Chapter 20: The Dread Isles

"Let's get through these woods. It's starting to get foggy… Try not to get separated." Lyn voiced out, attempting to navigate through the forest.

The Lycian lords scouted ahead, as risky as it was. But given how well-equipped everyone was, everyone else was catching up with their lords.

Meanwhile, Hector seemed to come across a sign.

"'Enter and be lost.' It feels like we're not coming back." Hector read out the sign's content nonchalantly.

Lyn made a grimace and voiced her thoughts: "Hector! Are you trying to curse us?"

"Please, don't jinx us, Hector." Ike sighed out.

Granted, it was a joke. But it was in poor form. Hector scratched his head from being scolded by the two.

Eliwood trailed ahead the two with Ninian in hand. Gingerly walking Ninian while holding her hand. The girl in question eyes were lit up as she watched Eliwood guide her.

"Are you well, Ninian?" He asked.

"…Y-Yes… I'm… I'll be fine." Ninian stammered. Awoken from her thoughts upon Eliwood's inquiry.

Just as he nodded and continued onwards, he stopped upon seeing a figure. It was still too difficult to see ahead, along with the fog rolling in. But there was definitely someone there.

"Someone's there!" Eliwood called out.

Hector quickly turned to his best friend and asked: "Who? A sentry?"

Ike and Lyn's attention immediately went to Hector and Eliwood. They approached with pair while Ninian stepped back.

Hector moved forward to get a better look and his eyes lit up happily as he saw a familiar figure against a tree.

"Leila! Is that you? Impressive work, finding your way here!" He voiced out with jubilation.

Ike took a better glimpse of the woman in question. She was cloaked in a dark robe, but he noticed something at her feet. It was... blood.

"…Something's wrong. Leila?" Eliwood asked again to the figure.

"Oh no..." Ike voiced out.

Soon, Leila's figure soon slipped and fell. It was due to the blood at her feet pooled up causing her slip. She was dead. Someone put her there against the tree as if it were a warning.

Upon closer examination, her neck was cut at both ends and her heart was stabbed based on the entry wounds.

"She's…dead…" Lyn spoke while shocked, with a hand to her mouth.

"Dammit... we're too late." Ike spoke with gritted teeth. "No... they put her there as a warning, or to taunt us."

"No!" Ninian voiced out.

"…This can't be. She was one of our best spies. Leila…" Hector added, with exasperation in his tone. He soon caught a figure by his side within a moment, but it was their own. It was Matthew.

"...Matthew." Hector called out. "…I'm sorry, Matthew."

Matthew took a moment before shaking his head. His expression appeared to be a smile. However, his hands were shaking ever so slightly.

"…Why do you apologize, my lord? Leila blundered. …That's all." Matthew replied, with a slightly quivering tone.

So she was the one whom Matthew wanted to settle down with. This...

"Matthew… Leila was… She was…" Eliwood attempted to find the words to console Matthew, but couldn't find it.

"After this mission, I was going to ask her to put this life behind her… Waited too long, didn't I?" Matthew explained in an exhausted tone. "Ha… …My lord, might I…rejoin you later? She has to be buried…"

Hector took a moment before nodding. "…Of course."

"Ah… I'll go with you…" Lyn offered to which Ike held her shoulder and shook his head.

"Leave him to grieve on his own. Besides..." He gestured Lyn to look over to Serra and Lucius who were right behind them. "This is more their line of work."

"Allow me and Brother Lucius to pray for her." Serra proposed to which Matthew slowly nodded.

They would perform and recite burial rites to Leila. In any event, they didn't have time to prepare a proper funeral so this would have to do.

The others caught up to their lords and witnessed this scene. It seems as though some of them took notice and went to get a shovel from one of their suppliers, as evident by them running back to Merlinus or Anna who were still catching up, after trying set up a supply/shop carriage with Anna's help. Oswin in particular had a heavy expression. It seems as though he also knew her.

"Also... I have to speak with him." Ike stated to which Lyn looked at him. "I'll be back."

Lyn nodded and smiled to Ike who went off with Matthew carrying Leila along with Serra and Lucius in tow. Along with a two shovels given by Dart and Jake.

Having dug out a grave for Leila within a clearing near the sea, Lucius and Serra held their hands together in prayer.

"Saint Elimine, guide her soul to providence. In the loving hands of God..." They spoke, with their eyes closed.

