Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

She woke slowly to the world around her. Her thoughts were a slow crawl, and the sensations came one by one. The weight of a blanket. Her head on a pillow. Her body laid on a small cot. The pounding ache in her head. The cool draft blowing through the room. The rustle of wind blowing against… canvas? Her eyes opened, slowly, adjusting quickly to the dim light.

She was in a tent. Wooden supports came up from the ground, meeting in the middle around a hole. She sat up too quickly, and a growing headache pierced the fog in her mind as she continued to survey her surroundings.

It was a decently-sized tent, probably lived in by at least a few people, if the two other cots were any indication, one made, the other unmade. It was sparsely decorated. The remains of a fire smoldered in the middle of the tent. The tent’s door flap was open, which explained the draft. The other occupants must have left.

A sudden panic ripped through her, and she threw off the blanket, hands dropping to her belt. There, in a small bag fastened to her belt by a steel chain, she felt it, and she instantly relaxed. Even through the fog, she knew it was important. Holding on to it, even through the bag, she knew that she would be fine.

“Ah! You’re awake now? I’m glad.” Her eyes followed the voice to the tent’s entry, where a girl in her mid-to-late teens stood, firewood bundled up in her arms. Her clothes were teal, trimmed with gold and white. She wore her long green hair in a high ponytail that fell past her hips. Her boots were caked with mud. A quick glance at her face showed her that the girl seemed genuine.

“I found you unconscious on the plains. You’ve been out for three days since. You even managed to sleep right through a thunderstorm.” She unloaded the firewood near the fire’s remains, and moved over to an open box, where some tinder sat.

“Give me a moment, and I’ll cook us some breakfast. My name’s Lyn, of the Lorca tribe. You’re safe now.” She gathered some tinder, and set about starting a fire. “So, tell me about yourself. Can you remember your name?”

Name... Her name... What was her na- “Terra.”

Lyn nodded. “Alright, Terra. Do you remember what brought you to the Plains of Sacae?”

Terra sat in silence, racking her brain, trying to come up with something. Finally, she shook her head. “I don’t know. Who I am… where I came from… what I’m doing here. I just… I don’t know.”

Lyn paused at that, hands retracting from where they’d been about to strike flint and steel. She stayed that way for a moment, looking over Terra, her face scrunched in contemplation. Then, with a shake of her head, she started the fire. “You’re wearing travel attire, but I can’t tell much by its make. Your pack had a tome about the Scouring in it, but no journal or maps, so no help there. Do you have a coin purse?” Terra checked her person, then shook her head. Lyn sighed. “Then we can’t track where you’ve been by your money, either. There’s no good way of telling where you came from.”

“I can take you to Bulgar in a few days.” Lyn continued. “Maybe you passed through an inn there.” She sighed again, scratching and shaking her head. “Or maybe you made it all the way south from Ilia.” She frowned. “Well, we won’t be able to head out for a few days, anyways. We’ll worry about it later.” With that, she stood, and set about making breakfast.

They ate breakfast in an awkward silence, neither sure what to say to the other. Terra offered a hand with the cleanup, but Lyn declined, handling it all herself. The silence persisted for a while longer, before Terra spoke again.

“So, where are the others?” Terra asked.

Lyn’s smile faltered, replaced with a confused expression. “The others? What do you mean?”

Terra gestured to the other beds. “There are two other beds in here. I took someone’s spot, so that means there are two other people staying in this tent, right? Where are they?”

Lyn’s expression darkened. She opened her mouth to say something, when both heard distant shouting from outside. Lyn jumped and excused herself, practically sprinting out of the tent to investigate. Terra sat there for a moment, wondering if she’d said something wrong, when Lyn burst back into the tent.

“Shit! It’s bandits!” Terra straightened at that. “They must have come from the Bern Mountains! They’ve probably here to raid the local villages… I have to stop them!” Lyn rushed over to one of the cots, and pulled a sheathed sword out from under it.

“If that’s all of them…” She fastened the sword to her belt. “I think I can handle them on my own.” She took a deep breath, trying to wipe the uncertainty from her face. “We’re far from the main camp, and hidden from view by a small grove of trees. You’ll be safe in here, Terra.”

“No way! I’m not sitting here while you rush off to fight!” She swung herself around on the bed, and stood, but in rising so quickly to her feet, a wave of lightheadedness overwhelmed her, she fell back to the bed. “I-I’m fine!” Terra said quickly. “I’m just… I’ll be fine.”

“You’ve been out for three days! You’d be in no shape to fight.” Lyn looked into Terra’s eyes. Terra looked back, and could see fear for herself and for the stranger she’d rescued, mixed with hope that Terra had an answer so that she wouldn’t have to go out alone, and a burning determination to not stand here a moment longer.

“Then I won’t fight, I’ll lead.” Terra said. “I’m a tactician. I can guide you.” Something in her knew it was true, but the words surprised her all the same. “I can’t fight,” she continued, “but I can advise you. You’re a new fighter, right?” Lyn nodded slowly. “Then let me help you.”

Lyn sighed in what Terra thought was relief, and smiled. “Thank you, Terra. We’ll go together!”

They waited until Terra was ready to go, and left the tent. As they looked out over the plains, Terra managed to spot the two closer brigands as they stalked across the plains, a bit more than a hundred yards apart.

“You’ll want to get as close as you can before you make your charge.” Terra said, taking the bag Lyn offered her. “You’re outnumbered. If they can team up on you, your chances of winning this fight drop hard. Take the first one out as quickly as you can, then be ready for the next one. Alright?”

Lyn’s grip on the sheath tightened. “Alright. Let’s go. Just stay close, alright? I’ll protect you.”

They dashed forward, using some of the taller stands of grass for cover. Lyn advanced with the practiced gait and patience of a hunter on the prowl, hastened by the need to stop the bandits before her. Terra kept pace with her, keeping a few yards back. They closed to what couldn’t have been more than fifteen yards from the first brigand. They paused.

Lyn shot forward like an arrow from a bow. The brigand turned, alerted by her sudden movement, but he was surprised, and his reaction was slow. Lyn’s sword cut into him, and she was quick enough to avoid his counterattack before striking out again. She dove in again, and her third strike was enough to drop the brigand.

The second brigand, alerted by the cries of the first, approached with caution. Lyn, spurred on by her success, continued her charge. But this bandit was ready, and though Lyn again delivered a successful first strike, this brigand’s counter-swing flew true as well. Lyn sucked down a pained cry, and pulled back. The bandit pressed the attack, but Lyn was able to dodge this swing, and delivered two lethal strokes in retaliation.

Lyn breathed hard, clutching the wound tight. “Terra. There’s a pair of vulneraries in the bag, and a roll of bandages. Please, give me a hand.” Terra opened the bag, and grabbed one of the small cloth sacks, undid the knot securing it, and used two fingers to scoop out a dose of the medicine within. It was a combination of a painkiller, wound sealer, and cleaning agent, with a consistency like wet chalk dust. The medicine was enough to let you take your mind off of the wound for a while, but by no means a cureall, and definitely not a permanent solution.

One quick bandaging later, Lyn and Terra set off towards the last of the bandits. He’d apparently heard their scuffle with the other two bandits, and had stopped his advance a few yards shy of a large tent on the village’s outskirts. This time, Lyn approached cautiously. The brigand made no effort to charge them, instead content to stand between them and the village.

“You’re pretty stupid if you think you can stand against Batta the Beast!” The brigand roared. “But if you’re so eager to die, I’ll grant your death wish!” However, Batta held his ground, making no move to charge his opponent. Lyn held her ground as well, waiting for her foe to make the first move.

And move he did. Batta began slowly backing up, edging closer to the village. “You’re just a silly little girl with a sword.” He taunted. “You can’t stop me! I’m Batta the Beast! I take what I want!” He turned on his heel. “And I want this village.”

Lyn screamed, charging him the second his back was turned. She ran faster than she ever had before, closed the distance before Terra could shout a warning. Suddenly, as she struck out, Batta wheeled again, swinging his axe in a wild arc. Lyn, already committed to her attack, followed through and landed a good hit, but Batta’s massive blow knocked her away easily. She yelped in shock and pain as she backpedaled. Tears were welling up in her eyes. Blood began to flow from her wound, staining her dress.

“He’s… he’s no joke, huh, Terra?” Lyn grunted. “It all comes down to this.”

“Lyn, you can’t fight him head on!” Terra cried. “You have to be careful!“

“If I die here…” Lyn paused for a moment, collecting herself. “If I die, you have to run, alright? You have to live.”

Before Terra could respond, Lyn rushed forward again. Batta prepared another mighty swing, a feral snarl across his face. The axe descended…

At the last possible moment, Lyn completed her feint, dodging the brunt of the blow before pivoting to deal a powerful strike of her own, one Batta was unable to dodge. The sword struck home.

“H-how did you…” Batta rasped. Then, he slumped to the ground. Lyn stood over his corpse, and turned to offer a reassuring smile to Terra, before she joined Batta on the ground.

Lyn woke to the smell of cooking meat. She opened her eyes slowly, taking in the dull ache from her wounds. She was alive, she realized belatedly. She hadn’t bled out next to the bandit she’d managed to kill. She sat up in the bed, wincing at the pain as her body objected to her renewed activity.

“Good morning, Terra!” Lyn offered. Terra looked up from her preparations and gave Lyn a relieved smile.

“Evening, actually.” Terra supplied. “You were down for a day. That fight took a lot out of you, and I’m not just talking about your injuries.” Terra’s smile fell. “You pushed yourself hard yesterday. Probably harder than you’ve ever pushed yourself before.”

Lyn dodged her gaze. “I had to.” She defended. “The village needed to be protected. I couldn’t-” Lyn stopped herself, pain welling up in her eyes.

“You couldn’t let it happen again?” Terra asked.

Lyn stared daggers at Terra for that, and she immediately regretted her words. A fire burned bright in Lyn’s eyes, a fire that burned a hole right through Terra. But the fire was only there for a moment, before it was replaced by a deep sadness, and Lyn’s gaze fell again with a small nod.

“I don’t live alone by choice. I… My parents are dead.” Terra could see tears starting to form. “My mother and father… My people, the Lorca, they’re all… I’m the last of my tribe.” The tears flowed freely now, but she fought to keep her voice level. “They came six months ago. Bandits came and they… So many people died… Mom and Dad… I-I watched-“ Her breath caught.

“My f-father was the chieftain. I t-tried to protect our people. But I’m-“ Just a silly little girl with a sword “S-so young. And our people… the Lorca are an old-fashioned bunch. Th-they wouldn’t follow me. No one would f-follow me. The tribe broke, and s-scattered on the wind. I’ve been alone f-for so long. I-“

“I’m sorry.”

Terra’s apology was unexpected, the hug even more so, but when Lyn felt Terra’s arms wrap around her, it was like a dam had burst. Tears and sobs and ragged gasps all came pouring out, and Terra held her close. Neither knew how long they sat in the embrace, and even after Lyn’s crying stopped, they sat together in the silence.

“Thank you, Terra.” Lyn said finally. “For everything.”

Terra smiled, and scooted back a bit. “We owe each other a lot, it seems.”

“Would you teach me?” Lyn asked.

“Teach you?” Terra answered. “What do you mean?”

“You’re obviously experienced in the ways of war. Would you let me travel with you? I...” Steel resolve filled Lyn’s voice. “I must grow stronger. For my parents… for the Lorca… for myself. And I won’t grow stronger by sitting here. So please, take me with you. Wherever you go, take me with you.”

Terra smiled. “I’m not sure how much swordplay I can teach you, Lyn, but I’d be glad to have you at my side, wherever I go.”

Lyn’s serious look faded, replaced by a relieved grin. She laughed. “It’s decided then!” She announced. “The master tactician and the peerless warrior! Lead on, Terra, and I will follow you, even if it’s to the ends of Elibe!”

Chapter Text

The Eagle’s Nest had made an even dozen inns that Terra had checked today to try to find some trace of her trail. When Lyn had suggested they search Bulgar’s inns for some sign of her travels, Terra hadn’t realized just how daunting of an undertaking that would be. Bulgar was the largest city on the Sacae Plains, and its position between Bern and Ilia, as well as at the eastern termination of the Bern Mountains, made it something of a crossroads. It was a mercantile hub, and its reputation attracted merchants from all across Elibe. And all those merchants needed places to sleep.

They’d arrived in the early morning, and while Lyn worked on acquiring the supplies they’d need for any meaningful trek out of Sacae, Terra had been hunting down inns through the rest of the morning, and past noon. The last eleven inns had all been dead ends, and with at least another dozen or so to go after this, Terra had resigned herself to spending an entire day on this potentially fruitless mission.

Except this one had been different. As luck would have it, Terra had stayed a night in the Eagle’s Nest about a week and a half ago. Which meant that their travelling here hadn’t been in vain. They were on the right track.

According to the innkeeper, she’d paid with gold from Bern. She wasn’t a miser either. Terra had bought one of her best rooms, ate good food and drank good drink, tipped well, even bought a few rounds for the bar. According to the innkeeper, she’d seemed like she had money to burn, that she couldn’t get rid of it fast enough.

Terra’s initial conclusion was that she’d been robbed. That someone, or even a group of someones, had seen how much money she’d been throwing around, and had decided to try their luck with her. So they’d followed her out onto the plains, robbed her, and left her to die.

But if that were true… Terra felt the bag chained to her belt. Surely, if she’d been robbed, they would have taken that too. So if not a robbery, then what? Lyn hadn’t found her with any supplies, according to what she’d said. Nothing other than what she’d had on her person. So what had happened?

Her rumbling stomach returned her focus to the present. The last she’d eaten had been breakfast that morning, a little after daybreak. Now, in the afternoon, she realized just how hungry running around Bulgar had made her. She weighed the bag of gold that Lyn had given her. The first thing Lyn had done upon entering the city was sell a bunch of furs. She’d given half of that money to Terra, and kept the rest of it for herself to buy supplies for their trip.

The Eagle’s Nest was built on the edge of a large, open square, currently packed full of vendors and buyers. As Terra entered the market, the scents of a dozen different food vendors assaulted her. She tracked down the nearest one, an Ilian vendor, and walked away with a meal of baked potatoes and salted fish. The meal left her with around a hundred gold pieces, and Lyn had told her to check out the vendors...

For a bit, Terra simply walked around the market square, marvelling at the variety of the vendors. A Sacaean fletcher (“Truest arrows on the plains, I promise!”), an Ostian Armorer (“Neither sword nor spell will break this shield!”), a Pherean swordsmith (“You’ll never find a finer blade than this!”), an Ilian recruiter (“See the world from the skies!”), an Etrurian jeweler (“Eburacum Rubies and Sapphires!”) and a Bernese Beastmaster (“Whips! Saddles! Muzzles and more!”) all shouted within thirty feet of each other.

But eventually, Terra found herself at the stall of a slightly pudgy man in a purple tunic and a pale teal cloak. He greeted her with an ear-to-ear grin and a hearty “Welcome!” Terra looked into his stand. His wares were widely varied: Staves, cloaks and bags, books, a few weapons, some statuettes, jewelry…

“Seems like you’ve got a little bit of everything here, mister…”

“Merlinus!” He offered. “And yes, I collect wares from all across Elibe! Curiosities the world over, each piece with a story all its own!” He paused and looked at Terra with raised brows. “And any one of those stories could continue with you, Miss…”

“Terra.” She looked around his stand with a close eye. “How… How expensive are these curiosities of yours?”

Merlinus smiled. “Well, I suppose that depends on what you mean to buy, and how much you’re willing to spend, doesn’t it? Rest assured, I have developed a fairly good eye for what someone might be able to afford, and you, my friend, seem like you may even qualify for my special discount.”

That got Terra’s attention. “Special discount?”

“Simply put,” Merlinus began, “You’re an adventurer, no doubt about to go on some grand journey. And no doubt, you’ll find some incredible treasures over the course of your journey, or even make your own. And when that day finally comes, and you’ve made your fame and finished your journey, I hope you’ll come find me. Come and tell me your story, and sell me some of your treasures.” He gestured at a rack of weapons to his right. “Not all of my wares are lucky finds, after all.” He cracked a smile at that. “I help you, you help me. You get equipped to go on this grand journey of yours, and I grow my coffers… and eventually, my collection.”

Terra smiled. Merlinus spoke with a youthful excitement, an energy that belied his years, and his speech, while certainly supposed to encourage her to spend her gold on his wares, was filled with sincerity. She pointed to a carved staff leaning against the wall of the stand. “What’s its story?”

Merlinus wheeled and grabbed the staff, presenting it to Terra. “The work of an Ilian craftsman, made from hardy Ilian Pine, and engraved with images of the Scouring, specifically featuring the story of the Ice Dragon of Mount Eremis. The inlay you see, rather than being some precious metal like gold or silver, is actually steel. And while there isn’t one currently set, there is a place at the top of the staff for a magic stone, should you desire function as well as form.” He offered the staff for her to inspect. “The detail of the craftsmanship is exquisite. Take the featured carvings, for example. There are individually carved scales on each image of the Ice Dragon.”

Terra smiled. Merlinus kept talking about the staff, and she found herself marvelling at the carvings he pointed out, and noticing more details on her own. The images of the Scouring seemed to focus on the destruction and death that the war caused, rather than on the glory of the Eight Legends. She had to admit, the man’s excitement was contagious.

Terra set the staff on the counter in front of her, and looked back into the stand, thoughtfully.
“If milady is looking for something in particular,” Merlinus offered, “but doesn’t see it here, this is only about half of my wares. Come back tomorrow, and I’ll have the rest of it set up here.”

Terra shook her head. “That’s fine. We’re probably leaving today, anyways. I actually wanted to hear about that bag.” She pointed to a courier bag sitting furthest to the left in a set of five bags hanging from hooks on a stand.

Merlinus confirmed her bag choice, then brought it forward. “This bag belonged to a smuggler from the Western Isles. It’s enchanted to be light as a feather, no matter what you put into it. And it has a few hidden pouches and pockets. It’s ruggedly made, large enough to fit most of what you might want it for. And weatherproof when properly used.”

Terra took the bag. It was impressively light. Maybe not light as a feather, per se, but definitely lighter than a bag of its size ought to have been. She opened it, and was surprised to see a pair of clay bricks sitting in the bag. She pulled one out, impressed. Now came the big question. “How much for them?”

Merlinus looked at the items in thought for a moment, then back to Terra, his features distorted in contemplation. “A hundred twenty.” He finally said.

“Eighty.” Terra countered. “You said it yourself. I’m off on a grand journey. I deserve a discount.”

“Milady, you’re already receiving the discount.” Merlinus smiled a wide smile, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “But tell me about this grand journey of yours!”

Terra paused for a moment, trying to think of a way to embellish her tale, to sell herself to this merchant, before realizing that wasn’t what the man before her wanted. “I’m an amnesiac on my way to discover my past.” She told him. “I don’t know where this journey will take me, or what I’ll learn about myself along the way. But the past beckons.”

Merlinus gave a hearty laugh. “Well, I can’t say that I’ve ever heard such a tale before.” He took a moment to contemplate this new information, then looked back at Terra, his contagious grin growing to an impossible size. “Eighty-five.” He said. “And the story when you know it.”

Terra smiled back. “Sold!” She deposited her bag of gold onto the counter, and grabbed the staff and bag. A little later, she was off, bag slung over her shoulder, staff in hand, and coin purse much lighter.

The next morning, Terra and Lyn enjoyed the luxury of sleeping in. They ate a small meal in the inn, and were about thirty minutes out of the gate when Lyn realized that she’d forgotten to buy something important at the general store: she hadn’t found Terra with a waterskin or canteen, and having recently lost one herself, Lyn was down a spare to give her. The issue had come up on their way into Bulgar, but it had slipped their minds until Terra had realized their mistake on the road. So they turned themselves around, and got Terra a canteen. Terra was joking with Lyn about it as she untied Rhea from the post out front, when they were interrupted.

“Oh my heart! Such a dazzling display of loveliness!”

Lyn and Terra turned to see a brown-haired man in green armor riding towards them, a playful smile on his face and light dancing in his eyes. He wore no sword at his hip, but kept a spear across his back. Lyn hastened in untying Rhea, but the new arrival seemed not to notice.

“O fair and beautiful ones! Would you do me the honor of favoring me with your names?” His goofy grin widened. “Better yet, might you grant me the gift of your company this fine day?”

Lyn stopped untying Rhea, and turned, annoyance clear on her features, to face the rider. Terra began in her place, but struggled with the knot. “Where are you from, sir knight, that you choose to speak so freely to strangers?” There was a bit of a harsh edge to her voice, but the man before them, either willfully ignorant or blissfully unaware, didn’t seem to catch it.

“I am a knight of Lycia, milady!” He declared proudly, dismounting. “I hail from the canton of Caelin, home to men of passion and fire!”

“Perhaps that should be ‘home to callow oafs with loose tongues.’” Lyn replied, the edge in her voice holding.

The man pressed on. “Ah! Your venomous tongue wounds me thus!” His hand clenched over his heart. “Such a beautiful rose surely has thorns! But thorns make such a flower all the sweeter!”

“I am not some flower for you to have, knight!” Lyn said angrily. “And you-”

“Damnit, Sain!” A new voice called. All heads turned to see a new rider, with short, fiery hair and dark red armor, approaching.

“Ah, Kent! My boon companion!” Sain said. “Why the severe face?”

Kent’s frown didn’t falter as he dismounted. “You leave my sight for less than five minutes, and somehow you’ve already begun harassing the townspeople!” He shook his head. “If you’d applied the same effort to your training as you did your ill-fated attempts to consort with every woman you met, you’d be the most fearsome knight in Caelin!” Kent paused, and took a deep breath, the hint of a smile showing through. “If you would but hold your tongue, I wouldn’t need to be so severe.”

Finally, Terra finished untying Rhea from the post, and was ready to leave, but noticed too late that the way the pair of cavaliers had stopped, they were boxing her and Lyn in. She cleared her throat to spea-

“Hold my tongue?” Sain replied, aghast. “In the presence of such beauty? It would be discourteous!”

“Excu-”

“And what would you know of courtesy?” Kent shot back.

“EXCUSE ME!” Terra roared. Surprised, all eyes turned to her. “Argue amongst yourselves elsewhere, if you’d please. Your horses are trapping us in.”

Kent’s eyes widened. “O-of course. My apologies, milady.” He moved his horse aside, and Sain followed.

Lyn sighed in relief. “Thank you. You, at least, seem to have some honor.”

Kent smiled slightly, and opened his mouth to speak, but he paused, and a frown fell over his face. “My apologies, milady,” he said to Lyn, “but have we met before? You seem familiar.”

“I beg your pardon?” Lyn said, the edge in her voice returning with her frown.

Before Kent could speak further, though, Sain interjected. “That’s not fair, Kent! I met them first!”

Lyn sighed, and shook her head. “It seems I was wrong. There are no decent men among Lycia’s knights.” She grabbed Rhea’s reins, and led her forward. “Come on, Terra. I’ve lost my patience with these galivants.”

“Wait, please!” Kent called after them. “It’s not like that!”

Lyn and Terra disappeared into the crowded market beyond the shop, though, and did their best to escape the notice of the knights. They managed to get slip away from the pair, and were off to truly begin their journey.

“We’re being followed.” Terra said. They’d been walking along from Bulgar for about half an hour, following the road out of its southeastern gate. She’d been seeing glimpses of people through the trees every now and then, and had initially thought nothing of it, until she’d seen the glint of metal in the sunlight.

Lyn nodded. “I saw them too. They’re probably bandits.” Lyn stopped. “There’s too many of them for us to handle ourselves.” She began turning around. “We should head ba-”

A trio of men had stepped out onto the path leading back to Bulgar. They carried an axe each, and made no attempt to hide their weapons. One man grinned, baring his teeth like a predator closing on its prey. He chuckled darkly as he approached. Terra turned around to see that the men approaching them weren’t alone. Three more had appeared behind. They were surrounded. Trapped.

“Aren’t you a pretty pair!” The grinning man said. Terra backed up slowly, keeping Lyn at her back as she held her staff out in front. “You, with the sword. You’re Lyndis, right?”

“What did you call me?” Terra felt Lyn bump into her from behind. The bandits in front of Terra edged closer. “Who are you?”

