud of herself, and her way of life. Just like I saw a year ago..." Ike voiced out with a smile. Her emerald eyes that slightly glistened with tears, met his cerulean ones. "You don't need to be anyone else. Just be yourself, Lyn."
Lyn stood still for a moment before nodding happily. She no longer had any doubts.
"Yeah... You're right, Ike. I lost myself there for a bit. Thank you!" She replied with gratitude. Her next words made his eyes widen in surprise. "I'm proud of you, Ike!"
Ike opened his mouth and closed it, before smiling.
"Likewise." He replied.
Approaching Lyn who was still slightly shorter than him, even after they both grew this past year. He leaned over and pecked her forehead. Lyn's eyes widened and her face became flushed. Now they were even.
"I'm proud of you, Lyn." And with that, he walked off to his quarters. Leaving her dumbfounded and staring in the direction where Ike went off. She then left, with a smile and blush on her face.
After speaking with Lyn, Ike entered his quarters after having gone through the long, but short day. They have to fight Laus tomorrow. As he was ready to take off his attire, he noticed a paper on his pillow. A letter. Ike opened the letter to which its contents made his eyes widen.
Eubans, the Fierce Eagle (AN: proper title of Eubans, not Hurricane, that's Legault's title), led some of his mercenary forces to take back the castle not too long ago. They are loyal to Darin of Laus. They failed due to the efforts of Hector of Ostia and Eliwood of Pherae occupying Laus at the moment, but are likely to regroup with the invading Laus forces within two days. The lord pair may leave Laus once Ostia forces arrive but that won't be the case for the mercenaries. They don't follow normal knight code of conduct, just like you. Be prepared for a drawn-out battle for the next couple days.
Ike quickly stepped to outside his quarters and checked the hallway. No one else was there. Whoever left the letter, they wanted him to know that the battle will not be done within the next couple days. But why? A spy that was on their side?
Ike had to meet with the others, and fast.
Unbeknownst to Ike, away from his field of vision, a soldier with two scars over his left side of his face underneath his helmet, smiled. All he did was give a little tip to Ike after spotting Euban's men along the way. He left a notice to the Lycian nobles in Laus of the attack on Caelin (they still needed to remain to help the civilians of Laus). After he gave a message to some trusted contacts in Lycia, who were also under orders from Brendan, investigating a matter that is related to Sonia and Nino. They could deliver the message to Lloyd, Linus and the commander who were on standby in Bern. At any rate, they were on a good track to know who was truly working for the Fang or Sonia. All the while, keeping vigilance against the latter. She and her posse seem to be stirring up conflict within Lycia with that lousy marquess.
Legault found himself chuckling to himself. It somewhat reminds him of the old Fang. In some way, they help the people in ways that nobles don't often do. No wonder Lloyd and Linus seemed to like their work. In any event, they're decent folks.
'And get a room, you two. Bleh.' Legault thought to himself. Looking up to the space above, he mused over the words of the young leader.
"Standing proud of the lives they live, eh? I just wish we could say the same for all of us." He whispered to himself.