Chapter 22: New Resolve
After having returned to Badon, the Lycian army and Greil Mercenaries decided to remain in the town for awhile. They chose to perform a funeral for Lord Elbert to which everyone, even Fargus attended. In any event, they didn't want to let the body of Elbert to rot, as a couple days have passed after the Dragon's Gate. So they were forced to cremate his body. Gathering his ashes into an urn, and burying them in a grave. While Eliwood could have been excused to return to Pherae, he felt a need to remain and so did his trusted knights.
Ike looked upon the newly marked grave with a determined expression. The very day they returned to Badon, they performed funeral rites.
"I will protect your son and help defeat Nergal. Count on it, Lord Elbert of Pherae. Your son will be in safe hands." Ike declared before the grave.
He turned away from the burial ground, with a brand new attire. Wearing a new dark trench coat with a pauldron at his left shoulder and his waist wrapped by a green cloth. His boots had new ankle protectors and a new red and blue cape worn with the blue side outside. A new accessory bag case without a clasp was fastened to his back on his belt. Overall, Ike looked to be a calm general who could lead an army together.
He was ready for whatever Nergal and his army could throw at him.
Ike entered the inn, with his new attire attracting the attention of those residing in it, primarily those of the Lycian army and Greil Mercenaries. Without the cheers of the Davros, as they likely would have made a celebration of Ike's new look. Fargus already left for an expedition leaving just Jake and Dart to remain with the group for the time being.
Many of the others glanced at Ike, Guy giving a thumbs up and Rath with an approving nod. Priscilla, Lucius and even Raven seemed give appreciative glances and smiles towards their commander. They had just went to the arena for obtaining more funds. Even Priscilla done well against her opponents, displaying the same occultic skill against her opponents, which bypassed magical defenses and even healed herself.
Bartre remained in the back resting after passing out from an attempt to spar with Renault and Raven. Sporting a black eye on both eyes, the others avoided healing him knowing he would be far too eager to spar again. If he saw Ike, he would have run up to him to attempt a spar which even Guy would avoid.
Meanwhile, Ike had to obtain supplies, order new weapons/tomes, and bookkeep everything thus far (including the purchases and new funds they gained from the entire trip) the entire day. Luckily, Erk assisted him within a library within Badon otherwise it would have gone on for longer. The studious mage remained studying with Canas in the library. Since it was dark out, they will likely return.
"Nice change of wardrobe!" Dart called out while holding a mug of ale in his hand. "If the cap was here, he'd toast to ya! In fact, I'll do it now! Cheers!" And with that, he took a swig of his drink.
Jake nodded with his fellow mate and added: "I recognize some of Anna's clothing selection. Surprisingly cheap, and comfy despite that."
That it was, along with a silver card discount.
"You look great, Ike!" Wil complimented alongside Rebecca, who gave smile back to Ike. To which even Sain joined in.
"Wonderful attire, commander! You might be able to turn a few heads at this rate. I wonder if I should change my armor...?" To which Sain earned a kick from underneath the table by his fellow red-armored knight and friend.
"Do not besmirch the custom of Caelin cavalry attire. Moreover, you will become vulnerable if you change into any armor-less attire just to attract women." Kent pointed out to which Sain just continued rubbing his leg that was hit by his best friend. He then sighed and resigned himself to his regular armor. "Aye, I'll remain as my charming self..."
Or so he says, but not everyone found him charming at any rate. Ike smiled at everyone's compliments.
This time, Hector came up and patted Ike's shoulder. Based on his roughed up appearance, he also partook in arena brawls.
"You look ready to lead. We're counting on you." He spoke while gazing in Ike's eyes.
"Likewise." Ike replied with conviction.
He was going to return the favor by devoting himself to looking the part of leading the Lycian army to victory.
Lyn came up to the pair, with her eyes tracing up and down at Ike's new appearance.