Their rites took a good five minutes, as they needed to catch up with the others. Upon the finishing their prayer, Ike and Matthew covered Leila with dirt. Just as Lucius hoped to volunteer, Ike glanced back at him assuring him it was OK. With that, Lucius reluctantly left with Serra leaving the pair to bury Leila. A makeshift grave marker with the wood etched with Leila's name.

Just as Ike was about to leave, Matthew called out to him.

"Ike... you don't think that Legault was the one behind it? Right?" Matthew asked to which Ike stared at him.

Leila was apparently an Ostian spy who gave general info to Hector and Eliwood. Giving invaluable info to the Lycian lords by infiltrating the Black Fang.

He shook his head, speaking his piece: "I doubt it. Plus, this kind of action would put him in hot water. There's no doubt she was killed by Black Fang, but the wounds looked too recent."

"Yeah... you're right." Matthew nodded. "Moreover, the weapons used to kill her were more curved, likely from exotic short blades. Legault's personal blades were less curved than that, unless he switched them out. But his handiwork was only just stopping at the neck when against that shaman. This went for both ends of the throat and the heart."

It seems as though Matthew did a careful examination to know what killed her. Now he needed to narrow down on who killed his beloved.

"Ike... if you have someone in your heart, don't hesitate like I did. Try to make every moment count. Don't wait like I did." Matthew voiced out. Then he turned with reddened eyes looking at Ike's own, "Or at the very least... fight together ensure you both live to see another day with one another. She was alone without me by her side. I wasn't as good as her, but I wish I could have fought along with her. Even if I would have perished, at least I would do what I could to make sure she survived."

It was too late for regrets. They could have remained together had she ended her work there after informing the lords back in Lycia. However, whether Leila would have wanted Matthew to sacrifice himself for her, she would have refused.

Moreover, Ike knew what Matthew was talking about. He acknowledged Lyn's feelings for awhile since a year ago. From the tender moments they've shared, to fighting with one another, to the point of entrusting each other with their lives. Thinking about the beautiful girl from Sacae, with her emerald eyes and lush green hair that matched the plains she was proud of...

He held back out of consideration for when he had to leave. It's not like he can return to Elibe and come back to Tellius all the time. Whether Lyn chose to return to the plains or hold her position as heir to Caelin, he only hoped Lyn can choose her path without regrets. But... he would try with her nonetheless.

"I will..." Ike responded. Matthew nodded with a sad smile. However, his expression turned alert in the next moment. Ike held his sword at the pommel, looking at his surroundings.

Matthew put his hand to his ear and then against the floor of the ground, and spoke: "Galloping from the South, heading to where the group was. Dammit!"

And the pair took off to return to their groups.

The pair rushed back to the rest of the army. Upon reaching back to the group they were greeted with the sight of a brown haired man with a goatee wearing a dark bandana and dark blue attire. He appeared to be a Sacaen, and the rest of the group focused their long-ranged weapons on him. From bows, to tomes, and javelins.

And the person he had in hand was...

"Lyn!" Ike called out. Lyn's attention went to her friend while she was restrained with a blade to the neck. The man remained on his steed, holding Lyn by the collar with great arm strength.

"Ike!" Lyn called out. The man narrowed his eyes at the young mercenary commander. He heard of the reputation of the leader back in Bern, along with personal anecdotes from Lloyd and Linus.

'So this boy is...' He thought. In the next moment, he let go of Lyn and sheathed his blade.

"What!" She voiced out.

Ike quickly advanced towards where Lyn was, standing by her side as they faced the Sacaen man. Turning to her captor, she gave a puzzled look.

"Why are you letting me go?" Lyn asked.

Ike looked closely at the Sacaen man and wondered if it was the man whom Legault mentioned.

"Holding a woman hostage during battle is shameful. You, too, are of Sacae, and I've a mind to show you mercy. I will let you die with a sword in your hands. But rest assured… I will kill you all here." Uhai assured. "But be of good cheer! In dying, you shall all be spared the calamity that is to come!"

He left off into the fog, awaiting for the Lycian army to come to him.

'So this man is...' Ike thought to himself.

The Sacaen man with honor just like his fellow nomads. It was likely he could not work with their army while many eyes were honed in on him. They had to clear out the rest of his men and capture him in combat.

