Chapter 2: Living Legend         Chapter 4: Unfulfilled Heart

 

Suuuuper long chapter, because these guys just started talking and talking and it’s great but it doesn’t really move the plot along. Anyway, I took a day off to recharge my brain, because this chapter took a long time to write, too. But for a few days things should go faster. I hope.

Also, I didn’t mention it yet, but surreptitiously I’m assuming that pretty much everyone changed class at the beginning of Vol 4., except of course Eliwood, Lyn, and Hector. So that’s why you’ll see references to magic users using staves, and staff users using magic, and various weapon users using weapons that they couldn’t before. It’s not supposed to be a big deal, just these people are leveling up and becoming awesome! However, their primary weapons are their starting weapons. So, Lucius isn’t going to become mega-focused on healing people, even though in-game I use him that way (in addition to blasting everyone in the vicinity with Light magic. Light is so good; it’s fast and lightweight and has decent damage), but Ceniro will call on him to do so now and again. Like at the end of this chapter.

Problem: I have written Ceniro/Lyn so distinctly I’m not sure how to turn it into Lyn/Hector now.

Other problem: I have a plot bunny for an alternate epilogue, in which Pent and Louise ARE kicked out of Reglay County and join Ceniro, who is totally fine, and they go and are mercenaries on the run, wandering the lands and, I guess, trying to clear Pent’s name. I also suppose this could be an alternate universe in which Lyn does go with Ceniro, despite Hector’s… charms. And by charms, I mean abs, and Lyn means courage and blunt generosity. lol (This alternate universe would also probably be one in which FE6 doesn’t take place, or at least Klein and Clarine’s roles are at least slightly different, even if Pent and Louise return home eventually.)

I also have some ideas for the Adhemlenei book (spoilers: IT’S ALL MARTETH’S FAULT wait what?) and a new super-sekrit long-term project involving Jayce, and Hrulash has been fidgeting fidgetily. I might have to give him some attention soon. After I finish this story, that logo, and learn two difficult pieces of music.

 

Chapter 3: Four-Fanged Offense

 

“What are you talking about, old man?” Hector asked. “We’re from Lycia. Most of us.”

“Eliwood, I’m confused, too,” Lyn said quietly.

“I think I understand,” Eliwood said. “In the war of the Scouring, where humans and dragons fought, one of the Eight Legends who led the humans was Roland. He went on to found the country of Lycia.”

“Oh, yes, that’s right. In Sacae, we tell tales of Hanon, the horsewoman,” Lyn said. “So that’s why you called us ‘children of Roland’?”

“That is correct, daughter of Hanon and Roland,” the old man said. “I am Athos. Many choose to simply call me Archsage.”

“What?” Eliwood said. “That’s impossible. You can’t be the same…”

“I am,” the Archsage said, and his blue eyes twinkled at them.

“Archsage Athos was also one of the Eight Legends,” Hector said. “If you really were him, old man… you’d have to be over a thousand years old.”

“The world is full of mysteries. Solve one, and along comes another… Before I knew it, I’d grown distant from my fellow man.”

“But a thousand years is a long time…” Lyn said.

Hector laughed suddenly. “’Living legend’, indeed. Thanks, brother.”

“I told you, did I not?” Pent said. “Still, how your brother knew of him, that is a mystery.”

“I’ll ask him next I see him,” Hector said gaily. “So, we’re here-”

“You are here because you want to stop Nergal, are you not?”

“Did Marquess Ostia send word?” Eliwood asked, confused.

“No, but I am aware of most things that happen in the world. However, knowledge is not enough for me to prevent disaster.”

“Well, certainly not by sitting here, you aren’t!” Hector said. “…Are you?”

“How do you plan to stop Nergal?” Athos asked instead.

“We really weren’t sure,” Eliwood said. “He… Nils told us he heals himself with… quintessence? And so even the most mortal wounds are not fatal to him, though he needs time to recover still. At this point, our plan was basically to try to cut off his support. We don’t know how to fight him directly.”

“Hmm. It is true, he is, like me, no longer truly human. It will be difficult to slay him through traditional means. He wields a terrible power. His endless strength stems from an ancient, forbidden magic… To defeat him, you will need a suitable response.”

“What kind?” Hector asked.

“Tell us what it is! We’ll do anything!!” Eliwood begged.

“It will be harder than you can imagine. Great trials await you. …As does great despair. You may regret your decision, but this is a road from which you cannot turn back. Will you stay the course, children?”

“We’ve known that all along!” Hector said.

“We are strong together,” Lyn said. “We managed to survive so far, on little less than hope and a prayer.”

“And our strength and our resident genius,” Hector added.