"You're well suited in that new outfit, Ike. When you return to Tellius, I'm sure everyone will see that you're capable of leading anyone into victory." Lyn spoke with a warm smile.
Ike reciprocated her smile with his own. All this time, she believed in him the most. He would strive to avoid disappointing her along many of the people under his command.
"Right. I'll do my best, Lyn."
"Well, I'll be off. Hopefully I will return within the next couple of days. If you don't see me, assume the worst." Upon those words, Legault set off into the distance. Ike's gaze remained on the man until he was no longer in sight, retreating into the trees in the North while it was still nighttime.
Legault needed to leave the group, stating that he was to inform some agents in Lycia. If things went well, they would likely be able to meet Lloyd and Linus Reed. Ike and the lords offered escorts but he declined, as he said he could take care of himself. Ike hoped that it would go as planned, as he was not sure if the Black Fang took notice of Legault at the Dragon's Gate. Or if they marked Legault as a traitor, which may complicate matters. Until then, he had to wait patiently in Badon.
"Commander Ike." Ike turned to the source of the voice behind him. It was Florina's sister, Fiora.
"Fiora." Ike addressed the pegasus knight. "Do you need something?"
To which Fiora shook her head.
"I just wished to know... do you trust that man?" Fiora questioned with some apprehension in her voice.
"Do you not trust Legault?" Ike asked of Fiora.
"It's not just him, that man who seemed to know much about Nergal, the man controlling the Black Fang. Bishop Renault." Fiora pointed out.
Her suspicion was not unfounded. As the pair seemed really acquainted with the group they were often fighting against. She must have avoided raising objections the entire time she remained in the group.
Only after Legault left the group that she gave her opinion. Then again, her regiment seemed to have died by the Black Fang's hand when they attempted to investigate the Dread Isles.
"They've proven through their actions well enough. I believe we can trust them." Fiora still held a reluctant look, despite Ike's vouch for them. However, Ike continued: "Without their help, we wouldn't have been able to achieve or know as much against our enemies. It's ok to have doubts, it keeps everyone alert of their surroundings."
Fiora shook her head, feeling ashamed of herself having doubted the pair.
"I know... it may be my guilt over my failed missions thus far impairing my judgment..." She muttered, only to realize her choice of words and glancing at Ike who looked away, holding a guilty expression. "Oh no... I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have uttered those words..."
To which Ike raised his hand to halt her panicking.
"No. Your circumstances were involving inconsiderate employers who wanted you to pay for saving your sister, and a lack of manpower against the Black Fang. There was nothing for you to take the full blame for." Ike pointed out.
Fiora knew what Ike was referencing in the first part of his statement. The incident with Farina which caused her to receive a hefty termination fee. Something that pretty much has been resolved with Ike's deposit and pay to her.
Ike then closed his eyes and shook his head. "Lord Elbert was my responsibility, had I been more swift... Eliwood would not have lost his beloved father. It's something I will live with for the rest of my life. If I couldn't protect the life of my employer's father, how could I protect my own family back in Tellius?"
Fiora heard the gist of Ike's situation. Thrusted into Elibe without warning away from his home continent of Tellius through magical means. Apparently, his father's mercenary company were well-regarded and considered close enough to be family. Moreover, she heard there were times when the company used their own coffers to help the people, just like how the Greil Mercenaries in Elibe were doing similar things.
"But I know wallowing in defeat will achieve nothing." Ike opened his eyes upon saying those words. "That's why I will carry the reminder that I failed a good man, a friend who needed me. And I hope to never experience such a thing ever again by stopping Nergal and his control of the Black Fang. As a mercenary, I plan to earn back the trust of my employer by having him and his men survive and live to the day Nergal will finally be resolved."
With that, Ike turned away from Fiora to head off to his duties.
"Wait!" Fiora called out. Ike halted and glanced back at the pegasus knight. "I hold similar feelings... the people in Ilia... they are forced to endure the harshest of winters and turn to mercenary work. But there is nothing to be done about it. No matter how many tears we shed, the snow will not melt. Better to fight for my homeland and win honor that way, as a member of the Pegasus knights of Ilia. That's why..."