If anything, they could allow him back to the Davros to reunite with Legault or at least meet up with him.

"Ninian, you must hide. We will meet the enemy!" Eliwood called out to Ninian who remained silent.

"No!" Ike replied, bringing attention to himself as he shouted. Turning to Ninian, he spoke: "Ninian, you have to sense danger for the company. Assist with the others while we are in this fog. Stay with Eliwood and his company."

Ninian nodded as Eliwood looked at her determined expression and followed suit.

"Moreover, do we have any torches?" Ike asked to which Dart raised a torch in hand. He had five in total.

"I have torch staves in stock!" Anna called out. To which Jake rummaged through the supply convoy on a horse carriage. This even amazed Merlinus who was taking reigns of the horses of the carriage. Taking out three staves, "3000 will be deducted from the company funds!" To which Ike nodded.

Giving one staff to Lucius, Priscilla, and Serra. They could illuminate the path while the fog was ongoing.

"Good... Fliers defend from the North where the enemy can attack from the sea!" Ike ordered to Heath, Florina and Fiora nodded and rode off. Turning to Lucius, he ordered again: "Lucius, illuminate their path."

Lucius could handle his own while using his torch staff to light the path of the pegasus and wyvern knights to engage with the enemies. It was likely that the enemy could ambush from the sea using the fog to their advantage without the Davros noticing.

"Aye, Commander!" Lucius replied, heading off to the North where the fliers were.

Merlinus, Jake and Anna turned to Ike.

"We'll station our convoy next to Lucius while we protect each other. Jake can lend a hand if anyone gets too close for comfort." Anna explained to which Ike nodded. And with that, they rode off to follow Lucius.

Ike then turned to Dart, and spoke: "Dart, move towards Southeast, I've noticed some dead trees situated near the rivers, if you could cut them to make a bridge, that would be great. Canas and Erk will spot for you with Serra as support. Is that clear? We'll regroup with each other in the south to advance Southeast from here, understood?"

"""Aye, Commander Ike!""" And they took off after affirming with the leader.

Ike then turned to the Lycian army.

"The Lycian army, you will assist your lords by advancing onwards East. Ninian should help you. I will take the rest of my troops onwards South. Understood? Should any of you encounter the Sacaen leader, capture him alive, understood?" Ike called out to the remaining army.

He needed Uhai alive for Brendan and Legault. In any rate, they needed to kill Uhai's troops before getting to Uhai.

While Ike was certainly not a Lycian general, he still had authority granted to him by the Lycian lords to take command. They showed no resistance and raised their weapons in the air.

"""Yes, sir!""" They called out. While Matthew looked at Ike in the eyes, signifying he'll assist his lord, and went off with Hector.

Lyn came up to Ike and gazed at him, wanting to go with him. Ike looked into her emerald eyes, knowing what she wanted, and nodded. No words were needed.

He then turned to Kent and Sain, both of which had an expression of understanding, and went off to ride with Hector and Eliwood in the East.

"Very well... Guy, Priscilla, Raven, Rath, and Lyn! We advance onwards South!" He announced.

"""Yes sir!"""

Fiora felt relieved as she was fighting alongside her youngest sister. She saw Florina's improvement as she rode valiantly against enemy forces. There were times she looped herself in the air which seemed somewhat unnecessary until she witnessed Florina hitting them with her spear which stunned the enemy pegasus knights. Whatever it was, upon the winged horse being hit, caused both the pegasus and its rider to fall to the water and drown. Her sister became such a splendid rider before she knew it. If only they could return to Ilia and they would promote her to first rank.

They warded off the enemy fliers and pirates who rode on small boats to reach shore. With Lucius casting the torch spell while fighting alongside the merchant convoy if enemies came too close.

"Pirates to the West!" Heath pointed out to the pirates sailing in a small dory. He rode off with a javelin to engage with his foes. The two followed suit.

He could see clearly with a torch spell that was in place, allowing the others to detect their foes easily.

"Charge!" Fiora shouted out with javelin in hand.

The Black Fang would be no match for the Greil Mercenaries and the Lycian Army. For her fallen comrades, she would avenge them.

"East, coming towards us, galloping, several paces from us. From underneath the water's surface, they strike." Ninian voiced out.