“Such a waste.” He said with a shake of his head. “What an absolute waste. The things I do for gold.” He shrugged. “Oh well, I guess we only need to kill one of you.” The bandits pushed closer. Terra’s grip on the staff tightened. It felt heavy and solid in her hands. She didn’t like the odds she had for fighting these bandits off with it, but she figured any chance was worth the shot.

“Fine! Come on then!” Lyn shouted. “If you want my life, come take it!”

A tense silence hung in the air, but Terra heard something cut through it. Soon, everyone heard it: Rumbling hooves. Two sets. A shout cut through the air, and Terra smiled in relief as she recognized the voice.

“Over here!” Sain’s voice rang out from the path towards Bulgar. Then, moments later, horse and rider thundered into view, lance bared and braced for the charge. The bandits scattered, but Sain’s charge struck home, and the knight’s lance impaled the unlucky brigand. Sain tore his weapon from the corpse, and wheeled around to watch the bandits flee and regroup. “Cowards! You gang up on a pair of young women, but flee the moment you find yourselves challenged? Cowards, I say!”

Kent rode up soon after, sword drawn and at the ready. “Miladies,” he said, “it would appear that these ruffians wish to do you harm. If they wish to fight, then they shall face me this day!”

“Stand back, ladies!” Sain added. “We’ll handle this!”

“I will not stand aside and watch!” Lyn growled. “I will fight! And you two will not stop me!”

“Well, we will not simply stand back either!” Sain countered. “Our honor demands-”

“Would you accept us as subordinates, then?” Kent spoke quickly. “We will accept your command, if you would give us orders.”

Lyn paused, clearly thrown by this sudden development, and looked first at Kent and Sain, and then to Terra, who relaxed, and spoke. “Yes, we will accept your aid as such.”

“Thank you.” Kent said with a nod. “My name is Kent. My companion, Sain, and I are knights of Lycia. Do my new commanders have names?” Kent asked.

“My name is Terra. My companion is Lyn. I’m something of a tactician.”

Kent nodded, and Terra caught a small smile flash across his features, before quickly being replaced by his normal severity. Sain loudly proclaimed, “Then lead us on! Your faithful servants await your command!”

Terra took a moment to survey their field of battle. They stood atop a gently sloped hillside, generously covered by scattered copses of trees. It dipped down towards a river and lake below, before jutting sharply up again to the north-east. The scattered forms of the remaining bandits milled about below, with the closest skulking in a nearby stand of pine.

Terra directed the group towards the nearby foe, and together, Lyn and the knights made short work of the bandit. At her direction, the knights used their superior mobility to pin down the bandit, with Lyn delivering the killing blow. Lyn seemed a bit slow to warm up to the knights, or perhaps she was just unused to fighting as a part of a group. She was aggressive, and sometimes her aggression put her in the way of her allies. However, Lyn was not the only one at fault here. Terra had no real point of reference, but Sain seemed to add some unneeded flourish to his attacks. Was he still trying to impress them?

“Sain.” Terra caught his attention as they moved towards the next foe.

“Yes, Milady?” Sain with a small bow and a large grin.

“Stow your lance and draw your sword.” Terra said.

Sain’s grin shrank. “Ah, must I, Commander? The lance is the more heroic weapon, don’t you think?”

“I don’t care about your ‘heroics,’ Sain. We’re looking at doing battle in the woods. It will be no place for a cavalry charge, and a lance is unwieldy in the tighter confines. There’s nothing ‘heroic’ about dying a bloody death because your spear got caught on a low branch as you brought it about.”

Sain grimaced. “Of course. Err… I, uh, I’m afraid I…” He mumbled the rest incoherently.

“I’m sorry, you what?”

“I don’t have one.” Sain said sheepishly, wearing a nervous smile.

Terra frowned, confused. “Is Caelin so poor that it cannot afford to equip-.”

“No, of course not!” Sain shouted in protest. “Caelin’s knights are granted a generous stipend to equip and maintain their arms, armor, and mounts! I just… forgot to buy a sword.”

“Again?” Kent asked, disappointment clear in his voice as he rode over. “What, were you too busy flirting with the smith’s daughter again?”

“In my defense,” Sain supplied, “it’s not as bad as last time! I remembered to buy a new lance! And I bought replacement horseshoes, too! I just… forgot the sword.” Sain’s nervous smile returned.

Kent sighed, and unfastened a second sword from his saddle, handing the weapon to Sain. “You’re lucky that I overpack, you dolt.” Kent said. “You’re almost more trouble than you’re worth.” His voice was severe enough, but he couldn’t wipe the small smile from his face. “Almost.”

From there, the group swept down the hill and across the river, moving quickly from bandit to bandit. Their flight after the knights had joined the battle had split them apart, making them easy pickings. Their group swept through the enemy under Terra’s command, before finally intercepting the last of their scattered foes: the group’s apparent leader, who’d called them a ‘pretty pair.’

“Damn knights!” the man cursed. “You always got to meddle in others’ business!” But he, like the rest of the bandits, was taken down by their coordinated assault, muttering something under his last breath. When he finally fell, Terra breathed a sigh of relief. The fight was over.

“That’s the last of them.” Terra said.

“We did it, Terra!” Lyn said proudly.

Terra smiled, and turned to face the knights. “And now that our danger is passed, what are you doing here? Why did you follow us?”

“We believe that Lyn may be the person we’ve been searching for.” Kent said.

Lyn’s brow furrowed. “And why would two knights of Lycia be looking for a girl of the plains?”

“We weren’t.” Sain said. “Not at first, at least. We came here first to look for the lady Madelyn, who eloped with a Sacaean nomad nearly two decades ago.”

Lyn’s eyes lit up at that name. “Lady Madelyn?”

“Our lord, Marquess Caelin’s, only daughter.” Sain supplied. “He was heartbroken when she left, that his own daughter would abandon him. Eventually, the marquess simply declared that he had no daughter.”

“But just this year,” Kent continued, “we recieved a letter from Lady Madelyn. In it, she wrote that she was living happily with her husband and daughter on the Sacae plains. The marquess was ecstatic to learn that he had a granddaughter of 18 years.” Kent smiled. “I remember the smile on his face when he announced that he was suddenly a grandfather. His granddaughter’s name is Lyndis, named in honor of the marchioness, who died early into his rule.”

“It thawed the Marquess’ heart to hear that she should bear this name.” Sain said, smiling. “Now, his only wish is to meet with his daughter’s family, at least once. That’s why we came here.” Sain’s smile disappeared, and his face fell. “We… we didn’t know that Lady Madelyn and her husband died a few days after she sent the letter. It wasn’t until we arrived here in Bulgar that we heard.”

“But we also learned that her daughter was still alive.” Kent picked up. “We heard that she was living alone on the plains.” He looked at Lyn. “When first saw you, I knew it had to be you. You are the lady Lyndis.”

“Why would you think that?” Lyn asked.

“You look like your mother.” Kent said simply. “I never had the pleasure of meeting her in person, but there are portraits of her in Castle Caelin. Your resemblance to her is remarkable.”

Lyn paused, staring off into the distance, a smile on her face. “To the rest of my tribe, I was always Lyn. But when I was with my parents…” Tears began welling up in her eyes. “When it was just the three of us, I was Lyndis.” She sniffed, and wiped her eyes. “It’s all so strange. I was all alone in the world, and now… I have a grandfather now.” She sighed. “Lyndis… I thought I would never hear that name again.”

The group was silent for a time, before Lyn spoke again, this time with a note of confusion and worry in her voice. “Wait! That bandit! He called me Lyndis too!”

Kent frowned. “What? How is that pos-”

“Lundgren must have hired him.” Sain said.

“Who’s Lundgren?” Terra asked.

“Lundgren is the Marquess’s younger brother.” Kent explained. “With Lady Madelyn dead, Lundgren would be the heir to the marquess’s title.”

“To put it bluntly,” Sain concluded, “your very existence is an obstacle to your granduncle’s ambitions.”

“What? That- but-” Lyn sputtered. “But I don’t want the title! I have no interest in becoming marquess!”

Sain shrugged. “Your granduncle is unfortunately not the sort of man to believe that, milady. Even if you go back to the plains and try to live out your days there, I believe the attempts on your life will continue.”

Lyn’s shoulders slumped. “But then… what can I do?”

“Come with us to Caelin.” Kent supplied. “Continuing on your own would be dangerous, and this would be the best way to stop the attempts on your life.”

Lyn sighed. “I don’t think I have any other options, do I? Fine. I will go with you.”

She shook her head, and turned to face Terra. “I’m sorry, Terra.” She began. “This changes everything. I promised that I would help you on your journey, to help you find yourself… but I have a chance to meet my grandfather, and I want to take it, and your companionship would definitely ease my journey.” She sighed. “I understand if you want to part ways here.”

Terra frowned. “Part ways? Now? Never!” She smiled. “I’ll go with you, Lyn. I’ll help you on your journey.”

Lyn smiled wide, and hugged Terra. “Oh, thank you, Terra! I’m glad you’ll stay with me!”

“To the ends of Elibe, right?” Terra asked.

Lyn laughed. “To the ends of Elibe!”

Chapter Text

“It’s smaller than I thought it would be.” Sain said as they approached the temple. “I mean, I knew it probably wouldn’t be some grand cathedral, like you sometimes see dedicated to Elimine, but…” he shrugged. “The way you talked it up, I guess I just thought it would be bigger than this. I like it, though. It’s private. Personal.”

“You said we were here to pray to a sword?” Kent asked.

Lyn nodded enthusiastically. “The Mani Katti. According to our traditions, it and its sister sword, the Sol Katti, were wielded by Hanon’s children in the days after the Scouring. The Sol Katti, blessed by the sun, was granted the power to slay dragons, which still roamed the land, even after the Scouring had ended. The Mani Katti, on the other hand, was blessed by the moon, and is said to protect its wielder from harm. So the legend goes, Hanon’s son died in battle, wielding the Sol Katti to kill the Last Dragon of Sacae. However, her daughter, who wielded the Mani Katti, survived the battle. So now, the People of Sacae pray to the Mani Katti before leaving on any major journey, so that they may also have its protection.”

Kent smiled. “I see. What of the temple’s bond to the world of spirits? You mentioned something about that, too.”

“Well,” Lyn began, “according to the legend, this was where their battle with the Last Dragon of Sacae took place. The story goes that when Hanon’s son died here, her daughter buried him here, built the temple atop his grave, and prayed at its altar for her brother’s spirit every night for the rest of her life. It is by her strength of spirit that this place’s bond to the realm of spirits is so strong.”

“Well, thank you for the lesson, and for bringing us here.” Sain said.

Kent hummed his agreement. “The teachings of Elimine are more common across the rest of Elibe. It’s interesting to learn more about the people of Sacae and their beliefs.”

Their conversation drew to a close as a woman came running towards the group. As she came, Terra saw Kent’s hand come to rest on his sword, and he nudged his horse forward a bit, so that he came up from his place beside Lyn to be just forward of her, while still off to the side.

“Excuse me! Are you headed to the temple?” There was an edge of hope and urgency in her voice.

Lyn nodded. “Indeed we are.”

“Then please hurry!” The woman pointed in the temple’s direction, her voice rising. “The priest needs your help! I saw a band of local ruffians go in not too long ago. I think they went to steal the altar’s sacred sword!”

Lyn’s eyes widened. “They want to steal the Mani Katti? That’s terrible! I won’t let it happen!”

The woman relaxed slightly, and smiled. “Thank you!” Then, the woman ran south, towards a small village nearby.

“Lyn, what are you planning?” Sain asked.

“If you’re going to rush to the priest’s aid, you’ll want to prepare first.” Kent added.

Terra nodded. “The woman said that the ruffians are a local group. That means they probably have a good knowledge of the area. Kent, Sain, I need you to ride to the village. Ask around, see what kind of information you can get.” The knights assented, and rode south. “Lyn, it looks like there are a few bandits outside of the temple’s walls. We can get started on dealing with them.”

Together, they moved towards the temple. The first bandit was prowling along the temple’s western wall, and when he saw the pair approaching, he shouted a battle cry, and came charging at the pair. Lyn, for her part, stood her ground, and waited for her foe to make his approach. When the brigand finally arrived, Lyn easily dodged away from his bold charge, and fell upon her foe like a beast to its kill. Her sword flashed in the noon sun, cutting bloody rifts across the bandit’s body. He fell to the ground.

Then, two more battle cries rose from the south. There, a pair of bandits quite literally began to descend upon them, rushing down the hills, following the village’s wall north towards Lyn and Terra. Lyn readied herself again for the charging bandits, but the sound of hoofbeats heralded the return of the knights. They intercepted the charging bandits with a thundering charge of their own, swords at the ready. Lyn charged to join the fray, but by the time Lyn had closed the distance, the knights had hacked the bandits into bloody corpses.

“What did you learn in the village?” Terra asked.

“The hills to the south are rough and rocky.” Kent said. “Too treacherous for our horses to cross safely.”

“However, there is another potential way in.” Sain added. “The temple’s western wall has fallen into disrepair. Wind and weather have taken their toll on it, and one section in particular is practically crumbling. We may be able to make ourselves an entrance of our own.”

Terra nodded. “I’m not sure I like the idea of damaging a holy place, but if it’s our best way to get in and save the priest and the relics, I guess we’ll just have to hope the spirits understand.”

It didn’t take them long to find the spot. Loose stones and crumbling mortar marked the spot. Kent and Sain took their spears, and used their butts to knock loose the stones. Working together, they were able to open up a hole large enough to get through in a few moments. Lyn was the first to burst through the hole, with the cavaliers following quickly behind, and Terra bringing up the rear, hanging back near their new entrance.

A group of four bandits occupied the temple. One, a swordsman, stood near the temple’s altar, blade at the ready. The other three, two near the temple’s entrance and one in the middle, were armed with axes. All were caught off-guard by the sudden appearance of Lyn and the knights through the temple’s wall. The knights immediately split off to deal with the bandits near the entrance, and Lyn charged the one in the middle of the temple. Terra watched her deliver a swift succession of strikes into her hapless foe, who crumpled into a bloody heap.

“Lyn, roll my way!” Terra shouted. Lyn, caught off guard by Terra’s shout, hesitated, and in that moment’s pause, the swordsman completed his charge, crashing into her shoulder first. Lyn rolled with the force of the charge and hopped up, dodging away from the bandit’s follow-through. His sword came within a foot of Lyn’s stomach and clanged against a stone pillar.

“Who do you think you are?” The swordsman shouted, returning to a ready stance. “I am Glass, peerless swordsman! What chance do you think you have against me?”

Lyn assumed her own ready stance, and the two stood there for a tense moment. Glass looked past Lyn, to the knights as they finished up the last of his allies. Something in his eyes shifted, and he charged…

Right for Terra.

“You’re in my way!” He cried, swinging his sword at her. Terra raised the staff to block, but Glass’s swing knocked the staff out of her hands, and it clattered to the floor far from Terra’s reach. His second swing met some resistance from Terra’s cloak, but not enough to stop the blade, which sank into Terra’s upper arm. Terra screamed in pain, broke away, and clutched at her new wound.

Glass didn’t go much further, though, as Lyn fell screaming upon him, her sword a blur. Glass struggled to keep up with her ferocious assault, but he was ultimately too slow. Lyn slipped a downward past his faltering guard, and her sword slammed into his shoulder. Glass hissed, and stumbled backwards. Lyn capitalized on the swing in initiative, and pressed her attack, this time driving her sword into his thigh. The blade sank in, and blood began to pour from the wound. Glass swore, and tried for one more swing, only to be struck down by Kent’s spear as he joined the fray.

“Terra!” Lyn cried, running to her friend. “Are you alright?”

Terra gritted her teeth and nodded. “I’ll be fine. I just need some of the vulnerary from your bag.”

“Please, allow me to help.” A new voice said. Terra looked up to see an old man dressed in blue-grey robes and a dark blue hood approaching, staff in hand. “The least I can do for this temple’s saviors is tend to your wounds.”

He raised the staff, and said “Spirits, heal this woman of her wounds.” A blue halo enveloped Terra. The pain vanished from her wound, replaced by an odd tingling that morphed into an incessant itch. She watched as the wound closed and knitted itself back together. Soon, all that was left to suggest that her wound ever existed was a small scar, a bloody hole in her garb, and a fading itch.

“Now, your clothing…” The priest said, turning to Lyn. “You’re from the Lorca tribe, are you not?”

Lyn nodded. “I am Lyn, the chieftain’s daughter. These are my allies.” She introduced Terra, Kent, and Sain. “Thank you for healing my friend. Are you hurt?”

The priest bowed slightly. “Thanks to your timely intervention, I am unscathed. You have my gratitude.”

“And what of the sword?” Lyn asked. “Is the Mani Katti safe?”

“Yes.” The priest walked back to the altar, where a sheathed sword lay in a mount. Terra saw a faint shimmering in the air surrounding the sword. “I have sealed the sword safely away. Until I remove my spell from the altar, the sword cannot be drawn from its scabbard.” He waved his hands over the sword, and the shimmering vanished. He picked up the sword from its resting place, and turned to the group. “As a token of my gratitude, I shall allow you to lay your hands on the Mani Katti.” He smiled at Lyn. “Come, touch the sheath’s pattern, and offer your prayers for a safe journey.”

Lyn’s eyes lit up at the offer. “Oh, thank you so much!” She walked forward, and when the priest held out the sword, she placed her hands on it reverently, and closed her eyes. Her lips moved in silent prayer. As she spoke, Terra saw that the sword began to glow slightly.

The priest seemed to notice as well, and he made a sound of mixed confusion and amazement. Lyn opened her eyes to see what was going on in time for the sword’s glow to reach a peak, flooding the temple with a warm light, before returning to a dull glow.

“The sword’s glowing… What’s going on? What did I do?” Lyn’s expression was filled with worry.

“Hmm, I… I see.” The priest smiled gently. “Lyn, you and your friends are witnesses to something truly special. What you behold now is the power of the spirits.” He looked up, right into Lyn’s eyes. “Lyn, the spirits have looked into your soul, and now they call out to you.”

Lyn’s concern morphed into confusion. “What does that mean? Why are they calling to me?”

“They have judged you worthy.” The priest explained. “You are the sword’s rightful owner. You are to wield the Mani Katti.”

Once more, Lyn’s face shifted, this time to surprise. “N-no! The Mani Katti is… I can’t take the… It’s… You ask too much of me.”

The priest shook his head. “Lyn, I ask nothing of you. It is the sword’s own wish. But I can see that you still need convincing. Here.” He held out the sword to Lyn. “Take the Mani Katti for a moment.”

Lyn hesitated for a moment, then carefully took the sword from the priest.

“Good. Now draw the Mani Katti from its sheath.”

Again, Lyn hesitated, but she did as the priest asked, and drew the Mani Katti. As she did, Terra swore she heard the sword sing as it left its sheath. As she drew the sword, its glow intensified again, though not to the strength it had shown earlier.

“It came out so easily.” She said softly. “There was no resistance. It’s almost… It’s like the sword wants me to wield it.”

“I never dared to think that I would meet the wielder of the Mani Katti in my lifetime.” The priest said softly. “I am indeed fortunate to see your sword safely to your hands.” Then, his voice filled with resolve. “You will face a great many ordeals, Lyn. Take your sword, and face them head-on.”

“My sword…” Lyn whispered. She nodded, and her face filled with resolve. “Yes, thank you!”

The priest smiled, and turned to face Terra and the knights. His eyes fell on Terra, and Terra saw something in them change.

“A moment before you leave on your journey?” The priest asked. “I have one more thing to bestow upon you. Something for Terra.”

“For me?”

The priest nodded. “Not another relic, but something precious all the same.” He turned and walked into the back room. Lyn shot a questioning look to Terra, who shrugged.

The priest returned with a cloth-wrapped bundle. “Today is truly a blessed day. Not only have I met the warrior chosen by the Mani Katti, but I also get to fulfill a promise I made so long ago.”

He unwrapped the bundle, revealing a pair of books. One, the larger of the two, looked to be a blue and white spell tome with a yellow circle emblazoned on the front cover. The other one was a medium-sized leather-bound book. “I was not always the priest of this temple.” The priest began. “Once, a lifetime ago, I was an adventurer, on my own grand journey, alongside people who would become close friends.” His gaze grew distant, and a sad smile grew on his face, but he refocused, pushing his reverie away for the moment. “One of them was our guardian spirit, our guiding star. A cunning tactician named Kaia.”

Kaia. That name cut through the fog, rang clear in Terra’s ears. Kaia. She knew that name. Had heard it before.

“And when our journey was over, after we had all gone our separate ways, and I had become this temple’s caretaker, she came to me. She told me to keep these safe. That I would know when it was time to hand them off again.”

“I’m sorry, sir.” Terra said suddenly. “I just… I don’t know what you’re talking about. Most of my memories are lost to me. The name sounds familiar, but I...” She shook her head and sighed. “I just don’t know.”

“Then allow me to tell you.” The priest looked into Terra’s eyes. His eyes, once tired and melancholic, shone bright like stars. “Terra, you are the spitting image of Kaia. Perhaps you are related somehow, her child or grandchild. Or maybe… Maybe, in my old age, my mind is playing tricks on me. But I believe that the time has come for me to pass these on, and I believe that you are the one who is meant to take them.”

He held out the leather book first, which Terra took. “This is Kaia’s journal. It is a treasure trove of tactical notes, battle plans, detailed maps. If you are a tactician, then I hope that they may be useful.” Then, he handed her the spell tome. “This is the tome she carried to defend herself on the battlefield. She called it Daybreak. I pray that it serves you well.”

“I’ve never heard of a tome by that name.” Kent said. “What does it do?”

“Daybreak channels the strength of the sun.” The priest explained. “Its pages unleash beams of solar energy.”

“I thank you for these books,” Terra began with a bow, “But I am no mage or priest. I doubt that I will be able to use Daybreak. I do thank you for her journal, though. It will be a great boon to me.”

The priest simply smiled. “Simply being able to fulfill my promise was more than enough.” He bowed to the group. “Thank you. May the spirits protect you on your journey.”

After they set up camp for the night, and eaten their fill, Lyn took the Mani Katti off of her belt, and took a moment to admire it.

“So this is the Mani Katti, huh?” Sain said. “The sword of the moon.”

Lyn shook her head. “I still can’t believe it. This is the most famous sword in Sacae… and it’s mine.”

“It’s not so strange.” Kent said. “There are many legends which tell of similar tales. Special blades all across Elibe which call out to their proper owners. And yet...” He paused briefly before continuing. “And yet, when I saw you draw that blade, Lyndis… I felt something extraordinary. That sword was waiting for you. You were meant to draw it. You were meant to wield it.”

Lyn blushed, and shook her head. “Stop it! I… I’m not so special!”

Sain grinned. “Ah, think of it this way, then: some weapons feel more comfortable in your hands than others, right?” Lyn nodded. “Well, the Mani Katti feels the same way about you. It feels comfortable with you. I’d wager it would refuse any of the rest of us outright if we tried to wield it. It’s like you said in the temple. It wants you to wield it.”

Lyn held the sword in her hands. “It… It does feel right in my hand.” She smiled. “A sword that only I can wield... The Mani Katti is my sword.” She looked at it again. “I have to take good care of it. One day, I hope to return it to its place in that temple. But until then...”

She laid her hands on the sword, and offered up another prayer on the sword. When she finished, she passed the sword to Kent, with a smile and a nod, and he offered up his own short prayer on the sword. He passed it to Sain, who took it and did the same, before passing it to Terra, who took it, and laid her own hands on it in prayer. She offered up a prayer for safety on their coming journey. A prayer for the skill to lead their group. A prayer to maybe, just maybe, learn more about her past, about Kaia.

Then, she passed the sword back to Lyn, who took it with a smile. “I’ll take the first watch. You guys get some rest.”

Sain and Kent began to protest, but Terra was fine with this arrangement, and began her preparations to sleep.

Why am I alive? Why did she spare me? Why did I stay here? I look over to where she sits, deep in prayer. She does this every night. Ever since the fight nearly six months ago, since her brother’s death, she has prayed nightly. No matter how tired she is, how weary the day has made her, and there have been some very weary days. No matter what, she sits at the altar, and prays.

I’ve thought it over in my mind again and again. She had me dead to rights. Flat on my back. Defenseless. And then she let me live. Even after killing her brother, she let me live. Just turned and walked to his corpse. Why did she let me live?

“Why?”

Why? What does she mean, why?