She then looked at Ike with a determined gaze. "Even if I have to take a mission that I am sure I won't return from... I will never quit a mission that I've have already accepted...That's why... we don't just fight for ourselves... We fight for the pride of the entire Ilian pegasus knight brigade. And with that honor, comes trust." Holding her hand over heart as she declared to the young commander.
Ike turned to her and shook his head to which caused Fiora to be dumbfounded. Whatever she spoke of, only made Ike disagree with her.
"I will leave you this advice, something a wise friend who was once a former knight spoke along with my father who taught him such advice: I have no use for honor. Do not let honor drag you into a duel you cannot win. Dishonor is better than death if withdrawing means you live to fight again. Something as intangible as honor means nothing when compared to the value of one's life or others you cherish. As long as you can defend your family, then maybe death can become option if doing so can prolong your family's survival. But remember..." He completely faced Fiora who held a shocked expression. "You've got only one life. You still have your family. Florina, Farina. If you don't want to cause your family any grief, then live!"
With those words, Ike left the vicinity, leaving Fiora to ponder upon Ike's words. He did not admonish her, but to encourage her to survive. It was more of a clash of a mercenary's way of life and their belief.
"Can I truly fight and live without honor?" She muttered.
"Well, here's the tomes." Ike informed the pair while handing them the bag of assorted elder magic and anima tomes.
Canas and Erk's eyes lit up upon seeing the collection of new tomes.
"Thank you, Ike. We will continue to study the language further." Erk smiled as he thanked his commander. "At this rate, I will have greater grasp of the elements of nature. Wind, thunder, water, and fire. But I know Lord Pent would have mastered such elements long ago."
Ike shook his head upon Erk's statement. "Don't beat yourself up. It's amazing you've done this much alongside Canas."
"Indeed, you've accomplished much as a fellow magic user. Even I feel touched by your progress." Canas added while looking at his own new tome. "To learn such a unique language that linked to the individual aspects nature. I will do my best as a fellow scholar to assist everyone who wishes to learn the language."
Erk nodded with Canas. They worked tirelessly to understand the Old Tongue and make notes for other magic users to learn from. Even Lucius and Priscilla began their studies on the language.
The purchases were made from Anna, who managed to procure water tomes. Moreover, Arc-tier spells (for water tomes: Water, Elwater, Arcwater, and a long range spell, Whirlpool) were available along with a new elder magic tome called Fenrir, a long-range tome with more accuracy than Eclipse. Surprising how it shared a name with the elder magic tome in Elibe but with an entirely different purpose in mind as well as some skills with the same name as some other tomes.
"Oh, I almost forgot, did you also give the letters to Anna?" Canas inquired to which Ike nodded.
Canas ordered copies of each of his elder magic tomes and requested to send them to his mother in Ilia along with every copy of Tellius's anima magic tomes to his wife. While it certainly put some constraints on the company funds, his notes that he created alongside Erk would help better decipher the Old Tongue.
Moreover, alongside tomes and notes to be sent, Canas sent a detailed letter to his wife about their possible niece. With that in mind, he would work to hopefully reunite Nino with real family (besides the Reed brothers and their father).
"That's good. I'm sure my wife, Dahlia, will be pleased to know some of her family remain in this world." Canas voiced out with a sense of relief. He then faced Ike once again. "Also, the books we procured from the ruins on Valor detailed some primitive notes on Elder Magic. Something my mother would appreciate based on the historical value. And there was some details of the Dragon's Gate."
Ike and Erk's attention went to Canas immediately. They were curious as to how it functioned.
"Apparently, the gate was made by dragons and can only be opened by dragons or perhaps dragonkin. Where it leads to is unknown. That's pretty much what the books from the library on Valor detailed along with certain magic formulas related to the gates construction. Nergal seemed to be rather interested in the subject if such books were written from long ago. Along with his supposed longevity." Canas explained while cupping his chin in thought.