“My father already gave his life for this,” Eliwood said slowly. “We will not turn back. If any of our followers wish to, of course they may, but we three, at least, will continue on. To do otherwise would be to sit and wait complacently for the apocalypse.”

“I see,” Athos said. “Then you must go to Bern. Seek out the Shrine of Seals there. It will be well hidden, and probably guarded by dangerous enemies, not to mention the Army of Bern. You can begin looking for the Shrine by making investigations in the capital, but be sure that your questions do not reach official ears, for it is a jealously guarded secret.”

“We understand,” Eliwood said.

Athos turned to the noble couple who had stood quietly beside him, listening carefully. “And you, Pent and Louise. What will you do in all this? Your original destination was Bern, wasn’t it?”

“Ah, yes, it was,” Pent said. “Eliwood, Lyn, Hector, this is my lovely wife, Louise.”

Louise giggled as she offered her hand to the three lords. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too,” Lyn said. “Ceniro’s spoken fondly of both of you.”

“I’m still not quite up to speed on this situation,” Pent said. “But I’m intrigued. We were, as Lord Athos says, headed to Bern after this anyway. Prince Zephiel’s coming-of-age ceremony is happening soon, and as King Mordred chose us to attend as representatives of Etruria, I wanted bring a suitably rare gift. And so I came here to search for artifacts in the desert, as well as continue my studies with my teacher.”

“You arrived in the exact right place to meet Lord Pent. Perhaps something was guiding you,” Louise said.

“Bowing to the dictates of fate, my wife and I would like to join you if we may,” Pent finished.

“Yes, of course,” Lyn said. “It would certainly make Ceniro happy.”

“Will you send word of your mission to your countrymen?” Eliwood asked.

Pent shook his head. “There’s no need. So far, it overlaps with our current journey, and the nobles in Etruria are used to our being absent for extended periods. Right, my love?”

Louise giggled again. “Very right, my dear.”

Eliwood grinned as he glanced at Hector. “Not unlike a certain other noble that we know…”

“Oh, that’s great! Thanks a lot!” Hector said sarcastically.

“I will speed your journey,” Athos said. “I can send you to Lycia. Hawkeye, if you could gather everyone in the plaza…”

Everyone assembled in the courtyard outside, even Hawkeye, who also decided to come with them. While they were making their way there, Athos pulled Ceniro aside. “You are the tactician, yes? I believe your name is Ceniro.”

“Yes, sir?”

“Fate blows a strange wind in your direction. Much rides on your shoulders and in your abilities. I want you to take this.” He held out a small crystal vial. “It enhances natural abilities, skills with which one was born. Think well on it, and give this to whomever you feel will benefit the most. Do not waste its powers holding on to it. Use it.”

“I think I understand,” Ceniro said, accepting the vial with wide eyes. “Th-thank you.”

“You are a bright child. I believe you will do will in the coming days. Go with courage, and trust your friends and allies.”

“I will,” Ceniro said. “Thank you very much.”

When they were all there, Athos faced Eliwood. “Eliwood, your territory is the closest to Bern, is it not?”

“It’s probably closer than Araphen,” Eliwood said. “Even though we’ll have to make our way through the mountains, it’s less of a journey to Bern Keep.”

“Very good. Now please envision a nice, wide place in Pherae… Next, think of the name of a person you might meet there.”

“Yes,” said Eliwood, closing his eyes.

“Now, children of Roland, it is time to say farewell. You must reach the Shrine of Seals. There, your destinies’ doors will open wide before you…”

Ceniro lost track of which direction was up, as the landscape around them blurred and ran together, and then resolved itself into the courtyard of what he assumed was Castle Pherae.

The tactician blinked, trying to orient himself. The sun was still shining, but it was slightly lower than it had been in Nabata, and of course the temperature was much cooler – a welcome change.

There were cries from the walls around them, of alarm and surprise, and Ceniro didn’t blame the guards – it must have been startling indeed to look down and suddenly see a whole army of strange individuals appear out of nowhere, including lords, scruffy mercenaries, many knights, two pegasus knights, a wyvern, and a merchant’s cart. And all of them showing signs of recent battle and windblown sand.

“Hello!” Eliwood called. “It’s me, don’t worry! These are my friends. Where is my mother?”

“Lord Eliwood?” A junior knight ran up to him. “Your arrival is… unexpected!”

“Uh, magic,” Hector said. “He’ll explain later.”

“Lady Eleanora is in her chambers, I believe,” the knight said, and Eliwood hurried off.

“Excuse me, sir, but… what are we supposed to do?” the knight asked Hector.