“There are a lot of ‘whys’ in this world. You’ll need to be more specific.”

“Why didn’t you kill me?”

Ah, that why. Well, I can’t say that I wasn’t expecting this question. She deserves an answer, right? Let’s see, how do I… Um… Explaining this to her is going to be harder than just knowing my reason myself, isn’t it?

Well, I guess we’ll start with that. “Have you ever noticed how similar we look?”

“What?” She’s looking at me like I’m crazy.

“I guess not. Look at me. Look closely.”

Fine, let’s see…

…

…

…

Oh, Tiamat, she’s right. It’s not something I noticed when I first looked at her, but she’s... she’s got the dark green hair. The lean build. The scars… we both have so many scars. And her eyes are the same dark green as mine... I'd probably think we were from the same brood if I didn't know any better.

Shit I’m staring at her eyes. “Uh, yeah, I guess I can see what you mean. What about it?”

“When you’re fighting a dragon, it’s easy to convince yourself that you’re fighting a monster. That your opponent is something inhuman, unnatural. That you’re an other. That’s... That’s much harder to do when you’re staring at something that looks so much like you.”

A monster? An other? Is that all my friends were to you? Is that how you feel? After all of this?

“And when you were laying there, you had this look in your eyes. Not the anger I was expecting, but a deep, primal fear. And in that moment… in that moment, I realized that you didn’t want to fight us. That we’d cornered you and forced you into a battle you didn’t want. You were afraid to die.”

“Spare me your fucking pity.”

Oh shit, I messed up. Fuck, no, I explained that badly, didn’t I? “I- I’m sorry. I-”

“You should be sorry! You won! You already won! You fought dragons to near-extinction! Humanity decided that centuries of peace and prosperity meant nothing, and waged a genocidal war on us! Your so-called heroes slaughtered us by the hundreds! Your mother shot a dozen of my friends in the back when we tried to run! YOU FUCKING WON! But that wasn’t enough, was it? Near-genocide wasn’t enough, was it? You learn that there’s a few dragons trying to scrape by on the plains, out of the way, and you decide that you can’t have that! You had to go ALL THE FUCKING WAY! YOU HAD TO KILL US ALL! YOU TOOK AWAY EVERYTHING I HAD LEFT!”

Spirits, I… I’m so sorry, I… “I-“

“I hope your peace of mind was worth your brother’s death.”

… I… my…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

I didn’t realize you still carried all of that pain with you. All of that anger. That hate. You kept it all bottled up. You buried it, swallowed it down. And then a few careless words made everything worse. I should have known better than to think that you'd just move on from that kind of loss, especially with how I felt about losing my brother. I should have realized…

There’s so much I couldn’t tell you after you left. Like how I saw myself in you. How seeing you there made me think about my own life, my own mortality. How much it meant to me when you helped me to build the temple. . How much I wanted you to stay with me.

I kept praying after you left. But there is more for me to pray for now. I pray that, wherever you are, you find peace. I pray that one day, a world might exist where my children and yours can once again live together in peace.

I pray that one day, you might forgive me.

Chapter Text

… When battle must take place in populated areas, it is best practice to do what one can to avoid excessive collateral damage to the area. If possible, civilians should be directed to remain in their dwellings, and to secure the entrances to such. Doing so provides the added benefit of removing potential distractions from the battlefield, and efforts to protect the populace from opposing forces can improve the standing of your own forces in the eyes of the people of the area. However, a tactician’s first responsibility is always to their own soldiers, not to exposed civilians, and as such, a tactician must never place excessive risk upon their own soldiers to save the lives of civilians who find themselves in the crossfire…

“-ook out! Terra! Look out!”

Terra looked up from her reading, and stepped to the side, avoiding the large, low-hanging branch she was about to walk into. “Sorry. Thanks, Lyn.” She closed Kaia’s journal and stowed the book in her bag. She shifted her staff back to her right hand, and watched the road ahead as she walked. From what she’d read of Kaia’s journal, she was a very pragmatic woman, and one who valued the well-being of her soldiers above all else. On the one hand, Terra could certainly understand not wanting to lose Lyn, or Kent, or Sain. But the thought of ignoring civilians in need of help didn’t sit right with her. If they needed help, she should do everything she could… right?

Terra saw it first. There were faint wisps of smoke rising up from a spot just beyond the next hill. Terra pointed it out, and urged the group forward. They crested the hill, and saw a small village nestled into the valley below. Half the buildings in the village were smoldering husks, or shattered piles of stone and timber. Walls stood half-erected within and around the town.

The group stood there, on the peak of the hill, in silence for a moment.

Terra broke the silence first. “This place. It’s…”

“Half of the town is either burnt or broken.” Sain said with a shake of his head. “Where is their marquess? Why do they have no help?”

“Taliver Mountain is home to a gang of vicious, ruthless bandits.” Lyn said. “No marquess holds power here.” Her gaze grew distant. Terra recognized the new look in her eyes. “My village was near here. Just on the other side of the mountain. The Taliver came in the night. It… they only needed one night. My people were… counting myself, less than ten survived.”

Then, Lyn’s face hardened, and her distant gaze grew fierce and focused. She looked off into the distance, in the direction of a nearby peak. “The Taliver are soulless beasts. Monsters, one and all. Their deaths would be a blessing upon the world.”

Lyn closed her eyes, and drew in a deep breath. “I’ll come back one day. When my strength has grown. When my skill has been honed. I’ll come back, and break their swords beneath me like twigs beneath a stallion’s hooves. I will do everything in my power to see my people avenged.”

“Bring me with you!” Sain shouted. “When that day finally comes, bring me with you!”

“And me.” Kent said. “I would join you on this quest, if you would have me.”

“To the ends of Elibe.” Terra affirmed. “Wherever you go, I’ll follow.”

Lyn looked from knight to knight, and then to Terra. A smile grew on her face. “Thank you… thank you, everyone.” She turned to the town. “Now, let’s go.”

They descended the hill and entered the village. The smell of smoke hung heavy in the air. Despite the apparent destruction they’d seen, there were still plenty of residents left in the place. Groups of people rummaged through piles of rubble. A few small stands still lined the streets. Life went on. Most of the villagers gave them a wide berth as they traveled through, but Terra felt dozens of pairs of eyes following their group’s every move through the town.

They passed through the first half of the village without event. As they approached the village center, though, Terra heard shouting. Rounding a corner, she saw the source: A pair of armed men, and a young woman with a pegasus.

“Lyndis,” Kent said, “Be on your guard. It appears that we’ve come upon some sort of commotion.”

Lyn turned to look at the group. “A pegasus?” She started walking forward, towards them. “Could it be?” Her pace quickened, and Terra and the knights followed behind. They got closer, and Lyn called out. “Florina? Florina, is that you?”

The rider’s head snapped up, and her nervous eyes brightened. “Ah! Lyn?” The men looked up, saw the pair of knights riding towards them, and backed up a bit.

“Florina! It is you!” Lyn broke into a dead sprint to cover the remaining distance, and Florina rushed to meet her embrace, the pegasus following. Florina buried her face in Lyn’s shoulder, and tried to calm her breathing. “It’s alright, Florina. No need to cry.”

“You two know each other, then?” Kent asked.

Lyn nodded. “She’s a friend. Florina’s a pegasus knight in training, from Ilia. She’s… timid. Florina, what are you doing here? What happened?” Lyn asked.

Florina’s initial response was muffled by Lyn’s shoulder, but she pulled her face back before continuing. “When I heard that you left… I decided to follow you. I came across this village, and flew down to see if they had any news of you… I didn’t see these two as I came in for my landing and…” Florina fell silent, but Lyn quickly put things together.

“Did you land your pegasus on them?” Lyn asked.

Florina buried her face back into Lyn’s shoulder. “A little.”

“You heard her!” One of the men shouted. Florina yelped, and put Lyn between herself and the men. “She admits her fault! Her beast stepped on my friend! She’s gotta pay up!”

“Florina?” Terra asked, stepping forwards. Florina turned sharply towards Terra, a shimmer in her eyes. “Did you apologize?”

“Of course I did.” She said, nodding vigorously. “Over and over again. But they started talking about how apologies weren’t enough.” She sniffed.

“Did they now?” Lyn asked, staring daggers into the men in front of her, who began to back away.

“Of course apologies ain’t enough!” The other man said angrily. He jabbed a finger in Florina’s direction. “Her stupid mule nearly crushed me! I’m lucky to be alive right now!”

“You look fine now,” Lyn said, “and she’s more than made her apology. Are you sure you won’t just let this pass?”

The second man narrowed his eyes, glaring at the group. “Fine,” he spat, before turning and leaving the scene, followed quickly by his friend.

Lyn sighed, and turned back around to Florina. “Florina, are you alri-”

A pair of loud, sharp whistles, the first short, and the second long, carried over the village. “Kill the men!” A familiar, angry voice shouted, “but leave the girls some breath!”

“So much for letting it pass.” Lyn said.

Terra nodded, and watched as more armed men began making themselves known. An archer and swordsman began rushing towards the group. “Sain, Kent, go take care of them.”

The knights nodded, took up their arms, and rode off to battle. Terra turned to Florina. “You’re a pegasus knight, right?”

Florina gave Terra a timid, confused look. “I-I’m sorry, who… who are you?”

“My name is Terra.” She answered. “I’m Lyn’s tactician. Are you a pegasus knight?”

Florina shook her head timidly. “N-not yet.”

“But you can ride?” Terra asked. Florina nodded quickly.

“Will you fight with us?” Terra asked.

The timid look in Florina’s eyes faded, slowly replaced by determination. She nodded once, firmly, mounted her pegasus, and readied her lance. “Where do you need me, Commander?”

“I need you to fly recon.” Terra ordered. “Circle a bit above the village, and get eyes on where these bandits are. If they start giving any of the villagers a hard time, help the villagers. Report back when you finish. We’ll go from there.”

Florina gave Terra a quick “Yes, ma’am,” and lifted off into the air. Terra watched her go for a moment, then turned to Lyn, who was still watching Florina.

“Come with me, Lyn.” Terra said. Lyn’s attention snapped back to the ground, and she began to follow Terra.

“Where are we going?” Lyn asked.

Terra pointed to a collection of houses up ahead, which had a wall around them, but whose gate was broken open. “If a fight’s going to start here, I don’t want any of the people here to suffer more than they already have.”

They approached the broken gate, and Terra shouted out “Hello? Is anyone there?”

“Leave us alone, you thugs!” A woman cried out.
“Go away! Just go away!” A man shouted.
“We have nothing left to take!” Another man yelled.

“Wait!” Lyn shouted. “We’re not bandits! We’re here to help the village!”

For a long moment, there was silence. Then, someone came into view. He was a young man, Terra figured, no older than twenty. Short brown hair tossed in every direction, and keen brown eyes. A quiver hung at his hip, and a drawn bow pointed at them. “Not bandits, huh?” He said. “So who are you, then?”

“My name is Lyn, and this is Terra.” Lyn said carefully. “We were passing through this village with our group when we came upon some bandits.”

“We’re looking to fight against them,” Terra continued, “but I wanted to warn some of the villagers first. I didn’t want them getting caught up in all of this.” She started backing away. “Good luck.”

“Hey, wait.” The man said, lowering his bow. “Thanks for coming to warn the villagers. I appreciate it.”

“Then you’re not a villager?” Terra asked.

The man shook his head. “My name’s Wil. I’m a traveler of sorts, too. Stopped here for a bit for a roof over my head, and the village was nice enough to shore me up. They’ve been really kind to me, and if you’re kicking these bandits out, I’d like to join you.”

Lyn smiled. “If you’re offering,” she said, “we’ll take whatever help we can get. Welcome aboard, Wil.”

“Will the villagers in there be alright without you?” Terra asked.

Wil nodded. “They’ll be fine. They were just putting the finishing touches on a new gate. Let’s go!”

Terra took their group forward, where Kent and Sain were finishing up with a third bandit who had arrived. Terra made quick introductions, and surveyed their battlefield. Up ahead, a pair of walls within the village came close. The gap between them couldn’t have been more than ten feet or so. Perfect.

“Form up near that gap in the walls.” Terra said. “Wil, keep to the back. No more than two people in the fray at a time. The third stays back in case things go sideways. We’ll hold them there for the moment.”

So Lyn, Sain and Wil took up the front lines, while Terra helped Kent tend to a wound he’d received earlier.

“Where did Lyn’s friend go?” Kent asked.

“Florina’s running recon.” Terra answered, taking the stopper out of a vulnerary. “Surveying the battlefield for me, and acting where we can’t.”

“Alone?” Kent asked.

Terra shrugged. “Is there another flying horse I don’t know about?”

Kent grunted. “She just seems so green. I’d be concerned sending any trainee out on their own.”

“Everyone’s gotta start somewhere.” Terra replied. “And even if she is a trainee, she’s got determination. She wants to prove herself.”

“How can you tell?” Kent asked, curious. “You’ve only just met her.”

Terra was about to answer, when the sound of wing-beats heralded Florina’s return. She set down nearby. She seemed a little frazzled, and her eyes were a bit distant, but she wasn’t much worse for wear.

“What was the situation?” Terra asked, pulling out a bandage for Kent.

“M-most of the bandits are moving to attack you. One or t-two of them broke off to try to raid the town, but I… stopped them.” She untied a bag from her saddle and held it out. Terra took the bag. It felt heavy. “It’s a thank-you from the village.” Florina supplied. “Gold for our help.”

Terra nodded, finished bandaging Kent’s wound, and turned to face Florina. “Did you see where their leader was while you were up there?”

“He’s to the north.” Florina reported. “Staying in the ruins of one of the buildings. He has a few other bandits with him.”

Terra nodded again, slower this time, looking to the north. “How many bandits are left?”

“Umm…” Florina’s eyes focused on some point in space between them as she thought. “Two with the boss makes three…” She focused back on Terra. “About seven or eight, across three groups.”

I can work with those numbers. Terra thought. She looked Florina over again, more carefully this time. “Are you alright?”

Florina was quiet for a moment. “Y-yes, ma’am. I didn’t end up taking any hits, and Huey only took a glancing blow.”

Terra made a mental note. “Alright. I think it’s time for us to end this. Let’s go.”

The three of them grouped back up with Sain, Wil, and Lyn. Together, the six of them finished off the pair of bandits in front of them, and at Terra’s command, the group thrusted north.

The bandits being scattered into smaller groups made it easier for them to control the village for pillaging, but it also made it much easier for them to be picked off. The charge cut through the two small groups coming towards them easily, and their momentum carried them north, to the final group.

Like Florina had said, they were holing up in the rubble of a ruined home. It would be difficult for the knights to use their mobility to great effect in the ruin, but their group had an archer who didn’t need to bother with entering into the ruins to deal with the foe, and a pegasus rider whose flight could negate some of the issues grounded cavalry would have to deal with. Not to mention Lyn, who would have no problem taking on the bandits with that support. And after minimal resistance thus far, the group was still pretty fresh. There wasn’t much reason to drag this out any longer. In Terra’s mind, it was time to finish this fight.

So when Lyn called the group’s charge to a halt before engaging the bandits, Terra was more than a little bit confused.

Just outside of the field of rubble, they waited as Lyn stepped forward, hand on her sword, and addressed the bandit leader.

“Are you Taliver?” Lyn asked, and Terra began to understand.

The bandit leader’s face scrunched in confusion. “What?”

Lyn’s hand tightened slightly on her sword. “Are you Taliver?” She repeated.

Anger replaced confusion on the bandit’s face. “Taliver?” He spat the word, like it was a curse. “We’re nothing like those greedy monsters! They hunt men for sport, and kill women and children! We,” he said, gesturing with his axe, “are from Ganelon, and we know something of honor! If we kill someone, they fought us first!” A slimy smile snaked across his lips. “After all, why kill what you can sell?”

Lyn’s stance shifted. “If you’re not Taliver, then there’s no reason for you to die here today.” Terra could hear restraint clear in Lyn’s voice, mixed with something else that Terra couldn’t place… not sad or upset… something close. “If you wish to tuck your tails and flee, I won't stop you.”

Rage returned to the bandit’s face, and he growled and charged. “No more courtesies! I’m gonna shut you up!”

He charged Lyn like a man possessed, leaving the other two bandits in the dust. Terra saw something rush past her, and an arrow stuck into the man’s charging form, forcing him to stumble. The Mani Katti flashed in the sun, blood flew, and the bandit leader fell to the ground. The other two bandits were already running. Lyn sighed, wiped her blade clean, and sheathed her sword. She turned around, and walked away from the ruined house.

“Lyn, are you alright?” Florina asked.

Lyn smiled. “I’m fine, Florina. Why did you follow me, though?”

“Do… do you remember the requirement for a trainee to make the knighting ceremony for the Pegasus Knights of Ilia?” Florina asked.

“You need an endorsement from another army or group of freelance soldiers.” Realization filled Lyn’s face. “Are you ready to start?”

Florina nodded. “I wanted to talk to you before I set out, and say goodbye. But when I went to Sacae, I heard that you’d left with some strangers, and you were headed south, and I…”

“You were worried about me?” Lyn supplied. “Thank you, Florina, but I’m more worried about you.”

Florina frowned. “Me?”

“Please don’t take this the wrong way,” Lyn said, “but you’re a timid girl, and you don’t take quickly to new people. You don’t do well with people yelling at you, either.”

“I took quickly to you.” Florina said half-heartedly. Then she deflated.

“I’ve always dreamed of being a Pegasus Knight.” Florina said sadly. “I’ve worked so hard just to get where I am… I guess I just hoped it would work out. Somehow.” She bowed her head, dejected. “But today was…” she shivered. “I just… I don’t know anymore.” Tears started falling from her face. “Can I really do this? Maybe… maybe I should give up.”

Lyn closed the short distance between the two of them, and was about to say something, when-

“There’s no reason for you to give up on your dream!” Sain declared. “Lovely Florina, I have the most brilliant idea!”

Florina looked up, confused and startled, but listening. Lyn, too, waited intently for Sain to continue. Kent was hiding his face in the palm of his hand. “What brilliant plan have you come up with today, Sain?” Kent half-asked-half-muttered.

“You should come with us!” Sain shouted excitedly. “With the addition of Wil here, we’re a fine group of soldiers, and freelance to boot!”

“Wait, you’re including me?” Wil asked.
“Sain!” Kent blustered. “We’re not-”

“Of course I’m including you!” Sain proclaimed. “We were destined to meet here! It’s fate!” Sain turned slowly, addressing his entire audience. “It was fate that brought us to Lyndis, and it is fate that assembled us here. And besides,” he said with a twinkle in his eye, “Lyndis’s band of mercenaries is as good a training group as you will find anywhere!”

“Sain, this is no joking matter!” Kent exclaimed.

“And this is no jest!” Sain said defensively. The knights went off to the side, and carried on their conversation.

Florina looked quizzically at Lyn. “Lyn? Um, Lyndis? Mercenaries?”

“I can explain things later.” Lyn said. “This is all a little bit rushed. However, Sain is right. Will you come with us, Florina?”

Florina smiled warmly, new tears in her eyes. “Really? I’d love to, Lyn!”

Terra felt a tap on her shoulder, and turned to see Wil.

“So, is it really alright for me to come along with you guys?”

Terra smiled, and nodded. “After the help you gave us today, I’d be surprised if Lyn turned you away. If you want to join us, we’d be happy to have you!”

Wil sighed in relief, and smiled. “I’m glad. I was on the last of my money here, and was living off of these people’s generosity. I’m… at a crossroads. I would be proud to count myself as one of Lyndis’s Legion!”

“‘Lyndis’s Legion’?” Lyn turned around from a conversation with Kent, having apparently overheard the moniker. “That’s what you called us, right? ‘Lyndis’s Legion’?”

“Should it be ‘Terra’s Troop’?” Wil asked.

Lyn and Sain chuckled. Kent groaned, but smiled. Terra thought a moment, then said. “Stick with ‘Lyndis’s Legion.’ This is her mission. Her story.”

Lyn looked from Wil to Terra, and smiled. “‘Lyndis’s Legion’… Things get stranger every day, Terra.”

Chapter Text

The fortress sat right where Kaia’s map had put it. Abandoned, just like her notes had said. No flag flew from its parapets, no challenge issued forth from its walls, and no rider came forth to intercept their approach.

“There it is.” Terra said. “Tonight’s bed.”

“Is this mildewy old fortress really the best we can do?” Sain complained.

“The bandits around here keep everything in turmoil.” Wil explained. “Between the half-dozen or so bandit groups around here, people have enough to worry about without a group of armed men and women asking for shelter.”

“This will be fine.” Lyn said. “Better to sleep inside than be caught out in the storm.” As if to emphasize her point, thunder rolled to the east. The dark clouds had been steadily creeping up on them during their march, and would probably be on them around sundown, which itself wasn’t too far away.

“Very well, milady!” Sain said without missing a beat. “In that case, your loyal man-at-arms shall stay at your side through the night to ensure your safety!”

“No, Sain.” Kent said sternly. “You and I will remain awake, and alternate the watches.”

Their group entered the fortress, and Terra inspected what they had to work with. The fortress had a pair of entrances: the main entrance to the south, and a secondary entrance in the east they’d used to gain access. Beyond the first set of walls was an inner chamber, and while Kent and Sain rode off to inspect their surroundings, and Lyn and Florina got to setting up their camp, Terra took Wil to inspect this inner room.

Terra was surprised to find someone else in the fortress. Sitting against a wall on the other side of the room was a woman with long brown hair, worn in a long braid. She had a small pack at her side, a walking stick leaned against the wall next to her, and a half-eaten roll in her hand. She stared at the bow Wil was holding.

“Hello.” Terra said with a friendly smile. “My name is Terra. This is Wil. We’re travellers, part of a small group.”

“Hello,” the woman said, wrapping her roll back up. She stood awkwardly, using the wall to support herself, and grabbed her walking stick. “My name is Natalie.” She began walking towards them, heavily favoring the support of the stick. “I’m from a village not far from here. I- ah!” Stumbling over something, Natalie fell forwards. Wil’s reactions were better than Terra’s, and while Terra was just starting to move, Wil had already caught Natalie’s fall.

“Are you alright?” Terra asked.

Natalie sighed. “I’m sorry, it’s my leg. A childhood illness has left it weak. I can’t travel far on it, but it doesn’t trouble me much.”

“What are you doing travelling alone?” Wil asked, helping her to her feet.

“I’m looking for my husband.” Natalie explained. “I heard he was in this area. He said he was going to raise money to have my leg mended. He left the village and hasn’t returned.” She sighed. “He’s a kind-hearted man, but I’m worried he might be involved in something dangerous. I got so worried…” She looked back to where she’d been sitting. “I have a sketch of him in my bag.”

Terra walked over to her bag, grabbed it, and handed it to Natalie. She took the bag, and produced a scrap of parchment. “It’s a poor likeness at best, but…His name is Dorcas. Do you know of him?”

Terra took the drawing, and looked at it. It was a rough sketch, but even knowing that, Terra didn’t recognize the man in the drawing. “I’m sorry, but he’s not familiar.” Terra handed the drawing to Wil.

He looked at it, then shook his head. “Nope. Never seen the guy before.” He handed the drawing back to Natalie.

Natalie took the picture with a look of growing concern, and sighed. “I wonder how far afield he might be travelling… I may not be able to follow him then…” A look of hope crossed her face as she looked to Wil, then to Terra. “If you do see him, could you give him a message?” Natalie asked. “Tell him that Natalie is looking for him.”

“I’ll let him know.” Terra promised. “Now, as long as we’re sharing a building, would you like to come to our camp? Have some company?”

Natalie smiled. “Thank you. I would appreciate it.”

Wil and Terra brought Natalie to their camp, and introduced her to Lyn and Florina. Natalie asked them about Dorcas as well, but neither Florina nor Lyn were any more help than Terra or Wil had been.

“Where are Kent and Sain?” Terra asked. “Have they come back yet?”

Lyn shook her head, and was about to say something when the sound of hoofbeats heralded their arrival.

“Lady Lyndis!” Kent shouted. “Bandits! Outside the fortress!” Suddenly, everyone was standing, on alert and arming themselves.

“Should we ride out to face them, milady?” Sain asked.

“How many of them are there?” Terra asked immediately.

“About two dozen, by my count.” Kent said. Sain nodded his agreement.