Ike's eyes widened at the explanation. That meant Yune was probably right. Luckily, the others did not know of that Nils and Ninian were dragon or had the blood of them in their veins.
"Avoid discussing such matters until we have a definitive answer related to the gate." Ike ordered to which the pair obliged with a nod of the head.
With Ike nodding approvingly, he left the library to tend to other duties.
"Ike!" Erk called out to which the leader in question stood still and turned back to face the mage as he was already outside. "I almost forgot to ask, I noticed there were times when Lyn sung a lullaby to herself. The lyrics... they were in Old Tongue. I asked her and she told me you sung it."
Ike frowned at the revelation. He didn't know how to read or speak in Old Tongue. Come to think of it, whenever Canas or Erk chanted, it was by no means like how Soren chanted his spells in the ancient language. But he chalked it up to understanding and translations of the language.
"While we chant our spells in common language, it requires a deep understanding of the tome after deciphering the contents. While reciting the tomes in Old Tongue is possible, Canas and I chose to avoid drawing too much attention with the new language. The modified magic formula that Anna provided on the tomes made it possible." Erk explained.
Apparently, reciting the Tellius's tomes to invoke the spell without understanding the contents is not possible in common language. But if the person took the tome while reciting it in the Old Tongue without understanding the contents, it would have been possible.
Thinking on that, perhaps Ike should have paid the full price of the tomes.
"So... do you know what our song means, then?" He asked to which Erk obliged. He gave the paper to Ike, who proceeded to read its contents.
The long sleep has ended
A dazzling light fills the sky
Radiant, unfulfilled dream, dream
Setting out, resolute, go, go
I hold your promise in my hands
I show you a future full of hope
Resound, my voice, far and high
The birdsong
The distant sky
The distant sky
Ike soon smiled. So this is what Yune wanted to hear? He would do his best to sing when he can.
For the next couple days, Ike was relatively busy the entire time balancing budget, getting supplies, requesting a courier, and regaining funds (via arena with the rest of his troop). Eliwood remained in mourning with the rest of his troop along with Nils and Ninian who were still recovering emotionally. He had no time to request to speak with the siblings until after the Lycian lords spoke with the pair this evening.
Within a room of the inn, were Ike and one of the two siblings, Nils, after having just spoken with Lycian lords. Whatever reunion they were hoping for, if only it were under better circumstances. Ike hoped the two recovered emotionally after such a horrifying experience.
"Ike, it feels like it's been so long." Nils spoke in a nostalgic tone. To which Ike nodded and smiled at the... young boy. He honestly didn't know how to consider Nils and Ninian to be young by any standard. So, he decided to change his way of addressing the boy.
"You've all spoken with Eliwood and the others?" Nils nodded at Ike's inquiry.
He requested to speak privately with the duo soon after the pair discussed with the trio of lords. He chose not to join, hoping for the opportune moment to really speak with the pair, but it seemed Ninian wanted to remain speaking with Eliwood. So Ike decided to just settle for Nils. At least Ninian seemed to have regained her memories.
"I'm sorry you went through the entire ordeal. Had I been quicker or ensured your safety, both of you would not have endured such a harrowing experience from the Black Fang and Nergal." Ike apologized to the pair to which they shook their heads.
"No, it isn't your fault. Moreover, you've fought to save everyone and protect Ninian." Nils pointed out. "Besides, I was far too sloppy and got captured in the end while Ninian remained in your capable hands. If only I hadn't been caught, Lord Elbert would not have perished."
Nils's expression became sullen as he spoke. Thinking back to his experience at the Dragon's Gate.
"He treated us so well, told us everything there was to his family. Saving us by lifting our spirits... And I repaid him by causing his death..."