Hector signalled Marcus. “What shall we do, General?”

“Lady Lyndis, Lord Hector, Ceniro, you should probably go with Lord Eliwood to explain the cause of our journey and sudden return. Lord Pent, Lady Louise, you may wish to go as well. Sir Hawkeye, I will explain to you our circumstances myself. Lowen, please show our guests with horses and pegasi to the stables, and Sir Heath as well, that they may refresh their mounts.”

Ceniro followed Hector and Lyn as Marcus took charge of the group, and Pent and Louise trailed after, glancing around at the castle halls.

They caught up to Eliwood holding his mother’s hands just outside her door on the second floor. She was a graceful, still-young looking woman with purple hair and eyes. “Forgive me, Mother, for startling you. The Archsage sent us.”

“You look so tired. …Have you lost weight? Oh, let me see your face.” She reached up to touch his cheek.

“…Mother, about Father…”

“I heard his last moments were glorious. Though he’s gone, he will ever be my life’s joy.”

“I know,” Eliwood said quietly.

“Ah, your friends are here. Hector, how good to see you again. I know you have been a great support to Eliwood in this time. And you must be the famous Lady Lyndis who caused such a stir last year!”

“How did you…”

“I knew your mother, and you greatly resemble her, though clearly you wear your father’s heritage proudly and well. And you must be…”

“This is Ceniro, our tactician,” Eliwood said. “He’s young, but there’s no one better. We haven’t lost a single soldier under his commands.”

Ceniro shuffled and bowed awkwardly, suddenly very aware that he was missing his cloak and the rest of him was dirty and ragged and peasantish – although the rest of them were equally dirty and dusty and covered in old dried blood.

But Eleanora smiled. “It is good to meet you as well, Ceniro. I am glad you are at my son’s side. And these are…”

“This is Lord Pent and Lady Louise of Etruria,” Eliwood said. “They’ve joined our group at least for now, and… you are here to hear me explain what has happened, right?”

“That’s right,” said Pent. “Don’t mind us, we won’t get in the way.” Louise nodded.

Eleanora nodded back, and then began to move with resolve down the passage to the great hall. “Come… Let us make everyone comfortable. You all look in need of a rest.”

“Mother, we have to hurry on as soon as possible…” Eliwood began.

“I know that!” she said, and turned to him with pleading eyes. “But, just for one night, you can rest in comfort, can’t you?”

“One night’s not going to make too much of a difference,” Hector said.

“We really should,” Lyn added. “The army’s exhausted, especially after yesterday’s battles. We all need a bit of a rest to recharge for the next stage.”

Eliwood bowed his head. “You are right, Hector, Lyndis. Thank you.”

 

And so they all found rooms somewhere in the castle, and Ceniro got a whole room to himself, and Eliwood arranged for a change of clothes while his own were washed and mended by the castle staff. They ate dinner together, explaining to Eleanora and Pent and Louise what had happened and what they needed to do, and Ceniro could hardly remember when the last time was that he had eaten so well. The rest of the army was in good spirits from the food and the rest, and there was a bit more laughter in the hall than there had been for a while, despite Lord Elbert’s absence.

After dinner, Ceniro retired early to his room, as he intended to sleep as long as he could. The first visitor he had was Pent. “Sorry to interrupt, but…”

“No, that’s all right. How have you been? And General Douglas and all those people?”

“Louise and I have been in excellent health, thank you,” Pent replied, and settled himself in the armchair while Ceniro sat cross-legged on the bed. “So is the good General, and all my knights and soldiers; Castle Wrigley is in good hands while I’m away. Cavven is becoming quite accomplished! I’m glad to know you’ve been taking care of Erk and Priscilla.”

“They’ve been very helpful; I don’t know where we’d be without either of them,” Ceniro said. “Oh, and Fiora, too. She’s been reunited with her sister, who fights for Lyn.”

“Yes, I think I caught a glimpse of the sister. I am so terribly sorry about the Fifth Wing… I had no idea that would happen. I should have gathered more information before I sent them off…”

“But… you sent them off to gather information, didn’t you?” Ceniro asked.

Pent grimaced. “Well, yes. I heard that there was a powerful dark magic user on that island, and while I knew it was dangerous, I thought perhaps that he lived there to be alone. I never thought he was the one causing the danger… Anyway, I wanted to study with him. Of course, his desire to destroy humanity puts a bit of a damper on that.”

“To study… but you’re a Sage.”

“True, but I find all types of magic fascinating, don’t you think?”

Ceniro smiled. “You should talk to Canas, in our army. He is a scholar of dark magic and I’m sure he would be pleased to discuss things with you that the rest of us can’t begin to comprehend.”