Terra shook her head. “Too many to ride out and face, and we have someone else to watch out for.” Gesturing to Natalie, Terra continued. “She’s got a bad leg, and I don’t want to leave her stranded. And besides,” Terra gestured to the fortress around them, “riding out would give up our advantage. We should fortify our position here, and let them come to us. If they decide they want to try and lay siege on us, we’ll consider our options again.”

“Where do you want us?” Kent asked.

Terra took a moment to think. “Kent, I want you and Sain to hold the main entrance. Take Wil with you. Lyn and I will go to the eastern entrance. Florina, take Natalie into the central room, then meet up with us. Let’s go!”

Terra and Lyn rushed to the eastern entrance. In the distance, Terra could see the first of the bandits rapidly approaching the fort. A trio of axe-wielding marauders coming close. Two of them seemed eager to fight, but the third, trailing behind the other two, seemed less enthusiastic. Lyn hung back, just inside the fortress’s walls, and waited.

The first two bandits arrived, but Lyn’s position just inside the fort’s entrance meant that the bandits couldn’t attack her at the same time. So the first bandit fought Lyn in the doorway, but the close space made his swings awkward, and Lyn was able to handle him without much issue. Then the second came, experiencing the same difficulties, and met the same fate.

The third bandit walked slowly, carefully, towards the entrance, not rushing in blindly like the two before him. Terra watched him and his two axes closely, waiting for him to make his move. Then, she noticed his face. It looked familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it.

Then the man threw the axe in his hand, and Lyn and Terra ducked away from the entrance as it crossed the threshold and slammed into the wall, clattering to the ground. Lyn ducked back into the doorway just in time to intercept the bandit as he tried to rush his way into the fortress. Her sword, raised to strike, instead swept to block his inbound axe. Their collision favored the bandit, and Lyn had to backpedal a bit to keep her balance. The bandit seized on this shift in initiative, and swung at Lyn again, and again she barely managed to block with her sword. He wore determination on his face, and slowly pushed Lyn back.

Terra finally recognized the man’s face. “Dorcas, wait!” She shouted.

Dorcas shoved off of Lyn, and took a few steps back. He turned to look at Terra with a frown. “How do you know my name?”

“Natalie told us.” Terra explained. “What are you doing with these bandits?”

Dorcas shrugged. “I need the money. If you’ve talked to Natalie, you should understand.”

“And I do.” Terra affirmed. “But joining up with bandits? Attacking travellers?”

Dorcas grimaced. “There aren’t any other ways to make money around here. Ugly as it is, it’s my only option, until I can scrounge up enough money to go somewhere else, and find a better job there.”

“Those are great lengths to go to.” Lyn said solemnly.

Dorcas nodded. “I’ll do anything for Natalie. Even this.”

“Would you hurt your wife?” Terra asked. Dorcas shot her an angry, confused look. “She’s here, in this fortress!” Terra explained. “We’re fighting to protect her!”

“What? She’s here?” Dorcas asked. “Natalie’s here?”

“She was so worried about you that she came looking for you!” Lyn added. “Are there truly no limits to what you will do? Think, Dorcas! What would Natalie think if she saw you doing this?”

Dorcas was silent for a moment, his face a stony mask. Then, the mask softened, and Dorcas nodded. “You’re right. I can’t do this. I’ll find another way.” Dorcas turned to Terra. “I would like to repay the kindness you’ve shown Natalie. Allow me to fight with you.”

Terra looked to Lyn, who nodded. “Welcome aboard, Dorcas.” Lyn said.

“Commander! Lyn!” Florina came barrelling around the corner. “I’m here! Who is this?”

“This is Dorcas.” Terra said. “Natalie’s husband. He’s here to help us fight off these bandits. I want you three to hold this entrance. I’m going to go check on the others.”

Terra ran back down the hall towards the rest of the defense. At the main entrance, Kent and Sain were a dam against the flood of bandits trying to rush into the fortress, swords flashing in the faint torchlight. Wil stood behind them, taking shots as he could into the crowd beyond the knights. Looking beyond the defense, Terra saw a hallway continue on, and felt a wave of paranoia. She rushed past the battle at the fort’s gate, and into the hall beyond. There, her worries were partly confirmed. There was no entrance on this side she’d forgotten about, but the sound of metal on stone confirmed that there were bandits trying to rectify that. Terra found the spot they were trying to enter through: an old arrow slit.

Terra ran back to the front gate of the fortress. “Wil! There are bandits trying to break in on this side! Come handle them!”

Wil broke off from the defense, and brushed past Terra to handle the newly-discovered aggression. The knights, for their part, didn’t look like they would miss the archer too horribly. If anything, they seemed perfectly capable of handling everything else on their own. “If you clear out all of the bandits coming at you here,” Terra called out over the din of battle, “poke out a little bit and see if you can find their leader. Stay close, though, in case anyone tries to get in.”

Kent and Sain both shouted what passed as affirmations, and Terra doubled back to the east, where Lyn, Florina, and Dorcas were. They had, to her surprise, pressed out beyond the fortress’s walls. They were fighting just to the northeast of the fortress, where a band of swordsmen had begun to trickle onto the field. Terra looked to the south, and saw a pair of bandits. One of the bandits held an axe in one hand, while wildly waving his other. He seemed to be shouting something, but Terra couldn’t hear it over the sounds of battle nearby. Even so, she recognized an enemy commander when she saw one.

Terra turned back to Lyn’s group. They were still fighting, but weren’t heavily engaged. Terra went to the group, and when she found a moment, called out, “Lyn, come with me!” Lyn disengaged from the fight, and followed Terra.

“Their boss is to the south.” Terra explained as they went. “If we take him out,” she said, pointing to the man in question, “we might be able to end this here and now.”

Lyn nodded, and rushed forwards. The pair didn’t notice Lyn’s approach until she was right on top of them, and by then, she’d already cut two deep gashes into the bandit near the leader. As he collapsed, Lyn flitted back, away from the wide arc that their leader cut with his axe. Now that she was closer, Terra could hear his angry shouts.

“Damnit! How!? Why are you so damn tough!? Why won’t you just die!?” At that, the man lunged forwards, swinging his axe wildly. Lyn was ready for his attack, though, and simply danced to the side. She darted in and out, wearing her opponent down, getting small attacks in wherever she could. The man just couldn’t keep up with her quick movements. He would swing his axe, trying to land a solid hit, but Lyn would just fade away for a moment, then come right back in. It went on like that for about a minute, but eventually, he couldn’t keep it up, and started slowing down. It was a few moments longer, but eventually, Lyn capitalized on her foe’s fading strength, and, after one more fade-away, delivered a killing blow.

Suddenly, there was a flash in the sky, accompanied by a rumble that shook the air. Terra looked east, and saw that the storm that had been creeping onto them was now right on top of them. For a moment, the battlefield seemed to fall silent. In that silence, a voice called out. “Screw this! Fall back!” In a minute, the battlefield was cleared, and as soon as silence fell on the battlefield again, the skies opened up, and rain began to fall.

The crack of thunder joined dreams with reality, and Terra woke in a cold sweat, breath coming hard and fast, the memory of her nightmare already fading away. She was sure it was a nightmare, though, even if she couldn’t remember what it was about. She closed her eyes, not to go back to sleep, but just to try to focus on calming her breathing. After about a minute, her breathing was back to normal, and she reached up to rub her eyes. She felt the remains of tears on her face - had she been crying? Was the nightmare truly so terrible that it had driven her to tears? Why couldn’t she remember it?

Opening her eyes again, she looked around the inner room of the fortress, where they’d taken shelter from the rain. By the sounds she heard, it seemed like the storm was still going strong. Everyone else was still sound asleep. Looking around the room, in the low light of the torches burning near the entrance, Terra could see Lyn and Florina on one side, Natalie next to an empty set of blankets, and the knights asleep near the entrance. It took her a moment to remember their watch schedule, but she got there after a moment, and realized that her watch shift was next. Realizing that she probably wasn’t going to get much sleep in her current state, she got up, and, careful not to wake anyone else, began walking to the outer walls.

Terra smiled as she walked past the knights. They had tried to insist that they be the only ones to stand watch tonight, but Lyn had insisted that it would be more fair for all combatants to take turns standing watch. The knights had tried to argue the point, but neither made much headway against their sworn lady, especially once the rest of the group started weighing in. Eventually, the knights had managed to get Lyn to accept them taking the first and last watch shifts, but they’d had to concede the middle of the night to the rest of the group. But looking at them now, so soundly asleep, she knew that they would be glad for the rest. They’d had what was probably the hardest fight today. They deserved a few solid hours of rest tonight.

Wil and Dorcas were quietly sitting just outside the entrance to the inner room. Both were surprised to see her up. “Storm woke me up.” Terra explained.

Wil nodded, and stood up. “Well, I suppose, since you’re up, I’m gonna turn in. Don’t forget, Dorcas, you’re waking Lyn.”

Dorcas nodded, and Wil left the pair of them alone. For a moment, they were both quiet, and simply listened to the storm raging outside. The sounds of wind and rain and thunder echoed through the outer hall.

“I spoke with Natalie.” Dorcas said during a lull in the storm. “Our village is close. Tomorrow, I’ll take her home, and then return.”

“Then you’ve decided to stay with us?” Terra asked.

Dorcas nodded. “I believe that I will have better opportunities to find work and money in Lycia. And I owe you and your band for helping Natalie.” He paused for a moment before adding, “And Natalie would prefer that I work with you than try to find some other band to travel with.”

Terra chuckled at that. “I’m sure. After today, I’m surprised she’s not insisting to travel with you.”

Dorcas chuckled too, a sound drowned out by a peal of thunder. “I believe that she would, under any other occasion. She trusts Lyn to keep me in line, though, and you to get me back alive.”

Terra blinked. “She trusts me to…” She nodded gravely, and they were silent for a while longer.

“I’m sorry,” Dorcas said eventually, “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Terra shook her head. “No, you’re fine. It’s just… I haven’t thought very much about the responsibility I have.” She stared out into the storm. “Lyn’s the leader of this group, but as the tactician, everyone’s looking to me for guidance. If one of you dies, we’re all going to feel horrible for it, but in the end, the responsibility rests most squarely on my shoulders. And you… I mean, everyone’s got something that they’re fighting for, but if I got you killed… I’ve met Natalie. I couldn’t bear to think of what might happen to her if I got you killed. How she might feel.” She took a deep breath, and let it rush out. “It’s a hell of a motivator.”

Terra felt a hand land on her shoulder, but she didn’t turn to look at Dorcas. “Just remember, you’re not the only one looking out for us. I’ve only been with your group for a little bit, but I’ve seen how they look out for each other. The burden doesn’t fall on you alone. We all shoulder a bit of it.”

Terra smiled, and turned to face Dorcas. “Thank you.”

They sat for a while longer, sometimes speaking, sometimes just listening to the rise and fall of the storm. Sometimes, they stayed out in front of the inner room. Every now and then, they got up and checked on the horses, tied up inside in one of the side hallways, out of the rain. But eventually, Dorcas stood, and said he needed to go wake Lyn for her shift. Terra nodded, and kept her watch as Dorcas left to affect the change. She stared out into the storm. According to Dorcas, it had been calmer earlier in the night, but now, it seemed to be picking up again. Terra wasn’t looking forward to the march in the morning: it seemed like a lot of mud to trudge through.

Terra jumped as a hand landed on her shoulder. She whirled, staff in her hands, but relaxed when she saw Lyn, an apologetic look on her face. “I didn’t mean to sneak up on you.” She said.

Terra took a deep breath, and laughed a little bit. “You’re fine.”

The pair of them settled in at the front of the fort.

“So, Dorcas tells me that he’s going to continue travelling with us.” Lyn said.

“He told me earlier.” Terra confirmed. “I’m glad we’ve got some more strength. Every little bit helps.”

Lyn was about to say something, when a particularly loud clap of thunder sounded outside, accompanied by a flash that turned night into day.

“That was a big one.” Lyn said with a whistle. “Is this the same storm that stopped our battle today?”

Terra, whose mind had wandered at the clap and flash, blinked, and came back to reality. “Uh… yeah. Kind of. Dorcas said that it’s been on and off all night.”

Lyn looked outside, and sighed. “Marching isn’t going to be great tomorrow.”

“I was thinking the same thing.” Terra said. “The roads are going to be washed out, and mud’s going to be everywhere. It’ll be slow going, that’s for sure.”

“We’ll make it through, though.” Lyn assured. “As long as we can make it to Caelin, I won’t mind a day or two of rough travelling. A little mud won’t stop me from meeting my grandfather.”

Terra’s reply was cut off by another blast of lightning. This time, they could see the strike through the door as it hit a tree outside. The roll of thunder was deafening.

When my eyes cleared, there was one less man in my squad. My heart and mind raced. The reports from the war room meeting had placed the enemy’s mages at least two hundred yards away or so. We should have been far out of thunder range!

But not out of range of-

Another bolt cut through my thoughts, and blasted another soldier out of existence. A cry of “Bolting!” rang out, and I felt my blood turn to ice. The raid on the convoy. The missing tomes. They’d- Shit! Fuck, no no NONONO! I scanned our surroundings, looking for something, anything, to give us some cover.

“That way!” I called, pointing to the edge of a forest about fifty yards away. “Run for cover!”

Another blast of light and sound, and now I couldn’t block out the smell of singed cloth, burnt flesh, and the sharp stench of lightning. It mixed in my nose, and stung. I ran at a blind sprint, blinking tears. Another strike of lightning, then another, followed by twin claps of thunder, but I didn’t stop to survey the damage. I ran hard, not stopping until the bright sun was blocked by the trees. I grabbed a tree, and closed my eyes tight as I struggled to catch my breath. I’d run farther distances before, but that had been the longest fifty yards of my life. Slowly, I heard the sounds of my soldiers crashing into the forest nearby.

“Syd…” I shouted, though it came out as more of a croak, “R-report.”

Silence. Deafening silence. There were plenty of sounds: the rustle of leaves, the hard breathing of soldiers… but no Syd.

“Sydney?” I forced my eyes open, dreading what I might see…

Cassidy. Powell. Mark. Erin. No Lowell. No Paulie. No Harper. And no Syd. No. Sydney…

“She was the first to… to go, sarge.”

“Sydney…” Terra whispered.

Lyn’s hand on her shoulders dragged Terra out of her own head. There was a look of concern in her eyes. “Terra, are you alright?”

Terra’s body shook with a sob she hadn’t realized she was holding back, and tears rolled unbidden down her cheeks. A second sob shot through her, and she struggled to hold the tears back. Then Lyn’s arms wrapped around her, and the floodgates opened.

She didn’t track how long they sat there like that. She didn’t care. She knew that, at some point, she stopped crying, but even then, she sat cradled in Lyn’s arms.

“I remembered something.” Terra said finally, breaking their shared silence.

“Not something good, from how you were.” Lyn said.

Terra shook her head, buried in Lyn’s shoulder, but said nothing. They sat that way for a while longer, then Terra broke their embrace, sitting back, away from Lyn. “I got friends killed.” Terra finally managed to say. “I made a mistake, and I got them killed.”

The words hung in the air, and silence reigned for a time.

“You said a name…” Lyn said softly. “While you were… remembering. Was she important?”

Terra nodded. “I… I think she was.”

“Did she…” Lyn faltered. “Was she one of the ones who…”

Terra nodded again, fighting back a resurgence of tears.

And so, once again, they came together in a tight hug, and once again, they sat in silence, save for a few soft sniffles.

“Thank you, Lyn.” Terra managed. “Thanks for…” She trailed off.

“You’ve done the same for me, Terra.” Lyn said quietly. “We owe each other a lot. We support each other. To the ends of Elibe, remember?”

Terra nodded. “To the ends of Elibe.” She mumbled. She was tired. Physically, mentally, and emotionally tired.

Terra felt herself lifted, not to her feet, but off of them, and confusion fueled a rush of adrenaline. Terra realized, somewhat belatedly, that Lyn had picked her up, and was carrying her into the fort’s inner room. “I’ll wake Kent for you.” She whispered. “Just get some sleep.”

Adrenaline quickly faded, replaced by layers of fatigue. The last thing Terra remembered that night was not the storm, nor the past, but the feeling of safety in Lyn’s arms.

Chapter Text

Kent folded up the map. “We’ve almost reached the Lycian border. By my reckoning, we’ve only a day or so to travel before we reach Jordan’s Crag. We can stock up there before heading on to Castle Araphen, and into Lycia proper.”

“Once we cross the border,” Lyn asked, “will we be safe from bandit attacks?”

“We should be.” Wil confirmed. “I doubt they’ll be willing to chase us across the border. Bern’s borderlands are fairly lawless, but Lycia’s borders are well-patrolled.”

Kent nodded. “Araphen’s knights are a good bunch, from what I’ve heard. Rougher than most, but they have to deal with the border with Bern, so I suppose it just comes with the territory.”

Sain sighed, grinning widely. “Ah, Lycia at last! It’s been too long! Tomorrow, we’ll dine on a feast of Lycia’s finest foods! And the mistress of the inn at the crossing is said to be a beauty.”

“We’ll have a reasonable dinner.” Kent said. “We shouldn’t go around wasting money.”

“Come now, Kent!” Sain replied. “Lord Hausen gave us a sizable budget to cover room expenses, supplies, and provisions for our mission, and, thanks to your thrift, we’ve barely dipped into those reserves! Not to mention the windfall we received from the village we picked Wil up in. Are you telling me there’s no room for one night of mild excess?”

Kent paused for a moment, and looked to ponder the question for a moment, then sighed in defeat and smiled. “I think we can find some space in the budget for one night.”

“I’m just looking forward to sleeping in a bed again!” Florina exclaimed. “No long nights in thunderstorms, no worrying about midnight raids… just a good night’s sleep!”

Terra nodded. “It’ll certainly be a welcome change of pace.”

Any further conversation was cut off when a loud, shrill scream carried forth from the forest ahead of them.

“Well, so much for a quiet march the rest of the way…” Terra muttered. “Come on, guys, let’s go!”

The group rushed into the forest, but didn’t have far to go before they found the source of the commotion: a pair of travelers was beset by a group of bandits. One of the travelers wore the white robes of a cleric, and her pink hair cascaded down in a pair of twintails. She held a staff tight in her hands. The other wore a red traveling cloak, the fallen hood revealing his short, purple hair. He held an open book in his outstretched arm. Nearby, the charred body of a bandit sat smoldering on the forest floor.

Eyes turned to the new arrivals, and one of the bandits scowled and growled. “There, see! The rest o’yer damn band’s here to bail ya out! Boss was right!”

“We’ve never met!” the pinkette shrieked.

A bandit moved to attack the pair from the side. An arrow shot forth, sinking into his shoulder. In that moment, the forest erupted into chaos. Terra could only watch the situation for so long before she found herself forced to be involved.

A bandit came up to her from the side, sword raised to strike. She leapt to the side, deftly avoiding the strike, and swung her staff at him, catching him in the thigh. He winced, but shook off the blow and came at her again. She dodged again, this time backwards, but the sword was closer this time. She jabbed at him with the staff, hitting him in the stomach. He grunted in pain, but grabbed the staff before she could retract it. Terra tried twisting and pulling the staff away, but the bandit’s grip was locked in tight. She couldn’t get her staff back.

The bandit snarled, eyes locked onto hers. Terra dropped the staff and leapt away from the third strike, but in doing so, she slammed her back into a tree, and momentum crashed her head into it as well. She winced and swore loudly as pain shot through her head. There was a pained cry, and Terra opened her eyes to see, through blurry vision, that the bandit was no longer focused on her. Instead, with bleeding cut across his back, he was now focused intently on Sain. Terra’s vision refocused, and she found her staff discarded on the ground nearby. She picked it up, came up behind the bandit, and, grasping her staff tight in both hands, she swung.

There was a loud crack and a pained scream as Terra’s staff slammed into the bandit’s lower ribs, caving in the middle of his torso. His scream turned to a gurgle as Sain capitalized, his second swing cutting where the bandit’s neck met his shoulders. The bandit collapsed and Sain, nodding once to Terra, dove back into the fray. Terra looked around her immediate vicinity. No more bandits were nearby. Working to calm her suddenly ragged breathing, she turned her attention to the battlefield.

The fight had well and truly turned into a rout for the bandits. Where there had been a dozen and change of them to start, there were now five of them, and those five, including the one who had accused the pair of travelers of being with their group, were starting to pull away from the fight. Two of them stayed forward, spending their lives to keep Florina and Kent at bay, while the other three fled, shouting for the rest of the bandits. Terra grimaced. This fight wasn’t over yet.

For a moment, though, calm fell onto the battlefield. Terra rubbed the back of her head, and pulled her hand away. There was no blood, thankfully, but the spot hurt to touch, and her whole head still throbbed.

“I’m sorry to have gotten you involved.” Lyn said. Terra looked up to see Lyn talking with the pair.

“It’s no problem.” The purple-haired mage said. “We were just caught in a misunderstanding. Please, don’t trouble yourselves with us.”

“If you’re going to have to fight anyways, shouldn’t we stick together?” Lyn asked. “It’ll make this fight go faster.”

“That’s true!” The pinkette replied. She turned to her companion. “Erk, go help them out!”

Erk deflated a little bit, but nodded. “Alright, fine. At least it’ll be better than trying to fight on my own.”

“My name’s Lyn.” Lyn offered.

“My name’s Serra.” The pinkette responded. “This is my escort, Erk.”

Terra began walking forwards. “My name’s Terra, the group’s tactician. What are your abilities?”

“I’m a student of Anima magic.” Erk said. “Serra’s most notable ability is to drive the sanest of men mad after spending so much as five minutes with them.” Serra balked and scowled at that, but Erk ignored her and continued, “but I suppose you’d be more interested in her skills with her staff. She’s an OK healer, I guess.”

“I- Only decent!?” Serra harrumphed. “Erk, I must say that you’ve painted quite the unflattering image of your employer!” Serra looked at Terra. “Despite what my contrary employee might tell you, Terra, I am quite adept at using staves to heal wounds.”

“Perhaps a demonstration of your considerable skills is in order, milady?” Sain rode forwards, wearing the biggest smile he possibly could. “Milady, my name is Sain, and I was injured during that skirmish. Might you grace me with your aid?”

Sure enough, there was a nasty-looking gash along Sain’s thigh. Terra frowned. Had he gotten that protecting her?

Serra smiled just as wide. “Of course, sir Sain.” She approached him, and raised her staff. When she spoke next, it was in a different language, but one that Terra still recognized.

“Elimine, your servant asks that you heal this knight’s injuries, and make him fit to fight again!”

A pale blue light surrounded Sain, and Terra watched in amazement as the wound on his thigh knitted itself closed right in front of her. Sain’s hand came down to the spot, and rubbed the spot where the wound had been. “Barely a scar left to show…” He murmured. “You have my thanks, milady!” He gave her a short bow from his horse.

“Sir Sain, I am nothing if not generous. Do any of your companions require my aid?”

Kent, Dorcas, and Lyn had each sustained injuries during the course of the skirmish, and Serra healed each of them in turn. As soon as she finished, though, the bandits returned in force.

“You’re not getting away so easily!” The bandit leader shouted. “You leave alive, and everyone’ll think that the Ganelon Bandits have gone soft!”

“And we care nothing for you or your reputations!” Lyn shouted back. “We are going to Lycia, and you will not stop us!”

“Kill’em all, lads!” The leader yelled out. “No holdin’ back!”

With that, just over a dozen bandits charged forwards through the forest, towards the group, who took battle positions, as directed by Terra. As the bandits approached, Terra watched Erk as he opened the tome in his hands. He grabbed the first page at the top, and spoke, like Serra, in that different, familiar language: “Spirits of fire, burn!” Then, he ripped the page from the book, flinging it in the direction of the approaching bandits. Terra watched as the page burned away in flight, changing into a fireball that drove straight into one of the approaching brigands.

Wil, Erk, and Serra were behind the main battle line with Terra. Up front, the fighting was fierce. A brief bout of withering ranged fire had reduced the bandits’ numbers a bit on their approach, but the group’s frontline fighters were still outnumbered almost 2-1. But the bandits were a rough group, and Lyn’s Legion had slowly but surely become more of a cohesive fighting force. The knights, Lyn, Florina, and even Dorcas all covered each other’s backs. While one attacked, another defended. When one was pressured, another relieved them. When one made an opening, another capitalized on it. They weren’t perfect combatants, and Terra saw each of them take at least one good hit each (two in Dorcas’s case, and the knights each took three), but they were certainly better than the bandits, who, with a bit of help from the rear line, went from a numbers advantage, to parity, to totally routed over the course of the short, bloody battle. Not five minutes later, thirteen bandits laid dead on the ground, and vulneraries and bandages were broken out, along with additional healing from Serra’s staff.

