Chapter 3 ~Band of Mercenaries~
Arriving at a nearby village, they were greeted with a village barely hanging on. Some buildings in ruins. Only two intact houses from the west and south along with an armory.
Lyn too a step forward, with horror evident on her face, "This place... It's..."
"The entire area is almost in ruins. Why doesn't their marquess do anything to help?" Sain spoke, with a frown.
"Taliver Mountain is home to a gang of vicious, ruthless bandits. No marquess holds power here. My village was near here, on the other side of the mountain. My people were..." Lyn took a deep breath. "The Taliver bandits came at night. It took only one night. The survivors numbered less than ten, including me. They're soulless beasts. I will never forgive them. Never."
"Lyn..." Ike quietly spoke.
Kent and Sain stood silent. They knew better to object as outsiders. Especially when Ike was the closest to their liege.
"I am not running away." Looking at Ike as she spoke, "I will be back...someday. I'll be stronger... I will break their swords beneath me like twigs beneath a stallion's hooves. I will avenge my people. I'll do everything in my power." With a determined and vengeful look, Ike only closed his eyes for a moment.
Opening his eyes, he responded to her, "In that case, I'll assist you. Not as Ike of the Greil Mercenaries, but as your friend."
"Ike..." She voiced out.
"Don't leave out the Lycian knights, when the time comes, bring us with you." Sain called out.
Kent also took a step forward. Looking at his liege as he opened his mouth to voice his thoughts.
"Mercenaries alone shouldn't shoulder the responsibility of knights to protect the lands. We will assist you, Lady Lyndis."
Ike took a glance at Kent when he spoke from the beginning. Was there an issue? Ike quickly recovered from his thoughts when Lyn spoke up.
"Kent, Sain... Ike. Thank you." She whispered.
Suddenly, from the southwest, a commotion off in the distance. It sounded to be from someone young along with a horse's neighing.
"A commotion? Be on your guard, Lyndis." Kent warned.
As they came closer, what appeared to be two ruffians accosting a girl with lavender color hair, with a circlet on her forehead and her two-parted hair holding ponytails. Her attire in line with pegasus knights that were most notable in Begnion if Ike remembered correctly. What appeared to be her pegasus struggling against the bandits.
"That pegasus... could it be...? Lyn turning towards the girl. "Florina?"
"You know her?" Ike questioned. Lyn nodded. "She's my friend, Florina, a pegasus knight in training from Ilia. She's a little uncomfortable around men."
While the group came closer, the girl, Florina noticed them, "Ah! Lyn?"
Lyn quickly came near her "Florina! What are you doing in a place such as this?"
The bandits backing off as they saw multiple armed knights and a... mercenary accompanying the girl who seemed to know the girl they were hustling.
Florina cried out in tears, "Lyn! Is it really you? I... I...
"Come now, no crying!" She comforted. Only to gain a quiet apology in return, "I'm sorry..."
"Florina, tell me what happened." Lyn prodded.
Florina replied while tapping together the tips of her index fingers, "Well...um... When I heard that you had left... I decided to follow you. Then I saw this village. I flew down to ask if they had news of you. I didn't see those two, and...well..." Pointing to the bandits as she couldn't finish her sentence.
So her pegasus landed on them by accident. They looked hardly injured. Not enough to warrant accosting a girl like this.
"So I assume your pegasus accidentally stepped on them?" Ike concluded.
"Eeek!" She squeaked out, "Um... yes... a little." But she quickly spoke out to Lyn: "But I apologized many times over and they wouldn't listen!"
"Aha!" The bandit voiced out. "You heard her! She admits her fault! She stepped on my friend, and now she's got to pay!"
Ike stepped forward, and pointed out to the bandit leader, Migal, who had slick back brown hair and a red headband wrapped on his forehead, "You hardly look injured, she's already apologized, so let it be."
Growling aggressively at the group, Migal responded: "No chance. The girl goes with us—by force if need be!" Looking out from the opposite direction, he shouted, "Hey! C'mon out now, boys! The men are fair game, but don't put a scratch on the girls!" And ran off with his companion.
"Tch, looks like we have to fight them off." Ike spat out. Everyone besides Florina readied their weapons.
"Lyn... I..." Florina whispered out. Only for Lyn to look back at her to respond: "You're a pegasus knight, aren't you? You can fight, can't you?"
"...Yes!" She nodded with a sudden bout of confidence.
Lyn turned to Ike, "Looks like we have to fight, Ike. Let's clear them out of the village. Are you ready?"
Ike only nodded and observed his surroundings. Two archers from the west, not recommended for Florina to fly within their range. The Knights and Florina could take on the swordsmen with their lances. Lyn and Ike could take on the brigands with axes.
"Florina." Ike called out. "Um... yes?" She responded.
"Can you head over to house carrying Lyn with you to the North after engaging with the bandit wielding a blade together with Lyn? Also, watch yourself from the archer from the Northeast. Tell the villagers to hide in safety until the fight is over."
"Ike... very well. Understood!" Lyn nodded.
"Y-yes. I will!" Flying off with Lyn on her pegasus after her affirmation.
