Interlude ~Base Convos Part 8~
They found Eliwood and must wait until they receive word from the other houses for the time being. Until then, they had to await in the village to see how they may respond until the morrow. They received torches in the village due to the fog that is frequent in the area. Moreover, General Eagler is Southeast from them. He would become an obstacle when they attempt to pass.
Meanwhile Ike, Erk, and Lucius were in the middle of keeping records in a unoccupied house. Erk volunteered to assist with Ike in helping keep track of funds. A good way to be away from Serra at the very least.
"Ike," The boy in question turned to Lucius. "Tell me about your father's company... about your father."
Lucius decided to break the ice from their current task.
Ike took a moment to ponder before speaking, "Well... after my mother passed away, my father took alot of responsibilities in protecting the people in Crimea. He and Titania practically started the company. Sometimes, the company goes as far as giving their services for free and even aid people at the expense of our own coffers. Although Shinon may complain sometimes, he never disobeyed my father." Reminiscing about his family, his smile slowly faded, "I know what I've done may go against the morals of the company, but if I want to help Lyn get back to her family, manage our company here, I will set them aside just to provide for everyone."
"No one blames you for making these decisions. I can see it is difficult being a leader. You helped minimize many of the risks of an ill-equipped troop." Erk pointed out. Lucius added onto it, "You hold alot of standards most mercenaries wouldn't have. You should be proud having accomplished much this far."
Ike smiled and nodded.
"Since we speak of our families, I was born in Etruria." Erk turned to Lucius upon mention of that country. "My father was a famous mercenary like yours, Ike."
"Really?" Ike questioned with Lucius nodding.
"Unfortunately, he lost his life to thief." Lucius's slight smile turned to sadness. Erk and Ike's eyes widened at the statement. "My mother soon followed him. I was only three..."
The vicinity became silent. The conversation took a surprisingly dark turn.
"I-I'm sorry Lucius." Ike replied. Lucius shook his head. "Don't be, it was my fault for causing distress at this time."
"But, the moment you spoke for the lives of the men we buried, I felt compelled to speak my mind... Just like the lives of the men we face can be extinguished... so can mine... that's why I pray and tell my life so at least more people can remember my name fondly like Kent and Sain did for their former comrades." With a resolute expression on his face he continued: "I know you will survive Ike, and you too, Erk. That's why... let me speak my piece." Ike took a moment to grasp the gravity of Lucius's request and nodded. He accepted with Erk also nodding him.
"I was sent to an orphanage, life there was filled with grief and hardship... but I left eventually, I became a monk and retainer to House Cornwell for ten years or so. I found happiness in their company..." He explained. "It's been a year since they faced destruction. Their son, Raymond... no doubt, faced similar grief as I from their death soon after..." Lucius closed his eyes.
It was Erk's turn to ask, "Why did they fall?"
"I'm not aware of the full details... nor if they faced assassination according to some sources. But their house dissolved due to house Ostia supposedly uncovering evidence of corruption."
Erk and Ike turned to one another. Serra supposedly part of that house along with Matthew? She may be... special... They may not be the most favorable of people but house Ostia didn't seem too out of the ordinary. They did not have enough evidence for full judgment.
"The more I searched for answers and Lord Raymond, house Ostia was less likely to be of committing foul play... or the act of ending their lives." Lucius explained. "I only hope Lord Raymond finds peace... and to not be swallowed by grief. Also, I pray that Priscilla, their daughter who was sent away right before I came to their service, lives unburdened as the adopted daughter of the House Caerleon in Etruria."
Erk's eyes flickered at the mention of the house. Ike noticed this for a brief moment before putting his attention to Lucius.
"Your life will not end here... I'll make sure of it." Ike turned to Erk. "All of you. Your goals will be accomplished while you are in this company and after you leave. We're going to take Lyn to her grandfather without anyone dying while you are under my command. I swear it." He declared. Erk and Lucius nodded.
"And with that..." Lucius took out what appeared to be a dagger that had been sheathed. "Take this, Ike."
Ike took the dagger, it appeared to be stiletto, with a brown handle and cross-section along a pointed edge.