“Serra, Erk, thank you very much for your help here.” Terra said. “And sorry again for dragging you into our fight.”

“No worries!” Serra said. “It’s always wonderful to meet new people! One of the perks of travel!”

“Thank you for your help, as well.” Erk added. “You helped us out of a rather unpleasant situation.”

“Of course!” Lyn said. “So, I suppose this is where we part ways?”

“Well, I think that depends on where you’re headed to.” Serra said. “If we’re both headed the same way, I think it may be better for us to continue to travel together. Safety in numbers and all that?”

“You won’t find much safety following us, I’m afraid.” Terra admitted. “We’re heading off to a fight.”

“Oh?” Serra asked. Erk deflated, and muttered something.

“We’re escorting Milady Lyndis to Caelin.” Sain offered. “It’s something of an inheritance dispute.”

Serra looked to Lyn with a new glint in her eye. “You’re far too young to be Marquess Caelin’s daughter. Are you his granddaughter?”

Lyn nodded. “I am.”

Serra was quiet for a moment, a contemplative twist to her face. “I’ve decided.” She said finally. “Erk and I shall be accompanying you on your mission to Caelin. Elimine had our paths cross for a reason, and I shall answer her call. Please say you’ll have us!”

“If you’re so eager to aid us, I won’t turn down your assistance.” Lyn said. “I’m sure that your skills will be a welcome addition to our band.”

The group reached the border town of Jordan’s Crag after another day of travel, arriving near sundown. They arrived at the inn, paid for stable space and a pair of rooms (Erk and Serra, apparently, already had arrangements, and their own room), and then immediately left for the local tavern, where they had a damn good meal. After nearly two weeks of game stews, jerky, and travel rolls, dining on fresh meat, veggies, and bread was definitely a welcome change. Then, as promised, a bit of proper indulgence to celebrate their arrival in Lycia: sweet rolls baked with cinnamon, raisins, and nuts.

Back at the inn, Terra learned that their stay at the inn included access to the inn’s bathing setup that drew water from a nearby stream, and the desire to clean off two weeks of accumulated dirt and grime made itself known. So she headed down to the innkeeper to ask for directions, and was led to the changing rooms, and left with three cloths (one for scrubbing, one for drying off, and one for modesty, the innkeeper told her), a lockbox key, and a warning that, though normally kept separate on a schedule, this late at night, the baths were mixed. Terra thanked the innkeeper, and headed into the changing room. She stripped down, but as she did, she found herself distracted.

Terra had never taken a good look at her body since she’d woken up in Lyn’s tent. Her robes covered everything, and there wasn’t much reason before to look. But now, as she saw more and more of her body, she found one question rising to the front.

Where did all of these scars come from?

With every inch of skin she revealed, there seemed to be a new scar that came with it. Granted, not all were equal. Some were very faint, barely noticeable unless she was looking, like the one Glass had given her on her left upper arm (the priest that had healed her, Terra realized belatedly, had spoken in that same different language as Serra and Erk, though at the time, she’d been too distracted by her injury to take notice). Others, like the scar that ran across her chest, or slashed across her thigh, ripped pink and silver trails across her body. She wondered what her back looked like.

She finished stripping down, and began putting her things into the lockbox. She paused for a moment to consider the bag chained to her belt, then decided that she’d be fine without it for a bit, and put it in the box with the rest of her things. Then, she locked the lockbox with her things, and grabbed the key. She wrapped the largest cloth around her waist, tied it off, and carried the other two through the door into the baths.

Sain was in the baths. He sat on a stool, cloth wrapped around his waist. A bucket of water sat at his feet, another cloth draped along the side. A bar of soap was in his hand, mid-scrub along his arm. They sat, staring at each other for a moment. Terra noticed Sain’s gaze had drifted down from her face, and moved to cover her chest. Then, Sain’s face turned bright red, and he turned around quickly. “M-my apologies, milady! I meant no offense, I swear! My eyes were drawn by the scar on your chest, not your… your chest.”

For a moment, Terra debated giving Sain a hard time about it, but quickly decided against. “Don’t worry about it. It’s fine. They surprised me, too.” She surveyed the room, working out where everything she would need was. She grabbed a bucket from a nearby stack, and a bar of soap from a pile nearby (it smelled like lavender). She filled her bucket with water from a surprisingly warm pool, and set herself up facing away from Sain.

Terra found scrubbing off the weeks of dirt and grime to be oddly satisfying, and certainly refreshing. It felt so good, after weeks of marching, to clean up. The water was pleasantly warm, not too hot, and the soap just gave the whole experience that little extra kick. For a while, she was able to simply sit and enjoy the process. But as she cleaned up, the scars drew more and more of her attention, and in particular, the one on her arm, the one that Glass had given her, set her thinking. Soon enough, her thoughts turned to the battle yesterday, to her run-in with the swordsman…

“Sain?” Terra asked.

“Hm?” He answered.

“Thank you for saving me yesterday.”

“Of course, milady!” Sain replied. “I saw that you were in need, and rode forthwith to your side, as any good knight would. I’m just glad I was able to help!”

Terra smiled, but her smile faltered as she thought more about the fight. Thoughts turned to what could have happened had Sain not been as swift to her aid. Would she have survived the encounter with another scar to show for it? Or would the bandit have killed her there and then? With Serra, she supposed that their capacity for healing had improved, but would it have even mattered? If the bandit had killed Terra, not just left her seriously wounded, then there wouldn’t have been a thing that Serra could do.

“You have an amazing number of scars.” Sain said. “You must have lived quite the life before losing your memories. Fought a great many fights.” There was a pause. “I’ve seen seasoned veterans with fewer scars than you. To have survived so much in so little time…”

“If only I had kept some of those combat skills.” Terra mused. “Maybe then I’d be an asset on the battlefield.”

“What do you mean?” Sain said, turning to face Terra. “You ARE an asset, Terra.”

“Sain,” Terra said, facing him, “I’m not a fighter, and I’ve still been injured once and nearly injured again, not to mention all of the times that I narrowly avoid combat by luck or speech. I’m at the back of every fight, standing back and watching you guys risk your lives, and trouble still finds me. Whenever I have to take a swing at someone, it’s because something’s gone wrong, and it takes one of you guys to drag me back out of it.”

“You’re also our group’s tactician.” Sain pointed out. “Your responsibility isn’t risking your life to fight, it’s to tell us what to do and how to do it. You’re our commander. You guide us through every fight. We battle so you don’t have to. And if you are hurt in battle, that is our failure, not yours.” Sain smiled, though there was a hint of sadness to it. “You were hurt, or almost hurt, not because you couldn’t defend yourself, but because your soldiers didn’t defend you.” And with that, he turned away again.

Terra wasn’t quite satisfied with that response, at least at first, but it did hold some merit to it. If nothing else, she had been a bit lax in making sure that she had someone to protect herself. But previously, they hadn’t exactly had many soldiers to spare in the first place. The way things were shaping up now, though, they were getting to the point where pulling one soldier off the front line to protect her wasn’t too far out there. Doing so probably wouldn’t affect their combat strength too much at this point. And that was enough to satisfy her for now.

“Thank you, Sain.”

“Of course, milady.”

Chapter Text

Araphen’s walls loomed overhead as the group approached the city’s gates. Far from being intimidated, though, Terra found an odd comfort in them. They were finally in Lycia. Here, they would hopefully be free from random banditry, and everyone would be able to sleep a little more soundly. And hopefully, if Kent’s meeting with Marquess Araphen went well, they’d be leaving with a bit more security.

As their group approached the gate, one of the guards standing at the gate looked up at them, and walked up to meet them. Her armor was well maintained, with the exception of her shield, which looked as though it had definitely seen some better days. A pair of broken spear points hung off her belt.

“Sain, I’m of half a mind to turn you ‘round and send you off. I’d be doing all of Araphen’s women a disservice if I didn’t.”

Sain just smiled that great big grin of his, though. “Ah, Rosaline! Well met! I’m glad to see that you’ve kept your sharp wit. How long has it been since we’ve seen each other?”

Rosaline’s stern face lightened. “Been a bit less than a year since we kicked you back to Caelin. Kent said that you wouldn’t be too far behind.” Her face shifted again, this time to one of worry. “He said that he was going to talk to the Marquess, that it was urgent. What’s going on, Sain? Who are these people?”

“It’s a long story.” Sain said. “An inheritance dispute in Caelin. We’re escorting Lady Lyndis, Lady Madelyn’s daughter, from Sacae to see her grandfather. Lundgren has already taken action to try to kill milady, and we were worried that the threat would only grow as we approached Caelin, so we’ve decided to petition Marquess Araphen for aid.”

Rosaline looked back to the group. Her eyes flitted from person to person before landing on Lyn.

“Huh. Just like your mom’s portraits.” Rosaline said.

“You’ve been to Caelin?” Lyn asked.

Rosaline nodded. “It’s how I met Kent and Sain. I was part of their training cadre in Caelin, and we did our first mission together: hunting a group of bandits out in the borderlands. They come back around every now and then, and last year, they helped me train up a couple of new recruits.”

“Caelin and Araphen enjoy a sturdy friendship that goes back decades.” Sain said. “Our knights and soldiers train frequently train together. I’ve even seen Caelin knights with squires from Araphen, and vice versa.”

“Do you know how we can get to the castle?” Terra asked.

“Just head straight on down the main road.” Rosaline said. “No turns. It’ll take you right there. Sain knows the way. He should be able to take you unless he’s forgotten.”

“Thank you, ma’am.” Terra said.

“Good luck with your meeting!” Rosaline waved them on, and the group walked past the guardhouse, through the gates, and into Araphen. The main road was wide, and lined with stalls and vendors on either side. People milled about in the streets, carts travelled up and down the road. The city was absolutely buzzing.

“This city is so big…” Lyn said. “It’s bigger than Bulgar… Are all Lycian cities like this?”

“No.” Terra responded. “Araphen’s one of the biggest cities in Lycia.” According to Kaia’s notes, the second-largest city in Lycia, smaller only than Ostia herself. Both had similar reasons for their notable size: Ostia was the gateway to Etruria, Ilia, and the Western Isles, and thus was a hub of commerce for Lycians going out, and those countries coming in. Similarly, beyond Araphen lay Bern and Sacae (and also Ilia, by way of Sacae). However, Ostia also had the benefit of being the seat of Lycia’s power, the head of the Lycian League, and that prestige drew people to the city.

“So, you come here often, then?” Terra asked Sain.

Sain smiled. “Perhaps not ‘often,’ but this certainly isn’t the first time I’ve come here…” He paused in thought, then offered “fifth or sixth time, perhaps. Like Rosaline said, Kent and I have come here to fight bandits in the borderlands or train up new recruits. It keeps us sharp.”

“Keeps you sharp? What do you mean?” Lyn asked.

“Lycia’s knights are fighters, but we rarely have much fighting to do.” Sain explained. “Lycia hasn’t experienced widespread warfare in a very long time, and Caelin specifically hasn’t experienced combat with another territory since a spat with Tania 15 years ago. Our time on the battlefield is normally limited to political squabbles and the odd criminal band that pops up within our territories. I’ve fought as many battles in the weeks that we’ve been travelling as I fought in the entire rest of my service as a knight, and I’m including the three times Kent and I rode with Araphen’s knights in the borderlands.”

They enjoyed a moment of silence, and Lyn looked like she was about to say something to break it when Kent came riding towards them from the castle’s direction.

“Milady Lyndis!” He called out as he approached, “The marquess has agreed to aid us on our journey to Caelin!.”

“He’s going to help us?” Lyn asked.

Kent nodded. “Once I informed the marquess of our plight, he agreed to lend us his strength.”

“Then it looks like we’ve got a smooth road ahead!” Sain declared.

“How is the marquess to aid us?” Terra asked. “Does he plan to commit soldiers, or simply supply us?”

Kent frowned, sighed, and shrugged. “I don’t know. He made vague promises of support, but also refused to elaborate on specifics in our meeting. He assured me that he would not send us away empty-handed, but he made it clear he wanted to speak with Lady Lyndis personally before committing to anything.”

“Then we don’t yet know if we’ll be getting reinforcements or just supplies?” Lyn asked. “That’s awfully frustrating.”

“That’s Marquess Araphen for you.” Sain commented. “The man’s always scheming.”

Kent frowned at Sain, but it wasn’t long before the frown crumbled. “He’s not wrong. Marquess Araphen is not a man to jump into something without careful consideration. He’s always looking to maximize the gains that he and Araphen enjoy.”

“So he may decide that Araphen stands to gain the most by offering only token support?” Terra asked.

“Or he may decide that he stands to gain the most by sending along two squads of knights with us.” Kent offered. “Ultimately, it depends on what he decides is best, given the situation. And he wants to talk with Lady Lyndis before making that decision.”

“Why does he want to talk to me?” Lyn asked. “What more can I tell him that you haven’t already?”

“Maybe he just wants to make sure he gets a chance to see you while you’re in town.” Sain suggested. “He was one of Lady Madelyn’s potential suitors, before she rode off with your father. He might just want the chance to meet you.”

Lyn was silent for a long moment, a complex array of emotions dancing across her face. “So it all comes down to how our meeting goes, then? If he’ll help us or not?”

Kent grimaced. “I’m sorry to grow your burdens, milady.”

Lyn just shook her head. “You did everything you could for me, Kent. You’ve fought at my side and now you’ve helped us secure valuable supplies. You’re a capable knight, and I appreciate everything you’ve done.”

“Thank you, milady.” Kent said with a reassured smile. “Now then, the castle awaits!”

Together, the group made its way to the castle. However, it wasn’t long before a thick column of black smoke began to rise from the castle. Alarmed, the group hastened their approach. Now, yells and screams began to erupt from the direction they were headed. Their path brought them to a barracks near the castle, where a small contingent of Araphen’s soldiers were engaged in combat with a group of assailants.

Terra was about to order the group to help Araphen’s soldiers when, with a shout of “It’s her! Get them!” another group charged them from the side. Three swordsmen rushed forwards, two splitting off to fight Kent and Sain, while the third went straight for Lyn. Surprised by the ambush, Lyn was on the back foot immediately. But just as quickly as these new assailants had launched their attack did another combatant enter the scene. A man on horseback appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and fired an arrow into the back of Lyn’s attacker, dropping him where he stood. No sooner had the swordsman fallen than did the rider pivot and ride towards the soldiers.

With the help of the rest of the group, the knights had little trouble handling their attackers, and together, the group headed towards the group of soldiers, where the sudden tripling of combatants resulted in a quick, overwhelming defeat for the assailants.

As quickly as the fight was over, though, the rider ordered the soldiers to move on.

“Wait!” Lyn cried. “Why did you help me?”

“I thought a woman of Sacae was being attacked.” The rider looked at Sain and Kent. “I was mistaken.”

“No, you were right! I am from Sacae! I’m the daughter of the Lorca chieftain!”

“The Lorca?” That had him looking at Lyn again, with a closer eye. “I thought they were all wiped out. There were survivors?” Lyn nodded. She and the rider stared into each other for a moment, before the rider nodded as well. “You should leave at once. A blaze has started in the castle, and it may spread. Don’t be foolish and waste the life I’ve just saved.”

“I was just in the castle!” Kent said. “What’s happening? How severe is the fire? Is the marquess safe?”

“The castle is under attack.” The rider said. “No one has heard from the marquess, which means he’s probably been captured. The men who attacked you were probably some of the marauders. As the captain of the guard, it’s my duty to rescue the marquess.”

“Then we’ll help you.” Lyn declared.

The rider frowned. “Why?”

“These people are after me.” Lyn explained. “If they’re attacking the castle, it’s because of me. So if I can help, I will.”

The rider was quiet for a moment. Then, his frown lightened, and he nodded. “Right. Let’s go.”

“You’ll accept our aid?” Terra asked.

The rider nodded. “I am Rath of the Kutolah.” He turned to Lyn. “Our tribes may be different, but I will not abandon a woman of Sacae.”

“Shall we ride to the castle, then?” Terra asked.

Rath thought for a moment, then shook his head. “If they’ve already taken the keep, we may be better off taking another route. There’s a secret passage that runs from the barracks to the throne room. There are triggers in the barracks that will open the way. Once we hit all three, the way will open, and it’ll be a straight shot to the castle. My men will be able to handle the rest.”

“They locked the doors, captain.” One of the Araphen soldiers said.

“That’s fine.” Rath said. “I’ve got my…” He froze, immediately tense. “When did they…” He muttered a curse under his breath. “They must have stolen my set of keys.”

“Then our first objective is opening those doors.” Terra declared. “If we can’t get inside and finish them, we’re stuck.” She looked around. To the north and east, groups of armed combatants approached. “Maybe some of these marauders have keys.”

Rath nocked an arrow to his bow. “Only one way to find out.”

Rath and his soldiers peeled away to the east. Terra sent Kent and Sain with them, and the rest of them headed north to deal with the other band of enemies. A pair of archers stood behind a swordsman and a spearman. Terra directed Dorcas and Lyn to attack the pair of melee combatants. Erk and Wil, she had go after the archers. Once the archers were distracted with their ranged duel, she had Florina join in the attack. With Serra nearby to help keep everyone patched up, the group was able to make short work of their enemy. However, none of the fallen foes had any keys on them. Terra turned the group around to rejoin Rath and his group, and see if they’d had any luck.

The tap on her shoulder startled Terra, and she whirled, staff in hand, ready to strike.

“Whoa, whoa! Peace, friend!” The man jumped back, away from Terra. His eyes were focused, his gaze piercing, despite the friendly smile on his face. He wasn’t bearing arms at the moment, though Terra did notice the knives sheathed in his boots.

“Who are you?” Terra said, still on guard. “What do you want?”

“My name is Matthew.” The man said. “I’m a… specialist in acquisitions. I was wondering if you were interested in buying my services.”

Terra relaxed her guard a bit. “I’ve got no need for a thief. We’re not exactly trying to steal anything.”

“I guess you don’t need to get into the barracks, then?” Matthew asked.

Terra paused, reevaluating the young man in front of her. If they got a key off of the other group of attackers, they might be able to proceed without issue. If. And that didn’t preclude there being other issues once they did get into the barracks. If everything went smoothly, Terra figured she could always turn Matthew away. But somehow, she figured that their group wouldn’t be so lucky.

“How did you know that we were trying to get into the barracks?” Terra asked.

Matthew shrugged. “I didn’t. Not specifically. But I saw you guys going over their bodies, so you had to be looking for something. Keys to some locked doors seemed as good a guess as any.”

Terra nodded. “And why join us?”

Matthew smiled. “Seems like fun. More fun than joining up with the dead guys, anyways.”

“You’re the strangest thief I’ve ever met.” Terra said. “Come on, let’s go see if the others had better luck.”

They hadn’t. “We’ll have to see if we can fashion a battering ram from timbers from a nearby house.” Rath said. “If we can’t find my keys on these ruffians, we’ll just have to break the doors down.”

“Actually,” Terra interjected, “I just found someone who’s offered his services to help us resolve that issue.” She gestured towards Matthew. “His name’s Matthew. He says that he can get us in through those doors.” Suddenly, all eyes were on Matthew. “If our only other options are forgoing the passage or taking time to break the doors down,” Terra continued, “I say we take advantage of him.”

Rath nodded. “Do you work fast, Matthew?”

Matthew flashed a crooked smile, even as his eyes went serious. “Fast as lightning.”

Rath nodded, and started his horse moving. “Come with me.” He led the group to a door to an outbuilding on the barracks’s southern side. “Work your craft.”

Matthew rubbed his hands together, then dipped them into his cloak. They came back out holding a couple pieces of metal, which he inserted into the door’s lock. A little less than a minute later, Matthew turned the door’s handle and it swung open, revealing an armory, and surprising the pair of soldiers inside, who moved to attack. Dorcas, Lyn, Erk, and Wil were able to clean up the soldiers with little trouble, and Rath dismounted, and walked inside. He went to a rack of swords, and reached past the rack to the wall behind. He looked up to the ceiling briefly, then brought his gaze back down. His hand glided over the stones in the wall, until he found what he was looking for, and pressed it. Then, he turned, walked back out, and mounted back up.

“That’s one.”

From there, he led the group north, to another outbuilding. Matthew picked the door to this one open, too. No one was inside, so Rath walked in, and made a beeline to the corner of the room, where he prodded a stone on the wall near the ground with his toe. He came back out, mounted back up, and turned to the group. “The third switch is going to be in the barracks itself. I doubt that the barracks will be as sparse as it’s been out here.”

As Matthew picked the door to the barracks, everyone else readied themselves. As they were about to head in, though, another group of Araphen’s soldiers arrived. Rath explained the situation, and the soldiers elected to join in the attack. Now bolstered by the arrival of another five soldiers, including a mage, Matthew opened the door, and the force funneled into the barracks, with Rath and Araphen’s soldiers leading the charge.

The soldiers in the barracks were not expecting a dozen and a half soldiers to charge through its doors and into their ranks. The dozen or so enemy soldiers in the barracks were scattered around, and the two closest to the doors fell before the alarm could be raised. Once it was, though, the odds had already swung thoroughly in favor of Araphen’s defenders. The assailants did attempt to rally a defense, but they were outgunned and outnumbered, and swiftly overpowered.

With the fighting over, Rath had his men sweep the barracks, and they found another six soldiers bound and stuffed into a nearby room. Those soldiers, once freed, quickly acquired arms and armor from the barracks, and joined the attack force. Now two dozen strong, Rath walked over to a large alcove in the north wall of the barracks. He found the third switch at the base of the wall, and stepped on it. Immediately, the sound of gears and chains filled the barracks, muffled by the walls, which suddenly began moving. The alcove wall opened up to reveal a paved tunnel beyond. Rath walked back to his horse. The assembled force looked to him.

“The tunnel leads to the throne room. The enemy lies within. We ride to his rescue!” And with that, he spurred on his horse, and the rest followed. They rode through the tunnel and out the other side, already open, into the throne room. Here, the infiltrators seemed slightly more prepared than the men in the barracks had been (Terra figured the sudden appearance of a tunnel in the throne room had something to do with it), but they were still outnumbered.

Rath immediately located Marquess Araphen, held captive on his throne, and rode with Araphen’s soldiers to his rescue. Terra, meanwhile, directed her force around to the far side of the throne room from the marquess. The remaining aggressors were sandwiched between two determined foes, bent on retribution, but they fought to the last.

As soon as the fighting was done, Rath turned to one of the soldiers they’d rescued from the barracks. “Gordon, keep your men here with the Marquess. I’m going to take the rest of our force and seize the gatehouse. Once the castle’s gates are open, more of Araphen’s soldiers will be able to enter the castle, and we’ll truly be able to take it back.”

Gordon nodded, and Rath turned to Lyn. “You’ve given me your aid so far, will you help me again?”

Lyn nodded. “Until the storm is past.”

Later that evening, with the fighting done and the castle secured, Terra, Lyn, Kent, and Sain returned to the throne room.

“I have returned, milord” Kent said to the marquess, “with milady Lyndis, our tactician, Terra, and my comrade, Sain. I wish to thank you again for agreeing to assist us in our travels to Caelin, milord.”

Marquess Araphen was silent, his face set in stone. An uncomfortable stillness descended on the room.

“Milord?” Kent asked.

“Lady Lyndis,” the marquess said levelly. “Do you know who is responsible for the attack upon my city?”

Lyn nodded. “I believe it to be the work of my granduncle, Lundgren.”

“And do you know why he would send soldiers to attack you in Araphen?” The marquess pressed.

“He wants to kill me.” Lyn said. “He wants to secure the throne.”

“Then you know that, to ensure his ascension, he was willing to send soldiers to a long-time ally of Caelin. You understand that my castle is damaged, my life endangered, and my soldiers hurt or killed because of your family’s petty inheritance dispute.”

Lyn winced. “I- I’m- M-my apologies.”

Marquess Araphen paused. A new, tenser silence hung in the air.