"Kent, Sain, engage with the archer from the west, be sure to switch your weapons against sword and axe users as they approach from the entrance. I will catch up after informing the villagers in the house."
"Got it commander, Ike!" Sain voiced out, galloping to attack the archer closest to us. With Kent nodding quietly and rode together with Sain.
Ike slowly approached the house that had some entrances barricaded. Knocking on the door he shouted, "Stay in your homes! Until the bandits are all gone. The Greil Mercenaries are here!"
"Greil Mercenaries?" "Could it be a trap?" "I don't want to give anymore gold to those bandits... let alone afford for a mercenary!"
Hearing whispers that repeated the name and worried whispers, he suddenly heard a male voice: "Remain inside, everyone. I'll go see what's happening." Entering from a side door in the house "A mercenary, huh? You're younger than I expected. So, who are you?" The man or, rather a boy who looked slightly older than Ike appeared.
He had brown hair that was slicked back with his hair bangs that stood out in front of his forehead, with a cowlick on top. He had spaulder on his left strapped, along with a quiver on his right side of his waist, with his bow behind him, indicating he's an archer.
Ike introduced himself, "I'm Ike, a ranger of the Greil Mercenaries. My colleagues and I were traveling until we saw bandits about. We'll need you to help the villagers keep themselves safe and warn them. You could keep them safe as an archer." Ike decided to walk off to fight with Lyn and the others until he heard a called behind him.
"Hey! Wait!" With the archer coming from behind, "The name's Wil. I'm a traveler of sorts, too. Listen, these villagers have been kind to me. Mind if I fight with you?" Ike smiled in response.
"Not at all. Thank you, Wil." He ran out of the house with Wil behind him. "We need all the help we can get, let's regroup with the others. Or rather..." Halting for a moment.
Looking at his surroundings, "Can you position yourself on top of the house or reach on top of the walls?" Ike asked Wil.
Wil nodded, coming back to the house, he maneuvered himself on top of the house after gaining permission from the hiding villagers and saw Lyn and Florina engaging with the bandit with a sword. Wil, upon seeing from the North, that the girls are clearly not bandits, aimed his arrow at the bandit engaging with them. With the arrow released, finding its mark behind the swordsman. The swordsman, after a difficult battle with two people, finally laid to die.
Ike called out to them "He's with us! His name is Wil, he can cover for you!" Florina still having a scared expression while Wil wondering if he did anything wrong.
Lyn call out to him on the roof, "I'm sorry, Wil. Her name is Florina. She's timid around men, and you...you've got a bow." With Wil nodding in understanding.
"I...um... ...I'm sorry... Even looking...at a...bow...frightens me ever so much..." She responded.
"Of course, I understand. But you should really only fear the enemy's archers, not your own." He pointed out.
With Lyn and Florina affirming at their new ally, they once again renewed their efforts against the bandits.
Ike quickly regrouped with Kent and Sain, who had their struggles alleviated with their new archer pelting the enemies with arrows.
Continuing to slash through their enemies, they finally reached Northeast where the bandit leader was located.
His face grimacing upon being surrounded. "Grrr.."
Ike approached the man with his blade readied in his usual stance, "Are you of the Taliver Bandits?"
It was the bandit's turn to look disgusted. "Taliver? Those greedy monsters? We're nothing like them! Those fiends will even kill women and children! We're from Ganelon, and we know a little something of honor." Migal chuckling at the absurdity, "We don't harm women, for one thing. Heh heh heh. After all, why kill what you can sell?" Ike's eyes narrowed.
The thought of these bandits ever accosting Mist or any helpless villager made him sick. His deeds must end here for the sake of the people.
"Then you leave me no choice. Since you're clearly going to continue your acts, I will not hesitate in having you fall before my blade." Ike declared.
"Hah! Draw your swords! Don't come crawling forward with your stinking apologies!" Migal spat out, and with it, bringing his axe and jumping forward at Ike.
Ike swiftly moved slightly, shifting his upper body away from the slash of the axe. Taking the opportunity, he slashed right at the bandit's Axe arm, which let go upon being wounded. Yelling out it pain, Ike repositioned his blade, with his pommel aimed toward the bandit, striking him in the face.
"Guh!" Migal cried out. Upon being staggered by the blow, he moved back, leaving Ike an opportunity to once again strike. Using the already positioned blade, he slashed horizontally at the bandit. A gash on his upper body.
Holding his wound, he struggled to say his last words, "Ugh... You'll live to regret this... My brothers... The Ganelon bandits will not let this stand..." And thus, Migal of the Ganelon bandits fell.
The battle was won. Along with new allies.
Lyn relaxed herself at a nearby tree. "That's finally taken care of."
"Lyn!" Florina cried out.
Lyn looked towards Florina, "Florina... Why did you follow me? It's so dangerous." Scolding Florina as she looked meek.
"Do you remember the knighting ceremony of the Pegasus Knights of Ilia?" She responded.
"Yes, you join a band of freelance soldiers to further your training. Is that what brought you here, Florina?" Lyn prodded.