Ike then shook his head, and responded: "Nergal ambushed all of us. Had I acted in haste, you would not have drained Eliwood's father of his quintessence. It was of my responsibility, my duty to prevent Lord Elbert's harm. You did your best to avoid being caught all alone after separating from Ninian when there were plenty of Black Fang on the island."
A good moment passed after the pair exchanged self-blame. Nothing was getting done with self-deprecation.
Moving on to the next topic at hand...
"Nils, I have to ask..." Ike called out to Nils, whose attention immediately went to young mercenary commander. "You and Ninian could open the gate, that is why Nergal wanted one of you to do it. Why does he continue to do so?"
Nils shook his head in exasperation, and replied: "For power, to obtain more quintessence from dragons, I assume you already know what it is. He could heal wounds faster, avoid aging... He had similar intentions by provoking war in Lycia."
Having just spoke to the lords, they knew what quintessence was. The life force of individuals or beings. With it, one could empower themselves, create life, or reanimate the dead to one's bidding. And if his aim was to instigate conflicts in Lycia to harvest quintessence...
"... So it's all for more power? That's it? For what reason?" To which Nils once again shook his head.
"To rule over Elibe I suppose."
Ike let out a small laugh at the absurdity. He rubbed his forehead to ease the frustration he felt. He knew that wasn't the real reason. From all the visions to seeing his children, he knew what he truly wanted. But to forget his own kin and to go this far...
"Um, Ike?" Ike's head turned to Nils, who was sporting a worried expression upon Ike's reaction.
"S-sorry about that Nils..." To which Nils nodded in understanding. However, Ike opened his mouth for one last inquiry. "I need to ask one last thing."
Nils's full attention went to Ike.
"Are you and Ninian, laguz?"
Nils frowned at the words, seemingly unfamiliar with the concept or term. Ike took notice of this even though they were not affiliated with Tellius or any of its countries. But it was worth asking if the concept carried over to any place where Nils and Ninian went to.
"Back in Tellius, laguz were often known to have human forms, most of them with animalistic traits, and could transform into their respective animals." Nils's curious expression turned to widened eyes the next moment. "Why I'm asking this is, are you both dragon laguz?"
Nils's mouth gaped opened before becoming alert the next second.
"Call everyone! Enemies approach!" Nils shouted out.
Ike's eyes widened upon Nils's warning.
"Everyone! Prepare for battle! Now!"
Around the same time Ike announced to everyone, Ninian also warned Eliwood. Everyone rushed to outside where the enemies hoped to ambush the army while in the darkness.
The merchant crew scrambled to ready their carriage nearby while the fliers were scouting despite the low visibility. The mounted units were ready to assist.
"Ike! We're ready for battle!" Lyn called out. With Hector and Eliwood in tow. Eliwood in particular holding a resolute expression.
"Eliwood... are you sure you're ready for battle?" Ike asked the lord in front of him.
Eliwood nodded and responded with a determined gaze: "I can't remain idle while the villagers are at risk. My father would be disappointed if I remained mourning for him while the rest are doing their best to fight off enemies. I will help you."
So he chose to continue on, Marcus was right. He knew what to do when he is called forth to battle.
"Commander Ike!" Heath called out from above the inn. "The attackers may be Black Fang! And with them, are Bern's riders! I recognize some of the regiments and flight patterns!"
Ike became concerned at Heath's announcement. Why is Bern involved with the Black Fang? How did they enlist the military to assist them in their operations? He didn't have time to ponder on the subject. Soon, another voice interrupted Ike from his thoughts.
"Boss!" Guy called out while assisting Raven by walking to the group with Raven's arm slung over Guy. Everyone's attention went to the duo. Moreover, the man in question looked unwell, causing concern with the rest. Priscilla and Lucius quickly went over to Raven to heal some of the wounds that Raven had. However, upon their attempt to use their staves, Raven immediately threw up to the side.
"Oh my... lord brother... how did this happen?" Priscilla voiced out while she nervously want. Lucius also added his concern. "Raymond..."