“When I had heard that Lady Madelyn’s daughter was in trouble, I had thought to lend my assistance. I find that I must change my mind. I withdraw my offer.”

“What!?” Sain yelled.
“Milord, you promised!” Kent objected. “You gave your word!”

“I gave my word before armed men invaded my territory!” The marquess snapped. “I gave my word before my life was threatened! Before my castle was alight!” The marquess stopped himself, and took a deep breath.

“I hear that Marquess Caelin is ill and abed. I question whether he will survive for you to meet him. If such is the case, then his brother, Lundgren, will claim his title. And I certainly wish to avoid trouble with the coming Marquess.”

“You scheming-” Sain growled.
“Sain, hold!” Kent barked, cutting him off.

The marquess’s steely gaze fixed itself on Sain. “Your comrade is poorly disciplined, Kent.”

“My apologies, milord.” Kent said. “If you would please reconsider, if you would grace us with your aid-”
“What if we make it?” Terra interjected.

Suddenly, all eyes were on her.

“What?” The marquess asked flatly.

“What if we make it to Caelin before Lyn’s grandfather passes? What if we secure Lyn’s claim to the throne? Then she would be the coming marquess. Your refusal to aid our quest would be noted.”

The marquess chuckled. “You mean to imply that two knights, a few mercenaries, and a young lady of Sacae will be able to defeat Lundgren in the field?” The marquess shook his head. “You make a better jester than a tactician.”

Lyn stiffened. “Terra has led us to victory time and again until now. I trust her to carry us through this.”

The marquess paused for a moment at that, and looked at Lyn. “Do you now…” The marquess leaned forwards, hands clasped in thought, and went quiet for a long moment. The Marquess’s eyes flitted from person to person, before coming to land on Terra.

“Tell me, Terra. Do you believe that you can best Lundgren in battle? That you will be able to lead your group to victory in this matter?”

Terra straightened up under his gaze, and mustered as much confidence into her voice as she could. “I do.”

The marquess looked to the knights next. “Do you two trust her as much as your lady does?”

“Of course!” Sain replied. “She’s demonstrated herself marvelously thus far! I’m certain that her skill will continue to carry us to victory in the future!”

Kent nodded his agreement. “I’ve no reason to doubt her. If Terra believes she can carry us to Caelin, I will follow.”

The marquess’s gaze landed once more on Lyn. The room once again descended into tense silence.

“Rath.” The marquess called out, leaning back in his throne. Silently, the captain of the guard emerged from behind the throne. Terra wondered when he’d gotten there.

“Yes, milord?”

“You are to select and appoint a replacement for your station as the captain of the guard. You have until noon tomorrow to do so.”

Rath stiffened. “Have I displeased you, milord, that you dismiss me so suddenly?”

“Far from it. I am appointing you to a new role. You will accompany Lyn and her cohort in their fight against Lundgren. Choose one soldier to take with you.”

“Then you’ll grant us your aid?” Lyn asked.

The marquess shook his head, and spoke deliberately. “Araphen will grant you no aid in your quest. I refuse to be dragged into a neighbor’s inheritance dispute because of the actions of what is clearly an extremist faction. Enough damage has been done as it stands, and I will not make matters worse by committing soldiers and widening this conflict. Remaining neutral presents Araphen’s best chance at maintaining our relationship with Caelin moving forward, and avoiding further loss of life of my people.” The marquess flashed a smile, and lowered his voice. “That being said, if a Sacaen left his post at my side to help his kinsman in her quest, well, I suppose there’s not much I could do to stop him. And if he just so happened to use his authority as my captain of the guard to, say, provide you with supplies and funds before abdicating, that would be frustrating, but, unpreventable. Similarly, if one of my soldiers abandoned their post in a moment of heated passion to ride against the people who had attacked their home and hurt their friends, I would be unhappy with their decision to abandon their post, but could empathize with their choice. I should simply hope that they would avoid dragging anyone else into their mission.”

‘Scheming’ indeed, Terra thought.

“If that is your decision,” Kent said, “then I suppose that we will have to accept it. By your leave, milord.”

“Good luck on your quest, Lyndis.” The marquess said as they left.

Chapter Text

“Rosaline, do you mind if I ask you a question that’s been bothering me?”

Terra stopped staring out the back of the wagon, and turned herself around to pay attention to the question Wil was about to ask. They’d ridden hard out of Araphen after learning that Lyn’s grandfather had fallen ill, and travelled the road to Kathelet at double speed. It had been a hard march the last five days, but Kathelet promised a good rest before continuing on to Caelin.

“Well, I suppose that’ll depend on the question.” Rosaline answered.

Terra had been surprised to learn that Rosaline was going to be Rath’s plus-one, and even more surprised when he’d told them that she’d volunteered, but it had made more sense as Terra had thought about it. She was a friend of Kent and Sain’s, and a good friend, too, from what it seemed. The type of friend to dive headlong into trouble to help.

“It’s about your shields.” Wil said.

“What about my shields?”

“Why carry two of them? Especially when one of them is in such a sorry state? I mean, you helped Rath get us plenty of supplies and equipment. You’re carrying a new shield that’s in much better condition. So why keep the old one?”

“Because it hasn’t broken yet.”

Wil gave Rosaline a funny look. Rosaline shifted a little bit, grabbing the reins of the wagon’s draft horses with one hand. With the other, she leaned back a bit and grabbed the shield in question. “Araphen’s knights have grown to have a particular respect for experience.” She explained. “And her knights have come to show their own experience in certain ways. Your first broken spear and shield are important milestones for any knight of Araphen. They show that you’ve been through combat hard enough or long enough to break something vital to your survival. That you have experience.”

She set the shield down, and moved her hand to the spearpoints hanging from her belt, one bronze, teal with weather, and the other iron, just starting to rust. “The bronze one is the first spear I broke in training. The iron one was my first spear broken on the battlefield. And when my shield breaks, some scrap of it’ll join them.”

“And when it does break, you’ll have a new shield to take its place.” Wil finished.

Rosaline nodded. “My shield is an important piece of equipment on the battlefield. As important as my spear. If I plan to break it on the battlefield, I’m going to make sure that I can replace it. That’s a part of it that not every knight thinks about.” She rubbed the iron spear point. “I learned it early.”

Their conversation turned to more mundane topics, and Terra tuned it back out, closing her eyes to block out the midmorning sun. She didn’t have long with her thoughts before Kent rode up behind the wagon and got her attention.

“Lady Lyndis wants to talk to us.”

Terra nodded, carefully dismounted from the wagon, and followed Kent to Lyndis, who was walking nervously near the back of their column.

“What’s up, Lyn?” Terra asked. “Are you alright?”

“At the speed we’re going, how long would it take for us to make it to Caelin from Kathelet?” Lyn asked.

Terra paused for a moment to consider the question. “We won’t be able to keep this speed after Kathelet.” Terra said, thinking.

Lyn looked at Terra like she’d told her to drop dead. “Why not?”

“Travelling from Araphen to Kathelet has taken us through friendly or neutral territory.” Terra said defensively. “We haven’t run into anyone sent by your granduncle during our march, but that will probably change as we get closer to Caelin.”

Kent nodded. “We’re running ourselves ragged marching at this rate because it’s still safe to do so, milady, but as we get closer to our final destination, we’ll have to be ready to fight every mile to the castle. If we keep this pace, we risk being exhausted when we can least afford to be.”

Lyn’s eyes fell as understanding grew across her face. Terra pulled out Kaia’s journal, and flipped through its pages until she found a map of Lycia. “It’ll probably take us another day or so to get to Kathelet proper. If we take a more moderate pace at the border, we can probably make the journey from Kathelet to Caelin in… ten days? Does that sound right, Kent?”

Kent hummed, his brow furrowed in thought. “I’ve never made the ride in hostile conditions like these… The trip’s normally… Yes, I think ten days sounds about right for our conditions, assuming we have no delays.”

Lyn nodded, eyes still low, a look of worry on her face. “Ten days. I understand.”

“Lyn.” Terra said firmly. Lyn looked up to her. “I promise you this: You will see your grandfather.”

Lyn took a deep breath, held it, and let it out. “You’re right.” She smiled at Terra. “I will see him.”

Terra heard the sound of wingbeats, and turned her head skyward in time to see Florina making her way to them. She’d gone up a bit earlier to scout out their route at Terra’s request. Terra waved to her as Florina made her way down to the column. She must have seen her, because she altered her course slightly and came to their group at the rear of the column.

When Florina touched down, she nearly fell out of her saddle. She yelped, her eyes wide, and her arms flailed for balance. Lyn rushed to her side, and helped her keep her balance.

“Florina, are you alright?” Lyn asked, concern clear in her voice.

Florina nodded. “Y-yes, thank you, Lyn. I’m fine. I just- I guess I- I wasn’t paying enough attention and…” She winced. “I came down a little harder than I meant to.” She looked up to Terra. “R-right, report! I- ah…”

Terra held up a hand. “It’s alright, Florina, take a moment. We’ve got time.”

Florina nodded, and took a few seconds to breath. Terra watched her shoulders relax a little bit. When she focused back onto Terra, she looked a bit better. “The road ahead looks clear. I didn’t see any signs of groups approaching from off of the road, either. We’ll probably make it to Mount Arren by the afternoon.”

“Thank you, Florina.” Terra said. “I think that’s all I need from you, so if you want to take a break for a bit, that’ll be fine. The wagon’s reasonably comfortable if you can make room.”

Florina’s shoulders sagged with relief. “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll take you up on that.”

Their group walked into the village at the base of Mount Arren early in the afternoon. It was a small town, little more than a few houses and an inn for travelers nestled into the Kathelet Range. An apothecary too, perhaps, if Kaia’s notes were still accurate. The real point of interest was the fortress on the other side of the mountain to their south, occasionally used to guard the roads nearby, though according to Kent and Sain, the fortress didn’t see much usage while Kathelet was at peace, which was most of the time. Terra got the feeling that the town was normally pretty quiet.

“Excuse me?”

Terra turned to see that a boy had approached from the side. His eyes were red, and they looked like he’d been crying recently. There was a glimmer of… of something in them, too.

“You and your friends… are you guys mercenaries?” He asked timidly.

“Uh, I guess you could call us-”

“I need your help!” His voice was much more urgent now. “Please!”

“I’m sorry.” Lyn said, coming closer. “We’re in a hurry. Is there anyone else you can ask?”

The boy shook his head. “No, there’s no time! Ninian’s- my sister’s been taken!”

“Your sister?” Sain asked. “Who took her!?”

“Sain, we can’t just-” Kent began.

“Please!” The boy begged. “Please, I don’t know what I’ll do without her!”

“Milady Lyndis! We must help him!” Sain declared.

“Nonsense! If the marquess is truly as ill as we’ve heard, we need to proceed as planned.” Kent countered.

Lyn was quiet for a moment, a mass of conflicting emotions warring across her face. Finally, though, her conflict resolved, and with a firm face, she turned to face the boy.

“We will help you.” She said.

“Milady?”

Lyn turned to Kent. “I’m worried about my grandfather. Of course I am. Every moment only grows my concern. But… I can’t just stand by and watch as a child is stolen from her family. Not if there’s something I can do. I’m sorry, Kent.”

Kent shook his head. “You owe me no apology, milady. I am your loyal retainer. Do as your heart dictates. I shall follow you wherever it may lead.”

Terra turned to face the boy. “You’ve got a name, right?”

The boy looked to Terra, and nodded. “My name is Nils.”

“Alright, Nils. Do you know where they took your sister?”

Nils thought for a moment, then bit his lip. “I think one of them said something about the fortress south of here, but I’m not sure. I didn’t see where they-.”

Suddenly, Nils dashed to Terra’s side. Terra looked down at him in confusion, but his eyes were locked somewhere else. Terra followed his gaze to a small group of people walking down the main road towards their group. There were four of them: a man in robes holding a black tome, another man with a bow in hand and a quiver at his hip, and two women, one with a sword at her hip and the other wearing a bunch of knives.

“Excuse me,” the archer called out. “Have you seen- ah, he’s with your group!” They walked closer. “Would you mind sending him back to us? I can’t imagine what he’s told you, but he always runs off li-”

“Give her back!” Nils shouted. “Let Ninian go!”

The mage shook his head. “Kids,” he said with a chuckle. “They make up such fascinating stories. They’re so imaginative.” He looked to Nils. “Come on, stop fooling around. Time to come back.”

“I wasn’t lying.” Nils said quickly. “Please, you have to-”

Terra put a hand on Nils’s shoulder, and squeezed it once, keeping her gaze firmly on the group, who had stopped their advance about ten meters away.

“You’re absolutely right.” Terra said, rubbing his shoulder softly. “Children should absolutely be kept safe. We can bring him back for you.”

“That won’t be necessary.” The swordswoman said. “Just give him to us and you can be on your way.”

“But I want to make sure that he’s delivered safely.” Terra objected.

“And he will be, if you would just give him to us.” The mage hissed. “We can take him back to the fortress, and you can get back on the road.”

“Ah, so you are in the fortress. That’s all I needed to know.”

There was a moment where nobody moved, and a tense silence hung in the air. Then, the moment passed, and the group before them swiftly readied their weapons. The knights flew forwards, past Terra and Nils, rushing their foes. The archer got off a quick arrow that went slightly wide, whizzing past Sain and into the group, narrowly missing Wil before sailing off beyond. The mage, on the other hand, flipped open his book, ripped a page from it, and pointed an outstretched palm at Kent.

”Darkness, swallow him.”

A sphere of nothingness, dark as the space between stars, appeared for a moment in his outstretched hand before dissipating. It reappeared in the ground beneath Kent’s horse, twisting columns that struck at him from all angles. He grunted in pain as the dark tendrils bored into him, but carried on his charge, aiming for the mage, but intercepted by the swordswoman. Sain, for his part, managed to charge the archer before he could get another shot off, killing the man with a lance through his chest.

There was a blur of motion nearby, and Terra watched as the rogue danced past Dorcas and Florina ahead of her, and came rushing right for her and Nils, knives out and ready to strike. She closed fast, and Terra readied her staff to fight back, but then Rosaline came in from the side and slammed her with her shield, knocking her to the ground. The rogue rolled with the force of the blow, and stood back up ready to go again. She dashed in towards Rosaline, made it past her spear, and struck out at her spear arm and her chest. Rosaline’s shield blocked the knife aimed at her chest, but the blow to her arm forced her to drop her spear. The rogue struck out with her knee, driving it into Rosaline’s stomach and dropping her for a moment. With one foe stunned, the rogue whirled and kept up her approach towards Terra and Nils.

But now, the rogue was knee-deep in an enemy formation, and a fireball whipped towards her, which she only barely dodged. Then Rosaline, who had managed to scramble back to her feet, jabbed at her with a spear, landing a hit in her side. Then another fireball careened into her and exploded, and a flash of blinding light separate from the fireball’s explosion enveloped her. When the splotches in Terra’s vision faded, the rogue was dead on the ground, and the field of battle was calm once again.

Terra, wondering where that flash had come from, scanned her surroundings, and she saw a man off to the side of their formation, wearing what looked like the garb of a priest of Elimine, and he held a tome loosely at his side. Terra caught his eye and approached him.

“Did you help us out there?” Terra asked. “The flash of light?”

The man nodded. “I did. I was at the inn when this child,” he pointed at Nils, who had followed Terra, “came in looking for help. The innkeeper made it clear he didn’t want to be involved.”

“But you do...”

“Lucius.” He provided. “And yes, I wish to help the boy, however I may.”

“Of course.” Terra said. “We’ll take whatever help we can get.”

“Thank you.” Nils said to Lucius. He turned to Terra. “Thank you so much.”

“Don’t thank us too much. Not yet.” Terra looked south, to the mountain, and imagined the fortress beyond. “Wait until we have your sister back.” She looked back to Nils. “You should wait here for us. We’ll be back.”

Nils shook his head. “No, I can help!” He dug into the bag at his side, and pulled out a flute. There was an impressive amount of inlay set into it, twisting in ways that Terra struggled to make sense of.

“I’m a bard.” Nils explained. “I can play for you!” He held the flute ready, then whispered something. Terra could barely hear it, he spoke so softly, but she managed to make out the words. “Let this song lift spirits and wipe away the sweat of the brow and the ache of bodies, that you may fight on!”

As soon as the song began, Terra felt its effects. The tired edge that had only grown since their march from Araphen began, the dull ache in her legs that had started to be a constant companion in the last few days… it all seemed to vanish as she listened to the song he played. It was an energetic melody, a peppy tune that seemed to wipe away her fatigue and fill her and fuel her. And as she looked around the group, she could tell that everyone else felt the same. Gone was the exhaustion of the march. They were ready to fight.

“That’s incredible.” Terra said simply. “Thank you.”

Nils nodded, and continued to play his song. Terra turned to address the rest of the group. “Alright, let’s go. They’re holding his sister in the fortress to the south! We march east, and around the mountain!”

To the west laid Mount Arren’s foothills. The terrain was rough and uneven, and a river ran from a spring further east in the range to the base of Mount Arren, before turning south. They would have to cross the river twice to reach their goal.

The first bridge was being held by a group of swordfighters, axe users, and a mage. Rather than charge out across the bridge to meet them, though, the group remained firmly planted on the far side of the bridge. Terra guessed that they would try to screen for their mage while they fought on the bridge, taking advantage of it’s narrow width to keep Terra’s numbers advantage from coming to bear.

“Florina.”

“Yes, commander?”

“How many other people could you fit onto your pegasus with you?”

Florina thought for a moment. “Um… Probably just one other person. I don’t think Huey can handle more than that.”

“Alright. Take Lyn over the river with you. We’re going to mount an attack from this side. I want you two to attack from the rear.”

“Yes ma’am.” Florina headed off, and after a few moments, Terra heard wingbeats, and watched as Florina’s pegasus carried them forwards. Terra had everyone else begin the approach to the bridge, and when Florina landed, Terra called for the attack to begin.

Kent and Sain spearheaded the attack, with Dorcas and Matthew following behind, and Erk, Lucius, and Wil providing ranged support from further back, while Rosaline and Rath stayed with Terra and screened their rear. From her position behind their ranged support, Terra watched as Florina and Lyn attacked from the side, drawing the attention of the opposing mage, and forcing their defensive line to fragment in order to protect their fire support. Overburdened and undersupported, the defensive line folded and crumbled.

From there, they moved south, patching their wounds as they went, and then west, across the second bridge and towards the fortress. The second bridge was undefended, but at the fortress’s gate, a cadre of mages awaited them. Five of them, standing in a loose formation, black books held ready.

Terra called above the music to ready for a charge as they approached. When they crossed some unseen threshold, the mages, as one, cast their magic, and Terra ordered the charge. Five spheres of black void appeared and disappeared, and Terra watched as four black circles appeared to strike Sain, Kent, Serra, and Wil. Terra was confused. Where had the fifth-

A sharp pain stabbed at Terra’s right arm, and she realized, belatedly, that the fifth mage had targeted her. Another tendril stabbed her hip, and she winced in pain, and lunged forwards, away from the rest of them. A deep cold settled into the wounds, and despite the warm weather, Terra shivered. She looked ahead, to the scene of the fight, to find it finished. The mages, with no front-liners to protect them, had been completely unable to stand up to their charge. Terra tracked down Serra to get her wounds healed, and then the group assembled at the gate, ready to fight their way into the fortress…

But it was empty. They searched the entire fortress, looking high and low. No one was here. Indeed, the only sign that people had been here was that the dust was cleared away in some places. Whoever had been here had left nothing behind. With no other ideas, Lyndis’s Legion made camp in front of the fortress, and Terra sent Kent, Sain, Rath, and Florina to ride to nearby towns, to see if anyone had seen where these people had gone. Florina and Sain hadn’t found anything useful.

“Terra!”

Terra looked up to see Lyn approaching her. “Rath’s back! Come on!”

Terra stood, and went with Lyn to go meet Rath. Nils followed close behind: he’d been quiet since they’d finished setting up camp, and Florina and Sain’s returns with nothing had seemed to drive him closer to despair. Terra hoped that Rath would be able to give them something.

“Did you learn anything, Rath?” Terra asked.

Rath nodded. “A villager said that they saw a group of men riding south at full speed earlier this afternoon, around the time we were fighting.”

“With Ninian?” Nils asked.

“I’d say so.” Rath said, looking to Nils. “I told him what you told me she looked like, and he said that he might have seen someone who looked like her.”

“If it’s her, then we need to ride after them!” Lyn declared.

“But he saw them during the afternoon!” Nils cried. “It’s already so late! We’ll have to break camp, and they’ve got a lead on us, and… and…” Tears welled up in his eyes. “What if they’re already gone?”

Lyn knelt down and put her hand on Nils’s shoulder, and looked him in the eyes. “We’ll find them. We’ll find her. I’m sure of it.”

He rubbed his eyes, sniffed, and nodded. “Thank you.”

Silently, Terra wondered if it really would be possible. Nils was right: There was a lot that needed to happen for it to work out. Perhaps, if they started taking down the camp now, then once Kent returned, they’d be able to set out immediately. But they didn’t have much information to go on right now, just that they were headed south. Their foe did have a few hours headstart on them, so if they were fine with cutting their losses and running, Terra wasn't sure if they’d really be able to-

“Terra! Milady!”

Or Kent could return right now, Terra thought. She turned to greet Kent and-

“Ninian! You found her!”

In Kent’s arms, arranged carefully to keep her from falling, was an unconscious girl. Nils dashed forwards to Kent’s side as he carefully dismounted, taking Ninian off of his horse with him.

“She’ll be fine. She’s just unconscious.”

Terra turned towards this new voice, and realized that Kent hadn’t arrived alone. Two other men had arrived with him: One had red hair, the other blue. Terra eyed the rapier at the redhead’s hip, and the axe slung over the bluenette’s back.

“Who are they, Kent?” Lyn asked.

“Oh, right. Milady, may I present Lord Eliwood, son of Marquess Pherae, and Lord Hector, brother of Marquess Ostia. They are Ninian’s rescuers.”

“Ah, you two saved her?” Nils turned to face the two, and bowed deeply. “Thank you, milords! Thank you so much!”

Eliwood smiled warmly, and Hector smirked and shrugged. “She was bound and gagged. Neither of us were about to just walk past without asking questions. And when they got hostile, we got hostile.”

“I’m glad we were able to help.” Eliwood said.

“You may well have saved her life.” Terra said. “Thank you.”

Eliwood nodded, and turned to Lyn. “You are Lady Lyndis, yes? Lord Hausen’s granddaughter?”

Lyn faced Eliwood, confused. “I, ah- Yes, I am. How did you…”

“Sir Kent told us about you.” Eliwood explained. “And about your situation. Lord Hausen is a good friend of my father’s. May I be of assistance?”

Lyn smiled. “Thank you for your offer, Eliwood, but this is my problem. I won’t drag you into it.”

Eliwood nodded. “I understand. But Hector and I will be in Kathelet for a while yet. So if you do decide you need something, let me know.”

“We’ll keep that in mind.” Lyn said. “Thank you, Eliwood.”

“Then I believe that we shall take our leaves.” Eliwood said.

“Leaving so soon?” Terra asked. “It’s so late. Why not just camp with us for the night, and carry on in the morning?”

“Sure. Don’t have to ask me twice.” Hector said. “You guys got something cooking yet?”

It was later, with the sun touching the hills to the west, and food just finished cooking on the fire, that Ninian woke up. She did not wake quickly, Terra noticed. It was slow, careful. She didn’t open her eyes at first, and her body, once loose in slumber, tensed up for a long moment. She moved her hands, and must have noticed that whatever bindings she’d had were removed. Slowly, she sat up, opened her eyes, and looked around-

“Ninian! You’re awake!”

Only to be tackled as Nils, sitting by her side, nearly spilled his soup as he wrapped his arms around her.

“Nils? What’s- what happened?” Ninian asked, confused. “Where are we?”

“You’re safe now.” Terra told her. “You were rescued from your captors.”

Terra saw the tension in Ninian’s body evaporate, and she sighed in relief. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank us.” Lyn said. “We didn’t rescue you. Eliwood and his friend did.” She pointed around the fire to Eliwood, who smiled.

“Don’t give me all of the credit, Lyndis. You’re the ones who helped her brother. You and Terra were just as big a help as I.”

“You helped Nils?” Ninian asked.

“He asked us to rescue you.” Lyn said.