Ninian gave warnings to the Lycian group, cutting down whoever came their way from the fog. Her sense were invaluable, preparing the army from being ambushed. Matthew also assisted, with his good visibility of the terrain ahead.

He couldn't falter. Not when Leila was counting on him. He will fulfill his duties and mourn for her when the battle was won.

Just as he thought to himself, a stray pirate came from North onto the shore after having swam and dived to prevent the fliers from reaching him. Just as Ninian and Matthew were ready to call out, a pair of knights, one red and one green, quickly came up to the pirate and held their swords in the air, and quickly swung down.

SOL x2

The pirate fell down having been struck by two blades from the knights. Moreover, the pair's wounds from cavalry with lances and nomads that struck them with arrows quickly healed. Kent and Sain nodded to one another and quickly scouted from the shores.

The battle was not done, not for Matthew. He would also have to watch over a certain prisoner.

Uhai awaited in the woods, awaiting for his foes to appear before him. The rest of his cavalry and nomads were leading the attack against the Lycian army and Greil Mercenaries.

Greil Mercenaries... The ones who Lloyd and Linus spoke fondly of their deeds in Bern. The ones who helped lead Brendan into doubt at the pleading of his sons. And the last he spoke with Brendan was...

"So, Legault is off to investigate?" Uhai asked to his respected commander.

"Yes... after I got into contact with him, I told him to meet with some contacts and to look into some of the matters in Lycia that some of our forces were undertaking." Brendan explained to his old comrade. He then gave a severe look to Uhai: "Uhai... tell me how the Fang is, right now."

Uhai looked at his commander in the eye and nodded.

"Some of my own men were finished if they were wounded. It didn't matter if they could live on..." Uhai voiced out. He then narrowed his eyes. "Moreover, I cannot recognize the men who are now with me. None of them truly answer to me, Brendan. You should watch yourself."

Brendan closed his eyes and nodded. He took a deep breath before he spoke. Opening his eyes to his old friend, he nodded.

"I'm a fool... I shouldn't have taken heed of my sons and their warning sooner." Brendan voiced out. "Legault spoke of similar complaints, he was ready to leave he said to me. Even if it would have taken away his life in the process. He already killed Aesha, even when she could have lived the rest of her life without killing."

Legault's companion. A fellow assassin whom he's seen and interacted with. Since Sonia's arrival, she's obviously taken too much authority to kill even old friends it seems. But that left one question...

"What spurred your action, commander? Why now?" Uhai asked.

Brendan took a long look at Uhai and obliged: "When the Greil Mercenaries were slandered by Ursula, my sons reported to me that they've nothing wrong and even have done good deeds in Bern. Luckily, we've pushed back against their priority as targets, but it might not be for long if they get spotted in Lycia again. That led me to wonder where our resources and manpower are being used." Brendan held up two fingers and continued: "The second warning sign was how Nino had been treated. It was far too unusual, and Nino is the sweetest girl. I've seen Sonia scowl at the girl when tries her best."

Nino, he's seen the girl several times. Rarely interacted, but he knows how much her step-brothers dote on her. Highly suspect that a girl doesn't get affection from her mother even once.

Brendan held up a third finger. The final reason why he chose to be proactive.

"This is more onto the second reason, but it also got my sons involved. I went out on an outing with Nino along with Lloyd and Linus over half a year ago. I chose to go to a bookstore that opened up in a village near the Taliver Mountains, a place that was cleared of the bandits that plagued the Bern and Sacaen border, by the Greil Mercenaries no less especially after they've donated to the local villages... We hoped to buy her something for her magical talents. Only then I realized what a blissful fool I've been..." He voiced out in a severe expression.

"What happened?" Uhai asked. There was a sense of trepidation in Brendan's voice.

To which his final reply was: "She looked guilty... We soon realized she could not read a single word or letter. Even though she memorized her mother's chants for tomes, she has no ability to read or write. That was the last straw..."

To think those reasons are why his true leader chose to finally make a proactive effort. Granted, the second and third reasons seem to overlap. It was better late than never.

No matter, now wasn't the time for them to resist Sonia and her cohorts. And that Nergal. He could assist Brendan and the Lycian Lords, but it was too early. Not when he had too many eyes on him. If he died in the struggle, so be it. He could only count on the Lycian Lords, Brendan and his sons, and the Greil Mercenaries to finish the work. He had to play the part of the fearsome nomad, the Soaring Hawk.