"Poison..." Raven muttered out while breathing heavily. Lucius and Priscilla became alarmed by Raven's answer along with the rest of the army. Guy turned to the group.
"We've engaged with some of the enemy, and they grazed Raven with a lance and shot an arrow at him! I think they laced some their weapons with poison!" Guy exclaimed with a worried expression.
Ike clicked his tongue. So they had to keep watch of the enemies and their weapons.
"I've just the cure for it!" Anna's voiced out while pulling another staff from the convoy. "Use this restore staff! 2,000 gold each! But with silver card discount... 1,000... Whoa!"
Priscilla ran to Anna with whatever gold she had on herself without counting, took the staff off her hands, and rushed over to her brother to use the it. Anna was dumbfounded by Priscilla's desperation that she immediately counted the gold out of her integrity as a business owner. Something to give back to Priscilla or Ike later once the battle was done. Upon usage of the staff, Raven's complexion and breathing returned to normal.
"Thank you, Priscilla..." To which the girl felt immediate relief and happiness at Raven's gratitude.
Ike knew what needed to be done. He already formulated a plan.
"Staff users, use your torch staves to light the way for the army! I'll also purchase Restore staves for you. Cavalry, rush to inform the villagers to stay in their homes! Divide up the army with a staff user by your side! Ground troops, avoid their poisoned weapons by attacking from a distance! If you get poisoned, rush to the nearest healer!" Ike announced.
"""Yes, Sir!"""
The army was divided up into four groups. Lucius, Serra, Renault, and Priscilla were all staff users. Accompanying them would be at least one cavalry or Paladin to inform the villagers by leading ahead. Dividing their troops from North, South, East and West.
Ike, the Lycian lords, Matthew, and Renault would head East to face the enemy that were incoming. With Renault and Matthew, they could easily navigate their path. Just as Ike's group could advance, a voice stopped them or rather, two.
""Lord Eliwood! Ike!""
They turned to the source of the voices. It was Nils and Ninian.
"Umm... are the pair really needed? Their warnings are helpful, I guess..." Matthew spoke to Hector, who shrugged his head.
Lyn seemed to smile at the opportunity to once again fight by their side. With Nils and his flute, they could continue fighting.
"Ninian!? You shouldn't be here!" Eliwood exclaimed to the girl. However she shook her head.
"…Please allow me to help." She pleaded with a determined look.
"Help? Well... we already have torch staves. And we don't want to risk you or your brother to poison." Eliwood responded with concern in his voice.
"…I need not warn you, for I am no mere dancer. My dances… They will help you. …Please allow me to help…" Upon those words, she immediately twirled around with her shawl, letting it fly into the air from one side before grabbing and facing Eliwood, raising her arms up before bowing down with her arms apart.
Soon, everyone's widened as Eliwood became enveloped in small lights that came from the ground up. His entire being was surrounding by a strange, glowing aura.
"…This is… I'm wrapped in…some sort of…energy…" Eliwood voiced out.
Ninian nodded and responded: "I used Ninis's Grace and danced for you, Lord Eliwood. It will only last a short while, but while it does, you are protected." She looked up to Eliwood as she spoke. "…Please…allow me… to remain at your side."
So the ring from their mother held protective magic that could be used? It was very useful as they needed protection, and with Nils playing the flute...
"Don't forget about me!" Nils added, taking out his flute, and he walked to the front where the enemies laid in the darkness ahead of the group. Just as they wanted to stop him, he played his flute.
SORROW - BIORHYTHM DISRUPTION
The melody was played and footsteps that indicated the enemies advancement suddenly stopped.
"This is..." Ike muttered. He knew the tune that Nils was playing, it was the first verse of the lullaby. Yune felt joy upon hearing the serenade by Nils.
Soon, he could hear multiple grunting from the direction they faced. It was all from the enemies. As if the hostile enemies that were in their path became disoriented. Footsteps became heavier, making them noticeable.