"Did this belong to your father?" Lucius shook his head at Ike's question.
"Not exactly... this dagger used by the thief to slay my father." Ike and Erk's eyes immediately became alarmed. "And before you refuse it. Despite the cruel irony, it is all that is left of my father in remembrance. I still remember it..." Lucius spoke with his eyes closed. "The eyes of the thief who killed him... Like terrible dark stones set in his hate-filled face... Even now, I don't know if I can have the strength to forgive him."
"Why..." Ike spoke with obvious concern in his voice. "Why would you give me this?"
If it served as a reminder for revenge, he would understand. But to give Ike of all things the murder weapon of Lucius's father...
"It served as a reminder of my despair... and there's no doubt Lord Raymond faces similar grief as I, and thus, I must serve as an example. To let go of it, my greatest grief, and to be unburdened." Lucius opened his eyes and continued, "Let it not be a reminder of my sorrows... that I give this knife to you not to shoulder my burdens, but to let you remember that Lucius, friend of Raymond, left his grief behind."
A good moment passed and Ike closed his eyes. Taking the Stiletto and holstering it to his waistbelt. He opened his eyes and stared into Lucius's eyes and nodded. Lucius reciprocated with a warm smile. Without a single word, Ike accepted the dagger.
Erk was the only one to remain silent, and smiled. "Since Lucius spoke his part... Allow me to speak mine." He announced.
Now everyone turned to him.
"Truth be told, I am the adopted of son of the Count of House Reglay in Etruria." Ike and Lucius's faced one another at this revelation. Erk continued on: "Lord Pent, an accomplished mage general earned his right with his prowess and mystical skill. That's why I chose to become a mercenary to become an accomplished mage on my own."
"That's why you were in the middle of escorting Serra?" Ike asked. Erk nodded with a slight sigh of regret.
Musing over his adoptive family, the beautiful he continued with a smile: "I was only twelve when they picked me up from the cold snow. Two years ago and I found myself absorbing all the knowledge from the books upon being adopted that faithful day. Unknowingly, I've picked up a similar habit of not eating or sleeping when studying like Lord Pent now thinking in retrospect." Shaking his head in exasperation of he and his adoptive father's habits, he laughed slightly.
"Don't feel alone in that regard. Even Soren fell asleep on top of his books at one point." Ike added.
Soon, everyone in the house laughed.
"I miss them... my family..." Erk spoke quietly.
Lucius and Ike nodded. So did many of them within the group.
Sain and Kent were tending to their mounts in the village stables. Ike approached them and called out.
"Sain. Kent. Are you two OK?"
They turned to face Ike, with Kent responding, "We're fine, Ike. It's just..."
Sain decided to complete Kent's sentence, "We're worried for General Eagler."
"Isn't he a general for Caelin?" Ike asked with the two nodding.
"Not just that, he was our captain, our mentor..." Kent explained.
"You don't think..." Ike voiced out.
Both of them shook their heads. "It's likely he'll recognize Lady Lyndis as Madelyn's own." Sain replied. "But with Lundgren, there's no telling how Eagler will respond to us."
A good moment passed before Ike closed his eyes.
"I see... I hope the worst doesn't come to pass." Everyone nodded at Ike's words.
"Nils, Ninian I wish to ask you something." Ike called out. Nils and Ninian turned to him, with a slightly nervous look on their faces.
"I was wondering why the Black Fang were after you. Why would a group of assassins and organized troops want with a shrine maiden and a bard?" He asked.
They may have some mystical powers as no mere performers as evident by their capabilities. And their memento seems to be a blessed ring.
"I'm sorry... but-" Ninian refused reluctantly.
"For our safety and yours, we cannot answer that." Nils explained in a rare formal tone. "But the man who wants to capture us... his name is Nergal."
"I see." Ike spoke. It seems as though there's something bigger at play. And this Nergal... the name is unfamiliar yet... he could feel something of an obsession that doesn't come from himself for whatever reason.
But what he saw from the visions...
"Just to ask, what about your parents?" Nils and Ninian turned to look at one another before facing Ike.