“I shall seek him out! Now, about the farseer…”

“Yes, it started showing problems after we blundered into the magic seal the first time. It only really kicked it…” Ceniro counted on his fingers. “Four days ago? The same day that Marquess Ostia told us to find Lord Athos.”

“You made good time, then. Let me see it.”

Ceniro scrabbled around in his pack and brought it out. “There was smoke last time; I don’t suppose that’s a good thing.”

“Hmm.” Pent removed the crystal plate and peered at the inner workings. “I’ll need a few evenings with this, I think. Don’t worry, I’ll have it working again soon. Certainly before we part ways, if it becomes necessary for us to part ways.”

“Well, and if you can’t fix it, I’ll just work with a map and my voice, the old-fashioned way. I try not to rely on it like a crutch, otherwise… as you see, when deprived of it…”

“Of course, but if it saves your voice…”

“Bern isn’t a desert, so that shouldn’t be a problem. …Ah! I’m being rude, aren’t I? I’m sorry, and thank you very much.”

Pent shook his head, smiling. “You’re not being rude. We are friends, yes? Rank doesn’t matter in here, remember?”

“Sorry, just I am trying to be less absent-minded about such things.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll go get started on this. Sleep well! You look exhausted, and no wonder, to hear your story.”

“Thanks, you too.”

But Pent crossed paths with Eliwood at the door. “Ah, Lord Eliwood. I’m just taking this to fix it. He’s all yours.”

“Thank you, Lord Pent. Good night.” Eliwood poked his head into the room. “Ceniro, may I come in?”

“Yes, it’s your castle, isn’t it?”

Eliwood smiled. “Yes, but it’s your room for the night. I’m glad to see you still awake, though. I had some questions…”

“Mmhmm? Ceniro asked.

“I was wondering, do you know Bern well?”

Ceniro considered. “Well, not that well. I’ve walked across it, and Lyn and I passed along the northern part with all the bandits, but… we really only covered the basics of each country in training, and then there were specialized courses for people who wanted to work in each country. I studied Lycia’s military, and then I got taken for private lessons with Lord Garlant and we focused mainly on training my abilities and… uh, I guess that kind of thing got put aside.”

“I see… I don’t know much either. Nothing more than I’ve heard at the court. I’m sure that, with all of your travels, you know more than I do, even if you don’t know it off the top of your head.”

“Yes, I suppose so. I did work with a pair of Bernese knights last year, but we didn’t talk about that too much.”

“All right. Besides that, I was wondering if we could… talk for a bit, since we’re home.”

“Talk?”

“Well, I want to know more about you. I know we talk sometimes on the road, but it’s not like sitting as two friends in a comfortable room, is it?”

“No, I guess not. So what do you want to know?”

“Well, you’re from Santaruz, right? When we return, if it isn’t a problem, could we meet your family?”

“Eh…” Ceniro hedged. “Well, I was born in Araphen, but we moved to Santaruz when I was very small. But I don’t know if I’m comfortable with you meeting my family…”

“Why not? We have lots of people of all ranks in the army, so it surely can’t be that…”

“No, it’s not rank… It’s… my mother. She never liked the idea of my leaving home, or of my studies to be a tactician… She said I should learn a ‘real trade’, like my father. He’s a carpenter, and a good one, and I love him, but I’m not my father…”

Eliwood nodded. “You have your own skills. I’m sure if you wanted to be, you’d be a good carpenter, or anything you put your mind to, but you have such a rare ability, you’d be wasted as anything but a tactician.”

“Thanks! Anyway, she’s a very… strong-minded woman, and… uh… loud. I don’t go home very often because she yells at me a lot.”

“But that’s not why you travel…”

Ceniro smiled widely. “No, I travel because the world is beautiful and I just want to see every part of it. That’s why I didn’t go straight into a castle garrison, like many of my classmates did.”

“It’s worked out for you,” Eliwood said. “I think you mentioned once you had siblings?”

“An older sister, and a younger brother. Anlie is like dad – quietly supportive, very kind… Drew is… well, right now he’s a teenager, so he’s kind of unobservant and clumsy and self-focused. But he’s in training to be a knight in Santaruz Castle. I saw him while we passed through on the way out.”

“Really? I won’t say anything to anyone, because I’m sure he would like to progress on his own merit, and without any added pressure. But someday, when he does become a knight, I’d like to meet him. Perhaps when he’s matured, he could join the Pheraean knights.”

“Perhaps. Apparently mom has convinced him that the best place to be is his home territory, so you might have to lean on him a bit…”

“Well, it’s too bad you don’t have good relations with some of your family… If there’s anything I can do to help, let me know.”