“Then… Thank you. All of you. For rescuing me and for helping my brother.”

Terra finished introductions around the fire, since Kent and Sain were also present. Then, she asked, “Ninian, do you know why they were after you two?”

Ninian shook her head. “We’re just travelling performers. They accosted us while we were travelling. I’ve no idea what they could want with us.”

“You’re both performers?” Eliwood asked. “Your brother is a musician. What do you do?”

Ninian blushed. “I… I dance.”

“Really?” Sain asked, surprised. “Looking at your clothing, I would have sooner guessed that you were some sort of priestess than a dancer.”

“You’re not that far off, honestly.” Nils said. “Ninian dances to honor life. It’s special… sacred.”

“It’s difficult to describe. The dance that I perform when we travel is just a normal dance. The other is… Did Nils play for you during the battle?”

“He did.” Kent said. “Can you imbue your dance with the same sort of power?”

“I can.” Ninian answered. “However, when I tried to escape from the people who captured us, I twisted my ankle. I won’t be dancing for a while, I fear.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Lyn said. “We’re just happy to see you out of harm’s way.”

“Thank you.” Ninian replied.

“However,” Lyn continued, “I am concerned about your leg. You can’t travel on it…”

“What if we travelled with you?” Nils asked. “Would that be too much to ask?”

“I can’t allow that!” Lyn exclaimed. “It’s far too dangerous! We’re marching into danger, and don’t know when or where we might be attacked.”

“If that’s the situation, then having us around might actually be more useful!” Nils declared.

“Nils…” Ninian sighed. “Nils is right. We have… other special talents that we could use to aid you.”

“Special talents?” Terra asked.

“Nils and I can sense the approach of imminent danger.” Ninian explained. “Normally, we’re unable to do much to stop it, but since we’d be travelling with you and your warriors, perhaps you could.”

That sounds an awful lot like a reason that they might have been after you. Terra thought.

Lyn thought for a moment, then looked around the fire. “Kent? Sain? Terra? What do you think?”

“I suspect that leaving them here would cause you more worry than if we took them with us.” Kent offered.

Sain nodded. “I also think that, even if Ninian can’t dance for us, Nils has already proven himself to be useful in support.”

“I agree.” Terra said. “And I do admit that I’m more than a little curious to see this… danger sense of theirs in action. If it is as they say, it could very well prove useful in the future.”

Lyn nodded, and turned back to Ninian and Nils. “I suppose, if you two really want to travel with us, we’ll have you.”

“Thank you!” Nils cried.
“Thank you very much.” Ninian said.

Ninian crossed her hands in her lap, and a look of alarm shot across her face. “Oh…”

“What’s wrong?” Nils asked.

“I’ve lost my ring.” Ninian said softly.

“You lost Ninis’ Grace? How?”

Terra looked to Eliwood. “Did she have a ring on when you rescued her?”

Eliwood shook his head. “Not that I noticed. It’s possible that they took it off of her while she was unconscious.”

“Those… Those curs!” Nils shouted, angry tears in his eyes.

“How important was it?” Terra asked.

“It was our mother’s ring, before she passed away.” Ninian explained.

“It was blessed by the spirit of Ninis… There’s no other like it in the world. And now…” Nils’s head slumped. “Now it’s gone. Mom’s ring is…” Nils hugged Ninian.

After a brief silence, Lyn stood up. “Terra, can I speak with you for a moment?”

“Sure.” Terra stood up and followed Lyn away from the campfire, into the night beyond.

Once they’d gotten sufficiently far from the fire, Lyn turned to Terra. “You heard all of that, right?” Lyn asked quietly. “What do you think?”

“You want to get their ring back?” Terra asked.

“I do.” Lyn confirmed. “It’s their mother’s ring. I know what it’s like to lose a parent, and I know the need to keep something from them close.” Her hand drifted to her belt, to a braided green and yellow cord tied off with a red bead. “I want to help them, but… I’m worried that we might not be able to. I know that there we promised Nils we would find his sister, but I realized later how lucky we were to have Eliwood and Hector run into her and save her. And as much as I want to help them, I also have my grandfather to worry about. If there’s a chance, I want to help them, but if it wouldn’t work anyways, I’d rather we save the time and press on to Caelin. So what do you think: can we do it?”

Terra was quiet for a moment. “Maybe. It’s possible that this will just be a fool’s errand, and they’re already too far gone… But they might have had their escape slowed down by their encounter with Hector and Eliwood. It’s also possible that they stole the ring in the hopes that it was important enough to try to get them to get it back. They might think they could try to recapture them, too, in which case they probably wouldn’t have gone far, anyways…” Terra went quiet again, weighing everything in her mind. Then, she focused back on Lyn. “Yes. I think that we can find them. I think that we can get the ring back.”

Lyn smiled, and sighed in relief. “I was hoping that you would say that. Thank you.”

They walked back to the campfire, where Hector and Matthew had returned from the guard shift they’d left for earlier, and were eating.

“Kent, Sain. We’re going after the ring tomorrow.”

“Yes, Milady.” Kent responded.

Sain stood up. “I’ll go inform the others, milady. We ride at dawn?”

“As close as possible.” Lyn said. “The sooner we ride, the less of a head-start they’ll have over us.”

“I would come with you, if you would have me.” Eliwood said. “I’m already involved in this matter, and I wish to see it through to completion. It wouldn’t feel right to leave this matter while it is still unresolved. If there is still something I can do to help Ninian and Nils, I shall.”

“And wherever Eliwood’s going, I’m going too.” Hector said. “We’re in it with you.”

“Thank you.” Ninian said. “Thank you all for doing this.”

Lyn smiled. “Of course. You will get your ring back, Ninian. I swear it.”

Chapter Text

“I just don’t get it!” Terra shouted. “How could they just… disappear!?”

This was the third village in Kathelet that they’d visited that had no news about Nils and Ninian’s kidnappers. It had been a day, and the trail had already seemed to run cold. They’d had some leads earlier in the day, but now, they’d seemed to dry up.

“Well, maybe the Black Fang just didn’t come this far southwest?” Serra suggested.

The Black Fang… Ninian and Nils had mentioned more than once that these weren’t just some team of bandits, and Terra had felt as much during their fight yesterday, but trying to track them down today really cemented that feeling. Whoever this “Black Fang” was, they really were something else…

Which also brought up, once again, why Ninian and Nils were being targeted by the Black Fang in the first place. Terra had her suspicions; it probably had something to do with their “danger sense.” However, they’d continued to assert that they didn’t know why the Fang had targeted them. Terra wasn’t sure she believed them, but with no evidence to the contrary, she was forced to let the matter lie. In any case, they hadn’t had anything to say to help find the Black Fang.

Perhaps Serra was right, Terra thought. Maybe they hadn’t just made a straight shot southwest like their witnesses had said, and like Terra had thought. It brought them closer to Kathelet proper, and closer to more people, more chances for something to go wrong. Terra whipped out her mother’s journal, and flipped through its pages until she found a map of the region, and studied it.

“Uh… Terra?”

Maybe, if they’d turned southeast after their last witness… It took them off of the main roads, into the foothills south of the Arren range. It shook off their pursuers, and there would be far fewer people in that direction, and plenty of places to hide...

“Terra?”

“You were right, Serra. The Black Fang are somewhere else. Come on, we’re wasting time. We need to find the others.”

“Ah, well, of course, my dear! I’m glad my insight could help y- Terra, wait for me!”

And so they got back on the road, marching on Terra’s hunch. During the march, Terra remembered something, and passed through their column, looking for…

“Florina, can I talk to you for a second?”

Florina turned to Terra. “Oh, Terra! Um, sure, we can talk. What’s up?”

“I just wanted to see how you’ve been holding up.” Terra said. “I know that this campaign’s been your first time seeing real combat, so I wanted to make sure you were doing alright.”

“Oh! I- well, I- thanks, Terra, but really, I-”

“Florina.” Terra said levelly. “Are you doing alright?”

Florina was quiet for a long moment. “It’s hard.” She said finally. “A lot harder than I thought it would be. I mean, I knew that it wasn’t going to be easy, but…” She took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “Have you ever killed someone?”

“No.” Terra said softly, trying to shake the feeling of deja vu she was getting. “But not for lack of trying. I’ve attacked others with the intent to kill, but I’ve never struck the final blow.” Terra thought of the woods where they met Erk and Serra. Thought of the bandit that had cornered her, before Sain rescued her.

“I know that I’m fighting for the right reasons.” Florina said. “I know that I’m helping people. Helping Lyn. I don’t have much of a problem with the idea of killing people, but… doing it just…” Florina trailed off.

“What bothers you the most?” Terra asked.

“It’s the sensations.” Florina explained. “It’s the stuff that they can’t teach, the stuff you don’t learn when you’re just a trainee, when it’s just sparring and drills and theory… It’s the feeling in my hands as I run someone through. The sudden weight on my lance, the pressure… It’s the sound they make as they die. The scream of a wounded man, the… the gasp, the gurgle… I… I hear it, and I feel it, and I know that I’ve just taken a life, and I…” Florina trailed off again.

“And you can’t get it out of your head.” Terra finished.

Florina nodded. They walked along, quietly.

“Have you talked to anyone else about this?”

Florina shook her head. “No.”

“I think you should. Find someone who…” Terra grew quiet as a new memory surfaced in her mind.

“Someone who… what?” Florina asked, but she sounded so far away… “Terra?”

Terra shook her head, back to the present. “Yeah, sorry, I just…”

“It’s the feeling of my blade as I strike them. The sudden resistance of bone, the grating of metal on it. The… the sound as I pull it back. Their gasp, or their gurgle, or their scream. And I know… I know that I’m never going to forget any of it for as long as I live.”

“I just… I think you should find someone who’s experience might more closely match your own. I’m a little out of my depth, since I’m so rarely on the frontlines. Maybe Lyn, or one of the knights. I think even you and Dorcas would probably have something to talk about here.”

Florina nodded. “A-alright. I’ll see about finding someone to talk to.”

“There’s no rush to do it, either.” Terra said. “It doesn’t have to be now, or today. Just… think about it, and find someone when you’re ready. The more you talk about it, the better, I think. And if you decide that you just want to talk to me about this…” Terra took Florina’s hand, and gave it a light squeeze. “I’ll be here, too.”

Florina gave Terra a small smile. “Thank you, Terra.”

Florina walked away, leaving Terra alone with her thoughts. In truth, she’d had concerns about Florina since their first encounter, and her concerns had only grown with the start of their experiences in Lycia. She’d have to make sure she followed up on Florina in a while, but, like she’d told Florina, there didn’t need to be a rush.

But the conversation she’d remembered… It had shaken her a little bit. It hadn’t caused her the same distress as the memory from that night in the borderlands, in Bern, and it wasn’t as strange as the dream she’d had at the Shrine of the Mani Katti … but the more Terra thought about this one, the more it unsettled her. And in the silence of her own thoughts, she couldn’t stop thinking about it. Her name… who had she been talking to? What had her name been? It felt so important to know, and she wanted to will herself to suddenly know, to remember her name… but no sudden revelation came. No epiphany, no new memory… the name eluded her.

“Terra!”

Called out of her spiralling thoughts, Terra looked up to see Wil running towards her.

“Terra, Matthew and I just ran into someone on the road! When we asked them if they knew anything about another armed group coming this way, they said yes! You were right, Terra! We’re on the right track!”

Terra smiled. “Thank you, Wil. Let’s keep going! They’re in our reach.”

It would take until the early evening to track the Black Fang to their hideout. Following the advice and sightings from villages and travellers in the area, and referencing Kaia’s maps, she was able to narrow it down to a line of forts in the foothills of the Arren range, abandoned by Kathelet’s knights. Perfect for a shadowy group on the run. And the second fort that they checked had some sentries posted on its walls, with Kathelet’s banner nowhere in sight. They’d found the Black Fang.

“Florina. Wil. Dorcas. I want you three to stay out here with Ninian and the supply wagon. It wouldn't do to have us lose Ninian and our supplies as we go in to get her ring back. Everyone else, we’re going in. Matthew, stay close to me. Let’s go.”

“D-do you want me to come?” Nils asked.

“Do you want to come?” Terra replied.

Nils bit his lip. Concern was clear on his face, and he rocked his head back and forth for a moment, before he settled, and nodded. “I’ll go with you.”

“Alright. Make sure you stay with someone else at all times. I refuse to let you get captured again. Let’s go.”

Their group, minus the people Terra pulled for guard duty, approached the fortress.

“Ho there!” One of the sentries called out. “State yo- shit, it’s them! They found us!”

The sentry drew an arrow, and fired into their formation, which scattered. Arrows and fire flew up to meet the sentry, who dove for cover behind the crenellations of the fort. It was a mad dash for the fort’s gates, now, which had fallen open in their disrepair. Terra followed the knights into the room beyond the gates, away from the reach of the sentries posted on its walls. The room had two ways out: One straight ahead, and one to the left. There were also a few enemy fighters. Kent and Sain peeled off to fight two of them, while Rosaline went to fight the third. The room quickly became a madhouse, with the rest of the attack force making their ways in to join the fray, countered by an influx of enemies through the two other ways into the room. It was a chaotic melee, and the screams of the wounded mixed in the air with the clash of metal and Nils’s flute, the smells of burning wood and dust and flesh melding in the air.

Terra stood back from the melee with Nils, Matthew, and Serra, unable to give real commands to the people involved in the combat. All she could do was hope that they would be able to hold the line, listen to Nils’s song, and direct Serra to whoever she thought needed her healing the most.

The chaos of the melee began to lessen, and it was clear to Terra that they’d been victorious. Lyn, Rosaline, Hector, and Rath had managed to push their way out of the first room, through the entry on the left, and into the hallway beyond. Kent, Sain, and Eliwood, with magical support from Erk and Lucius, had managed to hold their entryway.

“Is that… was that all of them?” Nils asked, the fighting finally over.

“I doubt it.” Matthew said. “It’s probably just everyone that they want to send at us here.”

Terra nodded. “He’s right. The rest of them are going to be further into the fortress. We’ll have to go to them now. They’ll be waiting for us.” Terra looked to the groups who had been stuck in the fighting. “Did anyone get a chance to see what the fort looks like past this room?”

“There are a couple of halls beyond our doorway.” Kent said. “They looked fairly narrow. I think one of them runs along the fort’s outer wall, if the small windows are any indicator.”

“Our hall keeps going before turning off.” Lyn said. “It’s pretty wide, but I didn’t see anyone coming down it. Our enemies were all coming from the same direction as Kent’s and Sain’s. Other than that hall, though, they do look pretty narrow.”

“Alright…” Terra considered that for a moment. “There are probably some wider rooms in this fort, and the hallways cut between them. The Black Fang might try to use them as strong points. We’re going to ignore the wide hallway for now, and focus our efforts on moving forward. We’ll need to be careful when we try breaking into these rooms, but I think that we should be able to take them on.”

To handle the two hallways they’d be going down, their force split into two groups, and Terra went with Matthew, Hector, Lyn, Rosaline, Rath, and Serra down the inner hallway, while the other group took the hallway along the fort’s outer wall. They ran into only scattered resistance as they marched up the hall. Meanwhile, the sounds of heavy combat began to echo through the fort, and they moved faster.

They rounded a corner, and came to the entrance of a large, open room, where Black Fang defenders were waiting. A group of swordsmen leaped forwards. Terra ordered them back a bit, away from the room and back down the hallway a bit. In the hall’s tighter confines, the enemy force wasn’t able to present its numbers as threateningly, and while Lyn, Rosaline, and Hector cycled through the front to keep the enemy at bay, Rath was firing arrows at them. A few of them fell in the attempt, and they retreated.

Lyn, Rosaline, and Hector pursued their would-be attackers back to the entryway of the open room, where they tried to pull the same defensive maneuvers that had thwarted them. However, the chokepoint that they’d chosen to defend was wider than the halls leading to it, and they quickly realized that they wouldn’t be able to simply hold the door against an archer shooting them from afar. They tried ducking into the room, but the second they left the entryway, Lyn, Rosaline, Hector, and Matthew sprang forwards and engaged them. With no way to escape, they were forced into battle, and picked apart.

The room had two exits: one straight ahead, and one off to the left. After Serra patched them up, Terra led the group through the room, to the halls on the left. The halls forked beyond the room. The right branch ended in a stairway that probably led to the roof. Terra sent Lyn and Hector up just to make sure. Then, Terra led the rest of the group left, around a corner to a hall with a pair of open doors on either side. Terra heard sounds coming from the room on the left, and peeked the doorway to see what was going on.

Inside was a rather large room, where a few members of the Black Fang were furiously readying themselves for battle: Struggling with armor and readying weapons. Not wanting to lose the chance to strike an unprepared foe, Terra urged Rath, Rosaline, and Matthew enter the room and fight while the enemy was distracted. The trio charged in, with Serra and Terra staying to the rear to wait and watch.

With Rath’s help, Rosaline and Matthew were able to take on three of the Black Fang at once. A fourth made a break for it, running out the door on the other side of the room. The fifth, however, dodged past Rosaline and Matthew and went straight for Terra. Rath tried to get a shot off at the man as he ran past, but missed, and had to reposition to get a clearer shot at him that didn’t risk hitting Terra.

Terra gripped the staff tight in her hands, and took a deep breath to steady herself. If all he had were some knives, she could do this, she told herself.

The man charging her stabbed at her with his knife, bringing it down in a hammer blow. Terra blocked high with her staff, stopping the attack. His other hand came in from the side, another knife at the ready. Terra spun the staff to intercept the new attack, but in doing so, dropped her guard from the first attack, and the hand slid down the length of the staff, and stabbed her in the forearm. She winced at the wound, but forced herself to focus. She took a step forward, and shoved with all her might, using the staff to push her attacker back.

The man staggered backwards, but recovered quickly, and flung one of his knives at her. Terra dodged to the side, and in that moment, the man leaped into motion. Terra blocked the knife aimed at her chest, and shoved again. This time, the man moved with the force of the shove, and flew out the door. But Terra saw the glint of green in his hands as he went, swore, and ran after him.

He’d taken it. She’d kill him to take it back.

She chased him through the door and into the hall, hot on his heels. They didn’t make it far, however, until they ran into Lyn and Hector coming the other way.

“Stop him!” Terra yelled.

The man slowed down, seeming to re-evaluate his situation, and in that moment, Terra dropped her staff and launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his waist and tackling him to the ground. He flung his hands out, dropping his knife and his stolen treasure to try to catch his fall. Terra released her hold on him and leaped back, scanning for what he’d stolen. The man tried to scramble to his feet, but then Hector was on him, and he delivered a savage blow with his knee to the man’s face, and followed it up with a swift kick to his head. The man laid sprawled out on the ground, unmoving.

“Are you alright Terra?” Lyn asked. “What was that about?”

Where had it gone? Where did it… there! Terra ran over to it, and picked it up. The relief that she felt when she held it again was indescribable.

“Terra? Are you alright?” Lyn asked again, concern leaking into her voice. “Is your arm bleeding?”

Terra shoved it back into the bag at her waist. She wondered when the man had been able to steal it. Did she need to store it differently? Was it too vulnerable like this? Maybe she could-

“Terra! You’re hurt!” Lyn said, her voice shaking, putting her hand on Terra’s shoulder. Finally, Terra tore herself out of her thoughts. “Please. Say something. You’re scaring me.”

Terra took a deep breath. “Sorry, Lyn. I’m fine.” She turned to look at Lyn, digging in her bag for something, and saw the concern written clearly across her face. Terra smiled, trying to reassure her. “I promise. I’m alright.”

Lyn shook her head. “You’re not alright, you’re bleeding.” She pulled out a vulnerary and a cloth, and took hold of Terra’s injured arm. The one that had been stabbed in the scuffle earlier. Terra had forgotten about that.

“What was that about, anyways?” Hector asked. “You haven’t exactly struck me as the kind of person to go after someone like that. Why were you chasing the guy?”

“He… He stole something from me. Something very important.” Terra said vaguely.

“That green gem, right?” Hector said. “What is it for?”

Terra’s good hand crept to the bag. “I don’t know what it’s for. I just know it’s important.”

Lyn moved to grab Terra’s staff. Hector frowned. “What do you mean? How can you know it’s important if you don’t know what it’s for? How can you not know what it is?”

“Terra’s an amnesiac.” Lyndis explained as she bandaged Terra’s arm. “She has bits and pieces of memory from her past, but not much.”

Hector wore a skeptical look on his face at that. “I know it’s hard to believe, but it is the truth. I know that it’s important. I have since I woke up in Lyn’s tent. I just… I don’t know why.”

Hector looked skeptical for a bit longer, then shrugged. “I suppose it doesn’t really matter in the end. You’ve done well enough thus far, from what I’ve gathered. It’s obviously not a hindrance.”

Lyn nodded, and finished bandaging Terra’s wound. “She’s led us well thus far. I trust her to take us to Caelin, amnesia or no.”

“Speaking of leading, where’s the rest of our group?” Hector asked.

Terra flinched. “I left them in another room. I think that they had everything under control when I left…”

Together, they went back to the room that Terra had run off from. Sure enough, everyone was still there, waiting for her. After giving them a quick apology, Terra had everyone move on ahead. Matthew picked his way through the other door in the hallway they’d come from, but that room was empty, and a dead end besides, so Terra turned the group around to go back to the open room, to investigate the other doorway.

They came back to the open room where they’d fought the swordsmen, but it had been retaken by another group of enemy fighters, this time supplemented by a few mages. Terra pulled them back a little bit.

“Those mages are probably the most dangerous part of their group.” She said. “When you go in there, do your best to see if you can take them out first. If you can break past their defenders before they can intercept you, you’ll have it.”

The plan settled, the group charged into the room. However, the enemy defenders were able to prevent the initial charge from breaking through their lines to get at the mages in the back. However, the force of their charge did manage to push the defenders back, and they enacted a fighting retreat out of the room, through the exit that Terra hadn’t taken. The group kept up their momentum, and pushed hard to break through. Everyone was committed to the fight.

Terra heard hoofbeats approaching from behind. She turned, expecting to see Kent or Sain riding to give their support. It wasn’t until she’d fully turned, and saw the rider come out of the hall they’d just left, that she realized that she hadn’t sent anyone after the person who’d run off. Terra spun on her heels, and began to run, shouting as loud as she could. “Fang to our rear! Fang to ou-“

She felt herself lifted from her feet as the rider’s lance slammed into her back. She felt herself flung forward by the force of the impact. She felt her body crumple uselessly into a pile on the ground. She felt pain. So much pain. Breathing hurt, and her breath came in short gasps. She righted herself, and propped herself on her side. She looked down, and saw the lance’s head, covered in bright-red blood, poking through her chest. Was the damn thing still inside her?

The ring of blades colliding sounded out ahead of Terra. Terra looked up through her pain to see Lyn fighting the cavalier, who had switched to his sword. Even from here, Terra could see the fury on her face. She fought like a woman possessed, and Terra thought of the last time she’d seen Lyn this way. The temple in Sacae, her fight with that swordsman…

Terra shifted, and another wave of pain coursed through her. She swore, and everything went black…

“Terra! Are you alright? Terra!” She looked up, and saw Lyn’s worried face. “SERRA! SERRA, TERRA’S HURT!” She looked back to Terra, and Terra saw tears start to well up in her eyes.

“I f-f-fucked up, Lyn.” Terra managed. “I knew th-they were there, b-but the th-thief took… and I ran…” Tears started welling in Terra’s eyes. “I fucked up.”

“You’re going to be alright.” Lyn said quickly. “I’m going to get this lance out of you, and y-”

“No.” Terra rasped. Gods, talking hurt too, now. “N-not until S-Serra gets h-here. It’s kee-keeping the wound c-closed. I’ll bleed out.”

Lyn’s face twisted. “Then what can I do?”

“T-Tell the others t-to finish… to finish this.” Terra said. The black edges of her vision began to creep forward. “Get the… the ring back. We… we p-promised.”

Lyn nodded, her face set. “Right.” She stood, and turned around, running back to the fray.

After what felt to Terra’s pain-addled mind like hours, Serra and Matthew arrived. By now, the pain had somehow become more bearable, but the black ring around her vision had invaded her field of view, and her heart was pounding too loud in her ears to hear what they said. Serra stood nearby, worry clear on her face, and hands were wrapped tight around her staff. Matthew came closer, and took a look at her face, then down to her chest, at the lance rammed through her. He looked up, behind Terra, then back to her front, and he said something. She saw him speak, perhaps to her, though she couldn’t tell. She thought she saw the words ‘pull’ and ‘hurt’ form on his lips, though her mind didn’t understand why. Then he grabbed the spear, put one hand on her chest, and everything disappeared under a black wave of pain.