"This is what I learned from the melody you taught me. I wish I could have done better to outrun the Black Fang who surrounded me." Nils voiced out. He turned to the group and played his flute once more. This time it was the second verse of the song.
BLISS - BIORHYTHM HARMONY
Everyone in the vicinity aside from the enemies felt a different kind of vigor. Rather, it made everyone's minds sharper and their bodies more nimble. Once again, Yune felt delight upon hearing the melody in flute form. While she couldn't speak her mind to anyone, at least she felt comfort in hearing her beloved song.
So Nils learnt a way to hinder the enemy while enriching his allies. With Ninian assisting in protection while Nils helped in creating favorable conditions for his allies.
"So... is this what it is like to feel one's weight off their shoulders? I feel I've once again felt such an experience not too long ago." Renault spoke with a sense of relief. Ike knew what he was referring to. The man in question turned to the siblings with his tome ready in hand along with his staff. "Stay together. With your help, we'll make our enemies say their prayers. Keep your guard up. Victory is not ours yet."
Hector scoffed and turned to Renault. Resting his axe on his shoulders with a grin, he responded: "Don't need you to tell me twice!" Matthew in turn, readied his daggers.
"Indeed. Ninian, Nils, stay behind us." Eliwood added while brandishing his rapier.
"Of course, they don't know who they're dealing with!" Lyn held her Mani Katti at her side, ready to draw it. "We'll protect you both!"
Everyone was ready to counterattack. Ike closed his eyes before opening them again, seeing enemies in his field of vision as Renault lit the path with a torch staff. Their enemies slightly stumbling as they charged. Monks, cavalry, wyvern riders came in droves. Everyone else went their separate directions.
Ike unsheathed his blade with a determined gaze against his enemies.
"Let's charge!" He announced.
"""Yes commander!"""
Oleg clicked his tongue and watched as his men struggle against the Lycian army and Greil Mercenaries. Despite using poisoned weapons, they quickly adapted using restore staves. Moreover, his men seemed slightly disoriented by the bard's flute playing. And none of their attacks seemed to reach the lords who stood impervious to damage after the dancer seemed to cast an enchantment through her dancing. No matter, their formation would crumble upon the distraction his men would provide.
He awaited beyond the gate within the trees. His master, Nergal, wanted him to deliver a message.
"'Return the children to me.'" Letting out a chuckle as he recited the message as he peered the group approaching him. With the siblings behind the leaders, he grinned. "After all, I can take them myself and go now!"
He looked from a distance, he noticed smoke from a fire and his grin grew. The moment the lords would be distracted by the town being lit ablaze, he would quickly run with a wyvern knight from the other side and capture the children.
However, the lords and the mercenary leader did not seem to falter. In fact, they continued to cut down the bandits, monks, cavalry and wyvern knights.
They continued onwards with the red-haired lord continuing to pierce his monks with his rapier, the girl quickly dispatching axe users who came her way with a single flick of her single-edged blade. The axe wielder repeatedly jumped midair to strike at the wyvern riders, cleaving both the riders and their companions.
The mercenary leader also remained strong, as he readied put his left hand on his left knee, while bending his knees slightly with his sword arm winding over the left side of his body, only to dash forward with blinding speed against the cavalry that approached him. He launched an upward slash against the horse rider, which caused the leader to somersault backward in the air until finally landing on his arms and then landing back onto his feet (AN: Ike PoR promoted lethal crit animation). The man fell along with his horse with deep gash on both of them.
The bishop and thief were doing just as well, as the acolyte chanted his light magic at another cavalry that approached, stunning the mounted unit and his steed before receiving a dagger that flew at his chest and the priest jumping towards the stunned rider with his stave in hand, bashing the cavalryman at his head with physical strength beyond any magic user or religious priest anyone has ever seen.