“Probably not. I actually passed through on my way into Pherae, before I met you, and she was still unimpressed, even though I worked for Lord Pent and met King Mordred.” Ceniro laughed. “You would think royalty would impress her, but not my mother. I guess that’s where I get my rudeness from.”

Eliwood snorted. “You’re not rude. You’re quiet, and maybe a bit shy, but just because you treat everyone the same doesn’t mean you’re rude. I mean, I do that, and Hector and Lyn do that, and it appears Lord Pent does that.”

“Yes, but you’re all nobles; you just happen to be particularly kind nobles who don’t treat us peasants as inferior. As a peasant-born, to most nobles I’m insufferably rude and I think some of them think I ought to be put to death for it.” Ceniro made a face, and Eliwood echoed it. “And of our other friends and allies, I’m sure many of them would like to do that, but they remember their manners better, especially the knights.”

“Interesting,” Eliwood said. “I suppose you’re right. And it makes me a little bit sad, to think that I will never be your friend like you are my friend…”

“Well, um, I guess? But it’s not my problem, remember? I don’t remember rank when I’m working. So maybe I can be your friend on your level.”

“I would like that. Oh!” Eliwood looked up, beaming with a sudden idea. “I can give you a Pheraean title! Then you could be a noble, at least in name, and perhaps the other nobles of Elibe will give you a break. Or at least your mother. How would you like that?”

“Ah, I’ll have to think on that. That’s… very generous of you!”

“Well, it’s the least I could do, after all you’ve done for us. Yes. If you agree to it, I will make it happen. I’m sure I have a township or two that could do with a frequently-absent lord. No duties, just a title, don’t worry. All right. That’s settled, pending your decision. I’m going to check on Ninian and Nils, and make sure they’re comfortable.”

“You like her, don’t you?” Ceniro asked shyly.

Eliwood paused by the door and blushed. “Yes. I do. She is so sweet and generous and gracious… and beautiful, of course. When I look at her…” He smiled dreamily. “I know Nils isn’t happy with the idea, but I want to marry her – if she’s willing. Once we’ve defeated Nergal, I want to take them both in and give them a life of comfort to make up for the difficult lives they’ve led so far.”

Ceniro laughed a bit. “I’ll try to keep you near each other in battle, unless it gets too dangerous for her. Go, and don’t forget to sleep.”

“Thank you, and you as well.”

 

Ceniro had settled into bed and blown out the candle when the door cracked open again. “Ceniro?”

He sat up on one elbow. “Lyn? Um, you’re supposed to be in bed too…”

“Yes, but I wanted to talk to you.”

“Can it wait…?”

“You don’t want to talk to me?”

“It’s inappropriate for a man and a woman to be alone together in a room at night especially when one of them is in bed,” Ceniro said. “And extra-specially when one of them is a noblewoman, which you are no matter which country you look at.”

Lyn snorted and came into the room anyway. “I don’t care. Nothing terrible is going to happen.”

In spite of himself, Ceniro had to laugh. “You don’t care what anyone thinks…”

“Is that bad?” Lyn came and sat beside him on the bed.

“No! No, that’s one of the reasons I love you. I mean, Eliwood just got done telling me that he likes how I treat everyone the same regardless of rank, and…”

“Ceniro…” Lyn put her hand over his where it rested on the covers. “Can I just… be with you for a minute?”

“Of course,” Ceniro whispered, correctly interpreting that as ‘shut up for a moment’. “Lyn…” They sat in silence for some minutes before he shyly reached out with his other hand and rested it on her hip.

And then suddenly she was embracing him, somehow graceful even in their awkward position. “Thanks for being here, Ceniro. Eliwood and Hector are great friends, and I probably would have followed them even if you weren’t there, but your presence makes me feel so much better about the whole thing.”

“Mm.” He didn’t have the wit to say more, but instead wrapped his arms around her. “I’m glad you’re here too.”

She kissed him, once, slowly, deeply, and then let go of him, climbed off the bed, and left, leaving him with cold, empty arms, and a strange ache in his heart…

 

Three days later, they were in a small village about halfway between the border and the capital. Hector had mentioned that Bern was becoming increasing unfriendly to Lycians, and so Ceniro had suggested that they disguise themselves at least a bit. There was nothing they could do about the unusual mounts among them, or their hair colours, or their accents, but they could at least change their clothes and put on cloaks with hoods – especially imperative for Lyn, who looked, sounded, and dressed Sacaean. But Ceniro and Hector convinced her to wear something different for once, and Eleanora had brought out one of her own travelling short-dresses from when she was younger, and Lyn had acquiesced.