Florina nodded in response, "I wanted to talk to you before I set out. But when I went to Sacae, I heard you had left with some strangers, and..." Pausing for a moment where Lyn looked surprised.
"You were worried for me?" Lyn shook her head, " Thank you, but I'm more worried about you." She explained.
"Me?" Florina pointed towards herself.
"Listen, most mercenaries are men, right? Bands of men? I can't imagine you being at all comfortable around them. Although I remember Ike's group having one of their leaders be a woman... Maybe... no... I don't think you'd get along with men like Gatrie (especially Sain in our group) or Shinon (who's rude)." She pondered.
Ike found himself to the side where he watched them converse. Seeing Lyn mention his group brought a small grin to his face.
"I know, I know. It's just... I've always dreamt of being a pegasus knight. I imagined I would just...work it out. Somehow. After today, I'm not so sure. Maybe I should just...give up..." Her eyes beginning to water.
Lyn comforted her "Florina, don't cry..." Suddenly a voice came from the side.
"No, I think you did splendidly today." It was Ike who spoke up.
"Without your help, Lyn wouldn't have been able to cross as easily without your assistance." Ike explained. "You may have required Lyn's assistance during your skirmishes, but there's nothing wrong with relying on one another during battle to protect one another."
"He's right, there's no reason to give up your dream!" Sain's voiced called out from a distance. Coming up to them, he continued: "Lovely Florina! I have the most brillant idea!"
Just as Kent was about to raise an objection, Ike looked at Kent with assurance. Kent in return, nodded and observed.
Sain finished his words, "You should come with us! With the addition of Wil here, we're a fine group of soldiers, and Mercenaries to boot!"
Wil interjected and pointed to himself, "Wait, did you just include me?"
Sain turned his head towards him: "Of course! We were destined to meet here! It's fate! Come now, Lyndis's band of mercenaries is as good a training group as you'll find anywhere!"
Sain went too far. Lyn was not in command, Ike was. With Lyn suddenly angry at Sain's last statement.
"Sain! Don't you mean the Greil Mercenaries? That's not respectful to Ike or his business!" Lyn scolded. With Sain suddenly looking sheepish.
Ike was only scratching the back of his head. "Oh, uh, so sorry about that Ike." Sain apologized. With Ike only raising his hand in acceptance and nodding.
Florina looked confused, "Lyndis? Lyn? Greil Mercenaries?" Lyn shook her head in response, "I can give you details later. This is all a bit rushed. However, Sain has the right idea. Will you come with us, Florina?" Florina's eyes widened.
"Travel with you, Lyn? Truly? I would be so...so happy!" With a grateful expression, Florina beamed.
"Fantastic! Beauteous Florina! I am a knight of Caelin. My name is Sain..." Introducing himself and getting closer.
Florina quickly hid behind Lyn: "Eeek! Stay back! Don't get so close." She warned.
"Ah... Beautiful, and yet so modest!" Sain swooned.
"Sain, please. You're making her uncomfortable." Ike called out, putting his hand on Sain's shoulder.
As that went on, Kent gestured to Lyn while the commotion was going on.
Kent quickly came to Lyn, "I beg your forgiveness. Calling us mercenaries..."
With Lyn frowning in response. She was willing to be a mercenary with Ike. Why was Kent objecting?
"No, I approve. We could help Ike gain more clients and let the Greil Mercenaries be known in Elibe. I was after all, willing to be a mercenary with him. Besides, we can't leave Florina on her own."
Facing Kent, she continued: "Can I count on you?" With Kent pausing for a moment before responding, "Yes! You have but to ask."
Wil approached Ike and Lyn, calling out, "So... Is it really all right if I travel with you?" Ike and Lyn nodded at one another.
"Oh, yes. Of course! If you're willing, Wil." Lyn happily responded.
Ike in turn also voiced his thoughts, "With your skills in archery, it will go a long way."
Wil smiled in response, "Actually, I'm very grateful." And in the next moment, he scratched behind his head, "Truth be told, all of my money was stolen, and I'm...at a bit of a crossroads. I would be honored to count myself one of Lyndis's Legion or Greil Mercenaries!"
The day continued on. And with the antics of Sain with Florina hiding away from him, everyone laughed save for Kent facepalming at his knight companion's display.
Sometime later, with everyone setting up a camp within the village. Lyn murmured quietly without Ike noticing, "'Lyndis legion', it doesn't have the same ring to it as the Greil Mercenaries. I wouldn't dare take the merit that belongs to you Ike." Smiling at Ike who went off to check for weapons at the armory located south of the village after having received a reward of another 2000 gold from one of the villagers (from the house located north).
AN:
To Guest: It wasn't the medallion, it was Nergal. What Ike, Kent and Sain came to was the wrong conclusion on how he was brought to Elibe. Also, by the time Ike return, he'll be as good as the endgame other lords (Lyn, Hector, Eliwood) who in comparison could square nicely on their own against a good chunk of the cast in PoR. Granted, Black Knight would probably solo dragon's gate chapter on his own as a decent warm up. He wouldn't go unscathed but it would be a good challenge.