He closed his eyes to focus his hearing. He could hear the advancement of their forces, hoping to flank from the North and West. The sounds of torch staffs, winds shifting that could be a new spell. Fimbulvetr, perhaps? No, they were actively controlling winds to cut down dead trees. The sounds of the thickets being broken down were heard.

His troop were all on horses, awaiting the enemy to approach them.

From the West, he spotted the leader and his troops regrouped with the others who cut down the trees to make a bridge.

"Erk, Priscilla... ready your tomes..." Ike spoke.

Erk held a Elwind tome and Priscilla with a fire tome.

Erk began his chant as winds surrounded him:

Oh power of wind, sweep my opponent to the skies!

ELWIND

Upon his chant, a big cyclone shot out from Erk's hand and went in the direction of Uhai's troops. And with that, Priscilla began her chant as an orb appeared in her left hand and holding her tome in the right:

Oh flames that sear through all of creation, lend me strength!

FIRE

A ball of flame shot out from her hand intercepting the wind spell. Using the cyclone as fuel, the fireball turned the Elwind spell into a flaming whirlwind.

FIRESTORM

Uhai quickly evaded past the scorching spell combination on his steed, while the rest of his troop were ill-prepared. They received the full blast of the flame tornado, felling down the nomads and cavalry within a single or rather double attack. Everyone, save Uhai, who maneuvered himself away from the magical whirlwind, were defeated. The trees in the forest were on fire, but unlikely to get out of hand due to the conditions of the weather and fog preventing the worst wildfire. It will be likely to be put out on their own due to the moisture and humidity.

"Amazing... to think nature magic could compliment one another to this degree..." Canas voiced out.

This was the result of research of how wind is weak against fire within Tellius's anima magic triangle. Fire was stronger with wind, and if used in conjunction with a wind spell that did not create a chilling wind that could produce ice, it could make for a devastating combination. But it required greater control of the elements, in order to maximize and control its usage. Otherwise, the spell would cancel out or spiral out of control.

From the time Erk used a thunder spell against the Laus army when it was raining, this made Erk think of ways to compliment the elemental anima magic. However, he was the only sole anima magic user until just yesterday when Priscilla became a Valkyrie class, allowing her usage of Elibe's anima tomes.

Once she's reached a proficient level to wield a thunder tome, she could use it when he also obtains water anima tomes from Anna. He proposed this idea to Ike, who approved of it for combat.

"It's over, surrender, Uhai." Ike called out. Surrounded by many of his comrades.

Uhai stood for a moment before shook his head. No. There were still too many eyes on him. He did not know when that Ephidel would return. That man who is gifted in the mystical arts. He decided when engaging with this group that he will not implicate Brendan or the others. If he turn coated then, it would draw too much suspicion.

"The Fang's judgment cannot be undone." Uhai replied as he readied his bow. "I am Uhai! I am the Soaring Hawk! Come!"

Ike shook his head in exasperation. The Black Fang controlled by Nergal forced his hand it seems. It looks like they had to subdue him.

Just as Ike was readied his blade, Guy and Rath came forward. Uhai narrowed his eyes at the two with a hint of acknowledgement.

"Oh... the both of you are from Sacae, too, are you?" He remarked.

"I am Guy of the Kutolah!" Guy introduced himself. And Rath came forward with his steed, and also added. "I, too, am of the Kutolah. My name is Rath."

"Kutolah... The Ash Wolf, Dayan's tribe! They're said to be the strongest on the plains. Seeing two fellow tribesmen fight together..." Uhai looked to Guy as he spoke. "But you're still a child. Do you fight like one?"

Guy shook his head at Uhai's inquiry.

"No!" He replied as he pointed his blade at Uhai. "I made a vow upon seeing the Chief Dayan's sword skills and how he complimented my sword arm. I will become the best swordsman in the world and return to the Plains as a great warrior of Sacae! Only then I can truly defend my tribe and mother as best I can!"

A smile crept up on Uhai as he heard Guy's words. He then turned to Rath.

"I will not allow the calamity to fall. For the lives of my tribe, for all of Sacae, and the Greil Mercenaries... I will wield my bow no matter what..." Rath vowed to Uhai, who affirmed his resolve.

"Good... I challenge you both!" Upon those words, he took arrows from his quiver and aimed at Rath. Guy quickly moved back to allow Rath first clash.