Eliwood had insisted that Ceniro wear something completely different from his normal clothes – now he wore rich green wool with gold detailing, and a new green cloak. And yellow armour. Ceniro shifted uncomfortably under it until Hector told him to stop fidgeting, as it ruined the ‘disguise’. Hector himself had changed into more crude armour, trying to play the part of being less high-born than he was, and added a helmet to hide his distinctive blue hair. Eliwood, too, had dressed down, and kept the hood of his cloak glued to his head, trying to hide his bright red attention-catching hair.

The rest of the group did not undergo such drastic changes, but hopefully the enemy’s eyes would primarily be looking for the three lords and pass over them. Maybe. It was better than nothing.

The village was bustling, as if preparing for a celebration, and Eliwood and Hector had expressed confusion until Pent guessed and Lyn confirmed that they were preparing for the prince’s coming-of-age ceremony in ten days.

“So about our quest…” Hector said. “How are we going to find out about the Shrine of Seals without letting the Bern Army find out, if it’s such a closely kept secret?”

“Actually, I think our best bet would be to ask someone in the Royal Family,” Pent said. “I’m privy to the highest secrets of military information in Etruria. When we learned of the shrine’s existence, we investigated. However, none of our operatives returned. Bern’s defenses are formidable. Which means, of course, that others know where it is, but they probably don’t know exactly what it is they are guarding.”

“Well, how do we ask the Royal Family without giving away our identities and mission?” Lyn asked crossly.

“And if they discover our identities, Bern will see it as an excuse to invade Lycia,” Hector muttered.

“I know generally where it is,” Pent said. “But I think I can give you a better chance than that.”

“How so?” Ceniro asked.

“Well, I am of course required to attend the prince’s ceremony, and the festivities after,” Pent said. “However, I am also allowed to greet the queen privately before the ceremony.”

“Queen Hellene was born in Etruria, and she and I are distantly related,” Louise said with a gentle smile.

“When we meet, I will discreetly ask about the Shrine of Seals,” Pent said. “Most like, she’ll not say much, but anything will help, will it not? Rest assured, even if I fail, I will not reveal your presence.”

Eliwood’s eyes widened. “Lord Pent! That’s incredibly generous of you! And courageous!”

Pent shrugged. “It is a possible route, and needs to be checked. Anything I can do to help, I will. And, if we fail, you will have to return to Lycia and come up with a new plan. Say, if we have not returned by tomorrow eve.”

“But if you do fail, what will happen?” Lyn asked.

Pent laughed. “It wouldn’t be such a bad life, I suppose. Abandoning my position, living on the run with Louise… It’ll work out in the end. We could join Ceniro, there.”

“As long as I’m with Lord Pent, I am happy,” Louise said.

“Well, we’ll pray for your success anyway,” Hector said.

“Please do!” Pent said with a grin. “Shall we, Louise?”

They mounted horses and rode briskly away.

“Come back safely!” Lyn called after them, and Louise lifted her arm in answer.

 

Four hours later, and Eliwood, of all people, was getting bored where they rested at a table outside the inn. “This sitting around is a bit tedious…”

“Eli, we have to keep a low profile,” Hector said, glancing around. He was currently trying to play up his self-imposed role as Eliwood and Lyn’s bodyguard.

Legault appeared on the balcony above them. “Hi. Want my two cents?”

“Sure, give ’em here,” Hector said, holding out his hand as if to catch physical coins.

Legault grinned. “Well, they change around the Black Fang headquarters every few months, and they’ll have certainly done so since my defection. But we could certainly ask around a bit about them. I’m afraid you might want to leave that up to your… more scruffy subordinates, of course.”

“Including me?” Hector asked hopefully.

Ceniro grimaced. “Certainly not me.”

“Oh, relax, you look great,” Lyn assured him.

“I like that idea,” Eliwood said. “Then we’re not wasting time while Pent and Louise are away. But we can do our own asking, can’t we?”

Legault shrugged. “It’s up to you. If you’re so bored you wish to risk your safety…”

“It surely can’t be that dangerous in this village,” Eliwood said. “Come on, Lyn, Hector, Ceniro. Oh, hello, Ninian! I thought you were with Florina?

“Hello, Lord Eliwood. Don’t mind me, please. I was, but her sister called her to talk about something with Sir Kent. And then Sir Sain…”

“Of course it was Sain,” Lyn groaned. “Honestly, that man…”

“Salir is safe in Pherae, so at least he can stop worrying about her,” Eliwood said. “I saw that Lord Uther’s reinforcements were in place while we were there. They may not have General Marcus to guide them, but Pherae Castle is safe.”