"We... don't remember our father save for our mother. It's been too long but we keep her ring just to hold some semblance of keeping close." Ninian explained.
"I can relate to that... my mother's medallion belongs my sister. That... and a song she hum- no sung-..." Ike struggled to remember his mother, Elena. Did she sing or hummed her lullaby? He suddenly grasped his head trying to get a clearer picture.
"Is something wrong, Ike?"
Ike turned to the pair, who looked worried at his condition.
He quickly recomposed himself, and responded. "Sorry about that, paperwork must have gotten me tired." The siblings nodded, just glad their leader was fine.
"Until then, you could always rely on us. Rely on the Greil Mercenaries." Ike assured to them. He wanted to keep the spirit of his father's company alive while he was stuck in Elibe.
The two happily nodded. ""Thank you, Ike.""
"Man, I'm just glad to be able to eat and be paid." Guy spoke to Rath. "Still, the mood seems pretty heavy since everyone took the time to bury the enemy."
Rath remained silent. He remained tending to his bow while Guy ate.
"Can't say I don't feel bad for what happened. I mean, they were just following orders I suppose." Guy spoke.
This time, Rath decided to speak, "Kent and Sain were in anguish having slain their former comrades... all the more reason Lyn must go to her grandfather, Marquess Caelin. As it stands, the men that stood in our way had to right to be in the embrace of Mother Earth."
"Well said, Rath." Ike came behind the campfire.
"Ike..." Rath bowed his head in greeting Ike.
"Wah! Commander!" Guy cried out almost spilling his stew. "You scared me there."
"Sorry about that, Guy." Ike apologized.
"No problem! And great job during that battle leading us." With Rath nodding with him.
"You don't need to call me commander, I'm still a apprentice ranger of the Greil Mercenaries back in Tellius." Ike explained to Guy.
He wasn't ready to lead his father's company. He still remained inexperienced at any rate compared to Titania or Greil. He needed to prove he could become a capable leader in the company's eyes. All the more reason when he returns home, he could use some of his experience gained in Elibe to help the troop back in Tellius.
Guy shook his head at Ike's statement. "You did great at commanding us. And you're only 15? Just a year older than I!"
Posing with his thumb pointing to himself, he continued: "I know if I keep traveling with the Greil Mercenaries, I'll be one step closer to being the best Swordsman in Sacae, no, the world! After all, seeing your sword skill and Lyn's, I know I have lots to improve!" Ike chuckled at Guy's boasts of himself and Lyn.
This time Rath added his input: "You'll learn much from Lyn. She's the wielder of the Mani Katti..."
Guy's eyes widened at that fact. It seems as though he didn't fully recognize the blade.
"Whoa! Seriously? I knew that blade looked familiar... So she's the chosen wielder of the sacred blade of Sacae? I once prayed to the blade two years ago when I started my journey." Guy exclaimed excitedly. "No wonder... I have lots to improve if I want to match or surpass any of you!"
"Don't count yourself out. Your skills surpass my own. I can't hold a candle to you or Lyn." Ike defended Guy.
Ike has yet to truly master the blade. He's not as swift or can easily maneuver the blade the way Lyn and Guy could. The best he could do is rely on others for inspiration for his sword skills.
"You kidding? When you started twirling your sword in the air, and pierced through that knight, I knew you were pretty good. What was that skill?" Guy prodded.
His father compiled a list of skills he's learnt or witnessed throughout his life. Ike read up on this compilation before coming to Elibe many times. Even Titania knew at least one skill in battle. Based on how his sword pierced even straight through a knight's armor...
"Luna. But I mostly learnt it from watching our lance users perform a critical blow on the enemy." Ike explained.
"Luna..." Guy repeated. "I wonder if I can try it with my own sword?"
Ike shook his head, "Depending on what sword you use, I'd be careful." Guy nodded his head in understanding.
"Well then, I'll leave the both of you. You've all done well in the last battle. Thank you." Ike announced.
""Yes Commander Ike!"" They replied.
Ike chuckled at their response as he left. For now, he decided to accept it. As their leader, he refuses to sacrifice or let his men die under his command. Is this how his father, Greil, felt when they respected and addressed him as their leader?