Rath quickly took out his blade to block against his swift shot. Uhai quickly switched to his blade and his steed jumped and he raised it. Swinging it down at the drop of his horse.

As Rath blocked the blade with his own, he could tell. The strength of this man was extraordinary. By far, the most strongest he's faced. In the next moment, Rath's sword broke and the steel sword held by Uhai prevailed, causing a gash. Rath grimaced and quickly gestured to his horse to distance themselves and switched to his bow. He held his arrow in the sky, before readying his bow, he spoke: "Father Sky... bless my aim." And quickly aimed the arrow at Uhai with his bow, who, in turn, also did the same.

The arrow shot out, as Uhai planned to use his bow, his eyes widened as the arrow struck his bow, breaking it and piercing through into his shoulder. He narrowed his eyes, fighting back a groan. His eyes held amazement as he noticed the wound he caused to Rath healed.

No wonder, the rumors he's heard from arenas where some fighters healed mid-fight. At first, it was assumed foul play, but no Physics staff was detected. Apparently, some fighters held a mystical skill, which led to hosts to showcase riskier odds against the fighters.

He took out the arrow from his shoulder and unsheathed his blade again. Just as Guy was ready to come forward, he halted upon seeing Lyn, who came forward, but holding the hilt of her blade.

" ...How can a proud man like you live as an assassin?" She asked. To which Uhai closed his eyes.

"...I sympathize with Brendan Reed's ideology. He wants to help the weak, to break the overly proud… Discussing this philosophy with Brendan and his sons, training together, getting stronger together… For me, the Black Fang was the first place… that felt like home." Uhai explained.

It was just like many others have said, along with Legault. They had their own beliefs of protecting the innocent and fighting against the corrupt. But his last words were alarming.

"'Felt'? Is that feeling gone?" She asked.

Uhai shook his head and opened his eyes. He responded back: "The Black Fang has changed. Nergal sent that woman... And I hope Brendan and his sons live on without me. It is too late for me to stop here."

He would fight to the very end. Even if he were to fall, he would hope Brendan and his sons would not hold it against the Lycian lords or the Greil Mercenaries. He readied his blade.

"Expect no quarter merely because we are both nomads. Prepare yourself!"

Upon those words, Uhai charged towards Lyn. In the next moment, Lyn closed her eyes and took a deep breath, while tightly gripping her Mani Katti.

Within the blink of an eye, afterimages could be seen, from where Uhai was, four consecutive horizontal slashes occurred in all directions one after the other. Uhai found himself in the air as his horse went on its hind legs. Lyn quickly jumped into the air, with her blade raised and swung downward, across Uhai's chest.

ASTRA

Lyn dropped down safely as opposed to Uhai, who fell with a deep cut at the front. His horse also fell in battle, hoping to join their master in the afterlife.

Everyone's eyes were widened in amazement at Lyn's feat. While Guy lost his chance to fight, he still received valuable insight on how to perfect his technique. She sheathed her blade which remained unblemished by the slashes she unleashed on her opponent.

"I'm sorry, Guy. I knew you wanted to fight him..." Lyn voiced out to which Guy shook his head.

"No, you just proved to me I have a long way to go... but don't worry, I'll catch up!" He replied with a smile. But they soon turned to their fallen enemy.

Ike approached Uhai, who was barely breathing. Uhai looked at the young commander with a smile.

"Well…done… You are… stronger… stronger than I expected. Out of respect… …a final gift from me… From here, go south. …Turn at the rotted tree. Head…west. There lies the path to the… …Dragon's Gate… Unnh…" Uhai fell unconscious upon those words.

He knew he could rest assured knowing with such strength, they might be able to avert the calamity that was to come. And hopefully, the family he cared for will live to see another day.

Uhai awoke, with his wound appearing to be patched. He was still not in top form, as he was exhausted and will need further care.

"You're awake." Ike called out, who seemed to await for him. "It's only been about an hour after you fell unconscious." Uhai looked to him with a confused frown.

"...Why didn't you leave me to die?" He asked. To which Ike shook his head.

"You have family awaiting for you, right?" He remarked to which Uhai stared at him.

He was referring to the old Fang. Those who he were with and trusted. They hoped Uhai would live to see another day with them.