“And your mother is safe,” Lyn said. “Well, come on, Hector, Ceniro! We have information to gather!”

“Let’s be careful, remember,” Hector said as they rose from the table.

“Especially you, Hector!” Lyn cried, and ran off.

“Wait, what!?” Hector demanded, and ran after her. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Ceniro followed more slowly, amused. Legault chuckled as he watched them go.

“Lyn!” Hector called. “Slow down, we’re leaving Eliwood behind!”

“I can never tell if you two are friends or not,” Ceniro teased as he caught up to them.

“What, are you our chaperone?” Hector said.

“That’s exactly it,” Lyn said. “We’re just two rowdy, hyper-active soldiers and he’s our long-suffering superior.”

“Hyper-active? Speak for yourself, woman!”

Lyn giggled. “Anyway, we don’t want to be in the way, right?”

“Huh?” Hector looked confused, while Ceniro’s face morphed into a gleeful expression and he nodded vigorously. Hector still looked confused. “What are you two on about? Eliwood and Ninian?”

“Oh, come on! You’re the one who started setting them up!”

Hector rolled his eyes. “Aren’t we trying to save the world?”

“Yes, but there’s nothing wrong with mixing a little romance in, is there? It’s in all the best fairy-tales…”

“You are scaring me,” Hector said. “I’m going to go ask people about the Black Fang over… here.”

Lyn laughed. “You do that. And Hector?”

“Yeah?”

“Be careful.”

“Mm. You too.”

 

An hour later, they had looped around and met back in the centre of town. At least, Ceniro, Eliwood, Ninian, and Lyn had. Hector was still on his way back.

The Black Fang was highly praised by the citizenry. Apparently they had done many assassinations of cruel or incompetent lords, gradually improving the life of citizens all over Bern. Ceniro was impressed. One woman even told him how Mad Dog Linus, one of the Four Fangs, the Black Fang’s strongest assassins, had saved her from bandits. And another told him confidentially that White Wolf Lloyd, his brother, was very handsome. But even some among the villagers admitted that they had heard the Black Fang had changed in the last year and not for the better.

One person had even given them a rare Silence Staff, telling them to use it on the woman who ‘now led the Black Fang around by the nose’. Ceniro had gaped at them, and the person had then closed the door to their house, effectively ending communication.

Eliwood and Ninian had not found out much either, nor had Lyn, but they hadn’t expected miracles. It was just something to do to relieve the tedium of waiting.

“Ah, there’s Hector,” said Lyn. “I was just thinking of going to look for him.”

And a man in armour got in Eliwood’s face. “Your name is Eliwood?”

Eliwood’s hand went reflexively to his hood as he stared at the mercenary in alarmed confusion. “Um… yes? Oh, you must be Black Fang.”

“That’s right. You have the honor of dying at the hands of the Four Fangs. Our commander is Linus, the Mad Dog.”

“Eliwood!” Hector cried, striding swiftly to stand between his friend and the assassin. “This is the enemy?”

“Yes, he is,” Eliwood said. “We accept your challenge.”

“Come to us, then!” the man said, and turned to jog off.

“What?” Lyn said. “Where’s he going?”

“Two things,” Ceniro said. “He’s leading us into a trap, obviously, and he is leading us out of town where we can fight without distraction.”

“Oh, that’s a good idea,” Eliwood said cheerfully. “What are your orders?”

“Matthew, follow him and let me know where he goes. Knights, form up on the left! Axe-men, archers, on the right. Eliwood, you and Lyn are in the middle.” Ceniro called out more orders, eternally grateful that Pent had restored the farseer to functionality. It would have been difficult to form up the group in the market otherwise, and perhaps it was cheating, but he could see the trap before it was sprung. The villagers, at least, were getting out of their way with frightened noises.

“All right, move out!” Ceniro called when they were ready, and followed Eliwood north and east in the direction Matthew had gone. “Matthew, report. There seem to be an abundance of swordsmen and axemen.”

“Yes, and they seem to have placed a ballista on the near island in the lake by the village,” Matthew’s voice came back, hushed. “Couple wyvern riders, too. I don’t know what Mad Dog Linus looks like, but there’s a big tough guy waiting at the back of the formation to the north-east, could be him. Big sword, big arms.”

“Right. Thanks. Hold tight until we catch up to you, and then I’ll slot you in between Oswin and Guy.”

“Got it. Good luck.”

Ceniro jogged over to the knights on the west side of the formation. “Lowen, you don’t mind carrying Rebecca, do you?”

“Not at all, sir. But I think she would be more comfortable on foot once we start actually fighting. She’s not trained like Sir Rath is.”