"Why hasn't the fire spread? The town should be ablaze by now!" Oleg exclaimed as he gritted his teeth at the situation. At this rate, he would run out of men to throw at the lords.
Unbeknownst to Oleg, the fire was quickly being put out with water magic from the new tomes for Erk. As the Lycian army and Greil Mercenaries rushed to inform the villagers while dispatching any enemies in their path, the Black Fang lit a few wood houses on fire, hoping to cause a blaze.
Unfortunately for the Black Fang, they didn't know that the spellcaster on the mercenary side had a unique water tome that didn't belong in Elibe. So their plan to cause a diversion was ruined.
"Oh, so you wish to risk the townsfolk? Well then, I won't hesitate..." A voice called out from behind Oleg. The man quickly turned to his newest guest with eyes widened.
"Y-you!" He stammered before the man. Whose blade was already unsheathed.
"In the name of the Fang, I sentence you to death. Do not blame me for your fate. It is your own doing." He uttered, appearing behind the man in the next moment, causing Oleg to suffer a deep gash from his upper body.
"In defeat…there is only…death. Urgh…" Oleg muttered before falling face down.
In the next moment from the opposing side, the wyvern rider who took notice of this attempted to flee, only to be struck behind with an axe that flew towards his back. The wyvern became startled and found itself at the mercy of another blade that the assailant held, jumping to the former spot of the fallen rider and plunging it straight down into the wyvern. The wyvern let out a final cry, alerting the lords and mercenary leader who have already dispatched the enemies that came their way.
Nils and Ninian seemed to calm down as they sensed no further danger, let alone from the new people who arrived. The two who aided the Lycian army and Greil Mercenaries came out from the shadows.
As the two new guest came closer to their field of vision, Ike's eyes widened.
"You are..."
The pair presented themselves with a smile. The blonde man had a dark trench coat and attire while the man beside him had brown hair with matching trench coat and attire with a bare chest. They both had matching left ear cuffs but on different positions.
"Hmph, the dastards wanted to set the town ablaze and kidnap children? You heard everything, right Lloyd?" The brown-haired man exclaimed while turning to his brother.
"Straight from the horse's mouth, Linus." Lloyd responded to his brother, Linus. He then turned his attention to Ike and the Lycian Lords who sheathed their weapons. "Legault informed us, not only that, Bern's riders came in droves supposedly assisting us in our operations, courtesy of Sonia. Then we noticed them mobilizing and arriving in Lycia, as if to provoke conflict. Now, what's this about Nergal and kidnapping children like that man mentioned?"
"Hey, don't forget about me you two!" Legault's voice called out while coming out from the shadows. He turned to Ike with a smile as his figure became fully visible. "I came back, Ike."
Along with his most trusted companions in the Black Fang. Just the people they needed.
"Welcome back, Legault." Ike then turned to the two brothers. "And it's good to see you both again, Lloyd and Linus Reed of the true Black Fang."
Holding out his hand, Linus grasped it first with a grin.
"Good to see you again, Ike!" Linus exclaimed.
Lloyd also joined in the handshake after Linus let go, and added: "We didn't plan for this reunion after your work in Bern."
"Likewise, it seems Legault did a better job than we expected." To which the man in question shrugged.
"Ummm..." Everyone's attention went to Hector, who scratched his head. "Can we please get to the part where everyone can sit down and talk elsewhere with no corpses?" He then pointed to residual smoke in the distance and continued. "Or deal with the damages that the enemy caused. Just saying."
Indeed they needed to immediately deal with that matter. Or at least put away the weapons strewn about and cremate the bodies left behind on the battlefield.
"Right... let's assist the others that may come back soon. We'll talk afterwards." Ike announced to which everyone nodded.
The safety and well-being of the townsfolk came first, they wouldn't want villagers to panic over corpses and weapons laying about. Even the Black Fang who were present agreed. They too, would assist the lords and mercenaries.
That very night was spent in dealing with the aftermath. And another fellow paladin from Pherae arrived soon after.