Ike stood up and spoke: "Get yourself to the pirate ship that we were in. They'll take you in as our prisoner, but will escort you along with us back to Lycia. Then you can try to help us get into contact with Brendan and his sons."

Moreover, there was also someone waiting for him midway along the path. Legault believed he was undetected, but Matthew was to keep track of him. He already informed the Davros that their prisoner will escape, and might return with another one.

With that, Ike left leaving Uhai to himself. They cleared the path of enemies, leaving Uhai to meet up with Legault.

Uhai sat there, a good while since Ike left. He pondered on the entire set of events with a slight smile. He stood, and spotted a familiar figure in the distance, awaiting and hiding in the trees. It was Legault. Just as they were both to greet with one another... both their eyes widened with a man with wavy black haired tied back and with a strand of hair appeared in front of Uhai.

"Just when I thought he'd never leave...treated by the enemy and wounded? Allow me to enact the Fang's judgment." Upon saying those words, he closed in and plunged his hand into Uhai's gut. Uhai breathed in heavily at Ephidel's attack. "Your quintessence will be most useful for Lord Nergal. Moreover, we'll make good use of your corpse." Taking out his hand from Uhai's gut held a rather strange orb. It looked spiritual in the sense that kept emitting glowing mist.

Uhai's pupils dilated as he felt excruciating pain. Legault alarmed, quickly held his blades at the side to help his friend, only to halt.

[Don't. Inform the others. Tell Brendan I'm sorry.] Uhai mouthed out without speaking. He fell over Ephidel's shoulder. Forever dead. Legault remained hiding himself while his fingers dug deep into his palms, even with his gloves on. But someone else seems to have made a noise besides him. Ephidel became alerted at the potential intruder.

"Tch. Reinforcements who wished to check on him? Some of their men seemed to have gone back and forth, might as well leave with his body while I still can..." Upon saying those words, underneath Ephidel's feet glowed an array that disappeared along with him. As well as Uhai's corpse.

At the very least, Uhai could rest assured his companion, Legault, was not discovered by Ephidel.

"Come out now... you were watching me, weren't you?" Legault called out.

Matthew appeared before Legault also hiding within the trees.

"I was found out so easy, unless it was a trap. I'm really slipping up..." Legault mused to himself.

"Ike wanted me to keep watch on you." Matthew explained.

So it was. The thin bone was to allow him to escape and meet up with Uhai. All the while, keeping himself shrouded from both sides, save for Matthew. He was being tested alongside Uhai. No wonder he heard no fuss from the Davros crew. Moreover, Matthew witnessed how agonized Legault's expression was. Unable to help his friend.

"I'm sorry for your loss... but I'll ask you to return to the ship. But before that, tell me..." Legault turned to Matthew upon his inquiry. "A fellow spy of mine had her neck slashed from both ends with her heart stabbed with knives that were likely exotic, single-edged and more curved than your own. Who in the Fang could it have been?"

Legault looked at Matthew in the eyes, which still held redness in them and obliged.

"Likely Jaffar's handiwork. The Angel of Death, also of the Four Fangs, same posse as Sonia. He's a bit of a soulless fellow, emotionless. He has red spiky hair and a tattoo on his left deltoid that is the same as our symbol for the Black Fang. But his skills are likely no less in comparison to Lloyd and Linus." Legault explained truthfully.

He only met Jaffar a few times. But he knew how well he could kill in terms of being a fellow cleaner. His blades matched the description from Matthew. There was also Jerme, but he was relegated to becoming a grunt.

Matthew stood for a moment before nodding. Despite being an enemy spy, he could trust this man on what he says.

"Well, best to leave while you still can. You're still likely unnoticed by the Fang. The Davros will await for you back on boat." As Matthew spoke those words, he stepped into the direction as Ike and the others, only to hear Legault's voice the next moment.

"Wait... I'm coming with the rest of the group." Legault spoke to Matthew, but with a rare serious expression on his face. "I have a score to settle. Moreover, I'm also privy to the location of the Dragon's Gate. So I could lead them if they wander too far off."

Matthew stood still, staring at Legault's face for a moment before finally agreeing.

"Very well, but I have my eyes on you." Matthew warned to Legault. The man in question didn't quip back and only nodded.

They had to regroup with the others. Legault, the Hurricane, has joined the Greil Mercenaries and the Lycian lords.