“Yes, of course. Actually, I was wondering if you and Wil would like to take on that ballista together, if we can commandeer it.”

“I haven’t used one before…”

“That’s why Wil’s going with you. You should know how to use one, too, in case I need you to in future. Also, I know you’re mad at him for not holding up his end of your childhood-best-friends agreement, but you should really be nicer to him…”

Rebecca sighed. “Fiiiine. You’re the boss.”

“It’s not that, it’s just- what’s that?”

They could all hear someone roaring a challenge to the south east of town. “…The boldest knight in all Caelin… wherever it is!”

“Oh good lord,” Kent said from a few paces behind him, and put his face in his hand. Sain followed suit, laughing.

“Well, you two had better go get him,” Ceniro said. “Off you go. Tell him to join us before he ends up in Caledonia or something.”

“If you’re not afraid to die, show yourselves!” Wallace shouted, obviously having a great time. “Bwah ha ha ha ha ha ha!”

The two knights rode off swiftly, laughing in exasperation.

“Right,” Ceniro said. “Well, there’s that…”

“General Wallace of Caelin?” Lowen said, with an anxious set to his mouth. “I’ve… heard stories…”

“Yes, and they seem to be mostly true. Oh, I have to go take care of the right flank. I’ll send Fiora over for you when the ballista’s ready, Rebecca. Take care, you two.”

There were already swordsmen and axemen charging at them. Ceniro snapped off a few commands, matching fighters to opponents, and then Dart informed him that they had another new recruit – some old friend of his who wanted some ‘trouble’.

Then it was time to plan the ballista assault, which was going to need all their flyers. It would be risky, but if they could pull it off, it would be well worth it. Besides, Fiora, Florina, and Heath were all improved even from when they had joined the group.

“So, what I need you three to do… Heath, are you all right?” Now that he thought about it, the wyvern rider had been especially quiet since they had passed into Bern.

“Oh, Ceniro… It’s nothing. I’ll tell you later. Just give me my objective.”

 

They finally caught up to Linus outside of town, who was looking somewhat concerned that his forces were falling without making a discernible difference in Eliwood’s numbers. Still, he strode forward, unsheathing his giant sword. “Pray. I’ll give you that much time. All the evil you’ve done until now, repent of it, and rest in peace.”

Ceniro set his mouth. He had no doubt that Linus could take out half the army by himself, and so he would have to pick his opponent carefully. “Eliwood, do you think you can take him?”

“Do you think I can take him?” Eliwood rejoined. “I would like to talk to him.”

“Why don’t you face me first?” Linus asked, pointing at Ceniro. “After all, if you’re sending your army at me one-on-one, I will cut them all down. So why not make it easy on yourself?”

Ceniro shook his head and backed behind Hector. “I’m not a fighter! I’m just the tactician here!”

“Is that so? Then you’re the one to whom I owe all these losses! You’ll be my next target!”

“Eliwood!” Ceniro yelled as he stumbled backwards, away from Linus’s charge. He fell on his back, and Linus threw his sword in the air, to catch it and bring it down on-

Eliwood’s rapier caught him in the shoulder and he missed, the sword thudding into the ground beside the prone tactician. Hector grabbed him and hauled him up by the scruff of his neck. “You’d better go with one of the knights. Get out of here. We’ll take care of him.”

“Hector, you stay back too,” Ceniro ordered, even as Sain rode past and yanked him into the saddle. “You’re vulnerable!”

“I’m not that vulnerable!” Hector grumbled, but let Raven take his place.

Raven and Linus were well-matched for a while, though Linus was faster and stronger. Lyn was faster yet, but not nearly as strong, and Eliwood was on the same level as Raven but all three had completely different fighting styles. They traded off attacks, keeping Linus on the defensive whenever he could. It was difficult, because his fighting was oriented mostly towards offense.

Eliwood nicked Linus again, this time in the gut, and the Mad Dog toppled over.

“Ah, Lucius!” Ceniro called. “Can you… stabilize him, please? Eliwood wants to talk to him.”

“One moment,” said the monk, and raised his new healing staff.

“Are you all right?” Eliwood asked, bending down over Linus.

The big man sat up slowly and felt where he had been wounded. “Why did you do that? Are you foolish?”

“We defeated you,” Eliwood said frankly. “I can hold you at sword-point if you like.”

“…No. I lost, fair and square. My brother tried to warn me… You’re strong. Too strong. And so…”

There was a blur of movement, and then Linus was half-standing, gripping Eliwood in an iron headlock. “If I’m going down, I’m taking you with me!”

 

Chapter 2: Living Legend         Chapter 4: Unfulfilled Heart