Chapter Text

“I call upon the spirits of the earth. Heed my call and grant this boon: show to me the lay of the land, and reveal to me where stands friend and foe.”

With those words, she could sense the entire field. The forest they were in. The plains beyond. She could sense the battle raging beyond the treeline. The clashing forces, battle lines pushing and pulling and striking and retreating.

And she could tell, even with the fight still raging on, that they’d lost.

The gashes in her chest and thigh were shallower now that the magic had taken hold, but they’d still bled heavily before. She’d managed to kill one of her attackers, but she knew that, in her current state, she wasn’t a match for the one still left. But if she tried to turn and run, she’d just get cut down. It was over. She’d lost. And now she’d die.

When Terra woke up, it was slowly, uncertainly. For a moment, she was confused. She was in a bed, reclined against some pillows. Where was the fort? The Black Fang? The-

Then everything that had happened returned to her. The cavalier. The lance through her chest. The pain. Lyn. Serra. Matthew.

The ring.

She sat up too quickly, and her head swam, and her chest ached, and she felt like she couldn’t breathe. She felt a hand grab her, and for a moment, she fought against it.

“Terra.” A familiar voice spoke softly. “Easy there. It’s alright.”

Terra looked to see that the hand belonged to Serra, a soft look in her eyes. “It’s alright.” She said softly. “Relax.”

Terra relaxed, and looked around the room. She and Serra weren’t alone. Lyn was asleep on a couch past the foot of the bed. Nils and Ninian sat on either side of her, also asleep.

“Where are we?” Terra asked. “What happened?”

“We’re in an inn outside of Kathelet.” Serra said. “We came here after we defeated the Black Fang. You’ve been out for a day.”

“Did we get Ninian’s ring back?” Terra asked. “Did you find it?”

“Yes. We got the ring back.” Serra reassured her.

Terra nodded, and leaned back against the pillows. She pulled up her shirt, and looked at her chest. Just below her chest, she saw a new, coin-sized patch of discolored flesh among her scars. “How bad was it?” She asked.

“Well, the lance glanced off your ribs instead of just shattering them, thankfully, but it still pierced your left lung.” Serra said. “So while it definitely could have been much worse, your injury wasn’t something I could just wave a Heal staff and fix. You’re going to need time to recover. At least a month, maybe two.”

“Two months?” Terra asked. “We still have to get Lyn to her grandfather. We can’t wait-”

“Look.” Serra said, suddenly very stern. She locked eyes with Terra. “You can’t choose not to take the time to recover. You’re not out of the woods yet. If you don’t slow yourself down and give yourself a chance to recover from this, there’s a good chance that your wound’s going to reopen. And if that happens, we’re going to be slowed down even more.” She paused for a moment, to let what she’d just said sink in. “Now, I’m not saying that we can’t keep moving on Caelin. You can start your recovery on the road. But you are going to have to take things slowly if you don’t want to hurt yourself. Understand?”

Terra nodded. “Yeah. I understand.”

“Good.” Serra said. “Now, I know that those three wanted to talk to you, so I’m gonna give them their time.” Terra looked over to the couch, and saw that all three of its occupants were now awake. “But after they’re done, we’re gonna talk about how you’re recovering from this. You got that?”

“Y-yeah. I got it.” Terra said.

“Good.” Serra turned and walked out of the room, leaving Terra with Lyn, Ninian, and Nils.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen her this serious.” Terra said.

“It’s certainly a side of her that I’ve never seen before.” Lyn agreed. “Now, these two had something that they wanted to say to you.”

“Yes.” Ninian said. “Thank you for getting my mother’s ring back. What you did means a lot to us.”

“We’re sorry that you got hurt because of us.” Nils added. “If you want us to leave because of this, we-”

“Stop that.” Terra said. “We are not kicking you guys out. Ninian still can’t travel on her ankle, right? So it’s still better for you guys to be with us. I got hurt. That doesn’t mean that you have to leave now. Got it?”

Lyn smiled. “I told you guys she wouldn’t kick you out. Now relax. You guys can stay with us for as long as you need to, alright? At least until Ninian’s recovered.”

Ninian and Nils sighed, relief obvious on their faces, and smiled. “Thank you.” Nils said. “Both of you. For everything.” He got up, and helped Ninian stand. “We’re gonna go get something to eat, alright?”

Lyn nodded, and Nils helped Ninian out of the room. It was just the two of them, now.

“You didn’t just get hurt.” Lyn said, looking down.

Terra frowned, confused. “What?”

“You said that you got hurt, but that didn’t mean that they had to leave. But you didn’t just get hurt.” Lyn looked up at Terra. “You could have died. You would have if it hadn’t been for Serra.”

“Sure, but that doesn’t mean that we should kick them out.” Terra said.

Lyn recoiled in her seat. “No, that’s not what I meant! I just…” Lyn sniffed, and Terra realized that she was holding back tears. “Serra said there wasn’t a guarantee that you would wake up. She said the wound was bad enough, there was a chance that something would just… open back up. Or that something could have gone wrong when she healed you, and…” A heavy silence hung in the air at that.

“But I did wake up.” Terra offered.

Lyn nodded. “I know. And I’m relieved. But… What if you hadn’t? I don’t know what I would do without you here with me.”

“You could still make it to Caelin.” Terra said. “Kent and Sain would be able to-”

“But I wouldn’t have you, Terra!” Lyn said desperately, the tears flowing freely. “I wouldn’t have the person who I rescued from the plains more than a month ago! Who rescued me from a life of lonely tears! The person who’s been with me on this journey since it started! Since before I knew I had a grandfather left in this world! When our only goal was ‘to the ends of Elibe!’ I can’t lose you, too!”

Flushed, Lyn looked away. A new silence descended on the room, broken only by Lyn’s heavy breathing. Carefully, Terra got out of bed, and walked over to where Lyn was seated. She sat down next to her, and wrapped her arms around Lyn.

“I’m sorry.” She said. “I’m sorry that this is what I put you through. I’m sorry I put you through it. I didn’t realize how much I mean to you.”

Lyn returned the hug. “I don’t want to be alone again. Please, just… just take care of yourself, okay?”

“Alright.” Terra said. “I’ll be careful.”

“Thank you.” Lyn took a deep breath, and stood up from the couch, still flushed. “I’m going to go and get Serra, Sain, and Kent. We need to talk about how this is going to affect our march.”

Terra nodded. “Yeah, that’s a good idea.”

Lyn walked out of the room. Terra stood back up, and went back over to the bed. She was, at the least, happy to know that the simple act of walking a few feet wasn’t beyond her, although she did notice that her breathing was shallower than it used to be, and it was harder to breathe when she was standing up than when she was leaning back. Now that she wasn’t distracted by everything going on, she could also feel an insistent ache in her chest.

After a bit, Lyn returned with the knights and Serra.

“I’m glad to see you’re up, milady.” Sain said. “The mood’s been a bit somber with your injury. Seeing you up and about’s sure to raise some spirits.”

Terra smiled, and turned to Serra. “Alright, Serra. What’s my recovery going to be like?”

“First off, you’re going to need to avoid putting pressure on your lungs.” Serra said. “Especially in the first few days. That means loose clothing, and sleeping in a reclined position for the first few days. You’re also going to need to try to strike a balance between activity and recovery. A little bit of walking is going to be good for your recovery, but you can’t overdo it. For the first few days, I want you to spend most of your time on the march in the wagon, resting. You can walk a little bit, but the second you feel tired, you get back on the wagon. Got it?”

Terra nodded. “Got it.”

“Good. After a few days, you should be fine to walk more, but don’t overdo it, or we’ll be right back to square one. I’m also going to give you a breathing exercise to help you recover.” Serra walked her through the exercise, which Terra could do while lying down. “Other than that, it’s going to be up to you to make sure that you’re keeping an eye on yourself and how you’re feeling, and that you’re not pushing yourself too hard. Alright?”

Terra nodded again. “Alright. I understand.”

Serra nodded, satisfied, and turned to Lyn and the knights. “Terra’s recovery shouldn’t interfere with the speed of our march, since she’s going to be spending most of her time in the wagon. So whatever your marching plans are, Terra’s condition shouldn’t affect them too much, assuming she doesn’t push herself past her limits.”

“Alright.” Kent said, and produced a map of Caelin, and laid it out on the bed for everyone to see. Serra excused herself from the meeting to go and get something to eat, and left the room, leaving the four of them.

“Sain and I have been thinking about how best to approach Castle Caelin from Kathelet.” Kent explained. “We’ve agreed on a best initial approach route, but from there, we have a few different options at our disposal.”

Sain pointed to a spot on Caelin’s border. “Greene River marks the border between Kathelet and Caelin, and the crossing at Fort Greene marks our fastest way into Caelin. Our other options for crossing it take us too far out of the way to be worth considering. Unfortunately, Lundgren probably figures that’s the route we’ll take, so we’ll have to expect a fierce welcome.”

“How long would it take if we tried to circumvent the crossing at Fort Greene?” Terra asked. “What’s our next best option?”

“The next closest crossing would be the bridge at Twin Bends.” Kent said, pointing the spot out on the map. “It’s a day upriver, and our path from there takes us through much rougher terrain, which would slow us down further, not to mention the time we lose doubling back. We look to lose at least three days taking that route, and it’s already going to take at least that long to make it to the border.”

“Alright. We’ll fight through the crossing.” Terra said. “What then?”

“Our first option is to march straight southwest through the Three Peaks.” Kent said. “It’s the straightest shot from the crossing at Fort Greene to Castle Caelin. We stand to make the journey in two days if we take that path. The terrain is rough, and the region is known for its fog, which might make doing battle there awkward. And since it’s the straightest shot, it’s also likely to be the next logical spot for Lundgren to reinforce.”

‘Our other option,” Sain offered, “would be to march south, past the Three Peaks, and then turn west to march on the castle. It would be a longer route, about an extra day or so, but it also gives us a chance to outmaneuver their forces in the field, and catch them unaware. If we move fast enough along that route, we might be able to make it to the castle while the bulk of their forces are out of position.”

Terra considered the two options. “All else being the same, I think I favor Sain’s route. The day we lose can be made up for if we can catch them out of position. It stands to make our final push on the castle that much easier. What do you think, Lyn?”

Lyn was quiet for a moment. “I want us to move as quickly as we can.” She said. “But if you think it’s better for us to go around… I can wait a day.”

“Then it’s settled.” Terra said. “We’ll aim to circumvent their defenders at the Three Peaks.”

Terra did not miss the look of relief on the knights’ faces as Kent rolled up the map.

Minutes. Terra could march along with the rest of the group for a scant few minutes before it was too much for her. Before her breath quickened, and the ache in her chest started to worsen. And then it was back onto the wagon for what had to be at least an hour, propped up on some crates and a cushion, as her heart rate slowed, and her breathing eased, and the ache lessened.

For the second time today, Terra climbed, exhausted, back onto the wagon, and returned to her spot across from Ninian, just behind the driver’s seat.

“I don’t think you should get up again.” Ninian said softly. “Serra said you needed to spend your first few days resting, didn’t she?”

Terra took a short, shuddering breath. “She said most of my… my time should be resting… So a bit’s okay… I just… I don’t like sitting down.”

“Do you like the idea of your wound opening up more?” Ninian asked pointedly.

Terra shrank, defeated. “No.”

Ninian smiled sympathetically. “I do understand the desire to get up and walk, though. It’s something that’s been on my mind for a while now.” She waggled her left leg, and Terra’s eyes fell on her ankle, raised up on some cushions, and flanked by a splint. “I can’t wait for the day that I can dance again, but I know that if I tried to do so now, I’d just make things worse.”

Terra huffed. “Alright, I get it. No more walking for a bit.”

Ninian smiled. “I’m sorry, Terra. I didn’t mean to shame you like that. I really am just trying to sympathize with you.”

Terra nodded, and they drifted back into silence.

“How old are you and Nils?” Terra asked.

Ninian paused. She looked down, deep in thought, before looking back up to Terra. “I… don’t know. Nobody we grew up with knew our parents, so nobody knew when we were born, and I haven’t bothered to keep track of the passing years. I’m not sure Nils knows either.” She tilted her head quizzically. “Why do you ask?”

“You two just seem so young to be travelling alone.” Terra said. “Especially given your current circumstances. I guess I just figured that it would be easier or safer to be travelling in a larger group. I’m surprised that you and your brother have chosen to travel alone.” Terra frowned. “Were you forced to leave someone else’s group? Is that why you keep expecting us to kick you out of ours?”

“No, no, nothing of the sort.” Ninian replied. “We just… we travel alone by choice. No one forced us to do so. We just… prefer it in most circumstances.”

“Why?” Terra asked.

“Nils and I… we’ve basically only ever had each other. Our mother died when we were both young, and we never knew our father… We’ve travelled with groups before, but we never really felt like we fit in, so…”

Terra nodded. “So you stuck to yourselves instead.”

“And we’ve never really been alone.” Ninian offered with a smile. “We’re not alone if we have each other, right?”

Terra smiled back, burying a pang of longing she’d suddenly felt, but couldn’t explain.

“What do you have in the bag?” Ninian asked.

Terra frowned. “The bag?”

“The one you’re wearing on your hip. You keep grabbing onto it. What’s in it?”

“It’s… Something important to me.” Terra said.

Ninian cocked her head, curious, waiting for Terra to continue.

“It’s… I don’t know exactly what it is, I just… I know it’s important.”

Ninian frowned. “I don’t understand. How can you know it’s important if you don’t know what it is?”

“I’m… I’m an amnesiac.” Terra explained. “I don’t remember anything past waking up in Lyn’s tent in Sacae.”

Ninian’s eyes widened. “Oh! That’s… I’m sorry. I hadn’t caught that.”

Terra shrugged. “It’s not something that I’ve been going around telling people, and you’ve only been with us for a couple days. I’m not surprised you didn’t know. You, Lyn, and the knights are the only ones here that I’ve told, and I don’t think that they've actually told anyone else.”

Ninian smiled. “Then I’m honored that you’ve told me.”

A brief silence descended upon them. Then, Ninian asked, “So why do you hold on to it? Your… whatever it is?”

Terra didn’t answer immediately. They were quiet for a long moment, and Ninian’s face fell. “I’m sorry. My curiosity got the best of me. If I’ve made you uncomfortable, you don’t ha-”

“No, you’re fine.” Terra said. “I… When I woke up on the plains, in Lyn’s tent… something told me that, as long as I had it… I’d be alright. And I guess it’s just… it’s a comfort to hold it, even if it’s just through the bag, and remember that, and know that I’m going to be okay.”

Ninian played with her ring. “I think I can understand that.”

“Look how far we’ve come!” Lyn declared, pointing into the distance. “The mountains are so far away now.”

Terra followed her gesture. Sure enough, the mountains that had towered over them in Bern and Araphen, and the Arren range they’d battled through in Kathelet, were both now mere shadows on the horizon.

“We’re almost there.” Terra said.

“Milady! Terra!” They turned to see Sain riding towards the wagon they were riding in. “We’re almost to the crossing! You’re both requested at the front of the column.”

Lyn hopped off of the wagon, and helped Terra down. Together, they followed Sain to the front of their group, where Kent was waiting for them. She could walk now without much strain, at least for a little while. She was far better than her earlier days, but she was still far from being able to do much more than walk.

“It doesn’t look like the garrison is out in force.” Kent told them as they approached. “They must not know we’re here yet. If all goes well, we’ll be upon them before they can rally.”

“After we’ve cleared the crossing, how long will it take us to reach the castle?” Lyn asked.

“Three days at our fastest, given our current path.” Sain said.

Lyn nodded grimly. “Three days… hold on, grandfather.”

Terra looked to the south. She couldn’t see past the rocky crags and cliffs, or through scattered woods, but she figured that just past them laid the bridge, and Fort Greene.

“We’ll have to move through the pass, then?” Terra asked.

Kent nodded. “The fort’s facilities are just past the river. They probably won’t have any defenses on the bridge, but they’ll certainly have the men to defend them.”

Terra nodded, and considered their situation. The enemy certainly had a powerful defensive advantage. Not only did they probably have numerical superiority, they also held a well-defended chokepoint. They didn’t have many options beyond a frontal assault, but that seemed like it would be costly. Maybe there was a way for them to-

Terra’s line of thought was broken when Nils came out of nowhere to tackle her to the ground. Caught off-guard by the boy launching himself at her, Terra’s mind worked at a crawl, and her first thought was to cushion the boy as they fell.

When Terra’s back hit the ground, she felt all of the air in her lungs rush out of them. Suddenly, breathing felt impossible, and the air she could draw in could only come in ragged gasps. The dull ache in her chest surged into a sharp pain, and Terra doubled over and tried to yelp in pain, only for it to come out as a breathless rasp. Through teary eyes, she tried to look at Nils.

“W-why did-”

Then she saw the bolt.

It was at least as long as Nils was tall, buried where Terra had been standing before Nils had sent her to the ground.

Then several pairs of hands were helping them up, and Nils was apologizing profusely for the tackle, but Terra was focused on the bolt that had nearly impaled her.

“They… have… a ballista.” She managed, struggling to bring her breathing back to something that felt normal and controlled.

“I admit, I didn’t foresee Lundgren deploying siege engines to fight us.” Kent said. “It feels like a desperate move.”

“Ballista?” Lyn asked.

“It’s like a big bow.” Sain explained. “It fires those bolts out to a long distance. It’s not the kind of thing that they could just bring out, though. They would have needed to set it up in advance.”

“They knew we were coming?” Lyn said, concerned.

“We basically had to… to take this route.” Terra said. “They could be pretty… pretty certain we’d come this… this way.” She took a moment, and forced herself to take some deep breaths to try and calm her breathing. “It’s surprising, but not out of the realm of possibility.”

“How should we proceed?” Sain asked.

“We’ll need to stay spread out.” Terra said. “Ballista are siege weapons. They’re meant for attacking groups of soldiers, especially large formations. If we stay spread out, it will keep them from getting good results from the thing. They might keep firing it anyways, just to see if they get lucky, so stay on your toes. Depending on how much ammunition they have with it, we might be able to just ignore it…”

A thought occurred to Terra. “Lyn?”

“What is it, Terra?” Lyn asked.

“Get Florina to go up and figure out where they’ve got the damn thing placed. See how well defended it is. I want to take it out as soon as possible.”

Lyn nodded, and went to go tell Florina.

“Not that I’m complaining,” Kent said, “but what happened to ignoring it?”

“New plan.” Terra said. “I want to see if we can turn their weapon against them.”

Sain laughed. “That’s our Terra for you: Lundgren thinks his ballista is an obstacle, and she plans to make it a boon!”

“Tell everyone to get ready. We need to move as quickly as we can.”

Kent and Sain went off to inform the rest of the group, leaving Terra with Nils.

“Was that your gift?” Terra asked Nils. “Your ability to sense danger before it strikes.”

“Yeah.” Nils replied. “Um, I’m sorry for hurting you. I just- there wasn’t any time, and I needed to get you out of the way, and-”

Terra held up a hand to stop him. “You saved my life. Thank you.”

Nils stopped mid-sentence, and just smiled and nodded.

“Hey, boss. Can I get a second with you?”

Terra looked to see Matthew approaching. “What do you need?” Terra asked.

“I’ve got some… business… to take care of in a nearby village.” Matthew pointed to the east. “I won’t be able to take the field.”

Terra frowned. “What business?”

“I’ve got a friend in that village that I wanted to check on.” Matthew said. When Terra’s frown didn’t lighten, he continued. “Their work frequently has them crossing the border into Caelin, so I figured that I would ask them if they’d heard anything about how things are right now.” Terra continued to frown. “What?”

“You’re leaving us… right before we start what’s sure to be one of our toughest battles… to talk to a friend?”

Matthew shrugged. “Look, I’m not exactly a frontline combatant. My skill set isn’t particularly useful here. You’ll get more use out of me this way, I promise.”

Terra’s frown lessened slightly. He did have a bit of a point… “Take Ninian and the wagon.” Terra said. “Get her off the field.”

Matthew nodded. “Will do. Thanks boss!” Matthew said quickly, before turning and running off. As Terra watched him go, she wondered if Matthew was telling the truth, or if there was some deeper reason for his mission.

But before she could really consider it, a call of “Incoming!” was raised. Terra jerked forwards, her eyes cast skyward, trying to sight the bolt in the air. Then there was a distant thud, and she realized that the bolt had landed. Her head turned towards where the sound had come from, and she was relieved to see that this shot had missed its mark as well.

“Everyone!” Terra shouted. “Prepare to advance! Keep a loose formation!” She watched as Florina took to the sky, and the rest of the force readied themselves. Terra’s lungs burned from the effort. She hadn’t considered that her injury might impede her ability to give commands to her forces, but it was clear that she wouldn’t be able to shout all day. Especially not once the battle started and she started marching. This was already going to be rough, she didn’t need the added stress on her body.

An idea formed in her head, and she flagged down Rath, who approached her.

“Rath, I need you to be my mouthpiece.” Terra said. “I’m not going to be able to keep on shouting like that.”

Rath nodded. “I understand. I’ll stay close to you, then.”

“Thank you. Give the order to advance south, in loose formation.”

Rath sucked in a deep breath, then shouted out, “Now hear this! I’m relaying Terra’s commands! Advance south! Keep loose formation!”

Their group moved south, towards the pass, and the river beyond. As they moved through the pass, Florina returned to the formation, and landed near Rath and Terra.

“Commander! I found the Ballista.” She reported. “They’ve nestled it into the crags on the cliff above the pass. It’s lightly guarded: just the crew, a spotter, and a soldier on guard duty.”

“Any archers?” Terra asked.

Florina nodded. “Yes ma’am.”

Terra frowned. “Alright. Do you think that you can outmaneuver their guards?”

Florina paused in thought. “I’m not sure.” She admitted. “I can try.”

Terra shook her head. “If you’re not confident, it’s not worth it. We’ll attack as a group. Rejoin the formation.”

“Yes ma’am.” Florina returned to the formation. The pass was short, and they came out onto the top of a hill that sloped down towards the river. Coming up to the pass to meet them was the first wave of enemy soldiers: An assorted squad of swordsmen, cavalry, spearmen and archers. Immediately, Terra wasn’t sure that she wanted to hold this defensive position with the ballista firing on them. Defending against the ballista as well would spread them out too much.

“Call Florina and Lyn over,” Terra told Rath, “and tell the rest of them to prepare to defend this hill.”

Rath sucked in a deep breath. “All troops!” He shouted. “Prepare to defend! Florina and Lyn, Terra needs you!”

“Thanks. Now go join the defense. I’ll find you.”

Rath nodded, and rode off as Lyn and Florina approached.

“Is everything alright, Terra?” Lyn asked.

“There’s a change of plans, Florina. I need you and Lyn to go and take out the ballista’s operators. We’re going to need to hunker down on this hill for a bit, and I don’t want to have them dropping bolts on us while we do.” As though to emphasize her point, a bolt hit the ground behind their formation. “Just kill the crew and come back. Hit and run, understand?”

Florina nodded. “Yes, ma’am.” Florina turned to Lyn. “Come on, Lyn. Let’s go.”

Florina helped Lyn onto her pegasus, and took off. Terra went back to the gathering defensive line to help direct the formation.

Terra moved the formation towards a few groups of trees, and set up their defensive line between them to extend their flanks a bit. The rough ground would be difficult for the incoming cavalry to navigate, and would hopefully guide the attackers between them, towards their defense.

Their ranged fighters were able to get off one or two shots apiece before the enemy’s first wave arrived: charging bodies crashed headlong into the line, and the charge turned to a melee as the two forces mashed together. Terra stood off, a bit away from Rath, to the back of the formation, and off to the side.

She tried to make some sense of the battle before her, to try and parse something from it, and gain some insight that would help her friends, but the fray was so chaotic, and she was so far from it, it was a fruitless endeavor, and she couldn’t draw any closer for fear of becoming a target, so she stayed where she was, listening to Nils’s flute over the chaos, and she watched… and waited.

Terra knew that the battle had gone in their favor when the first of the enemy’s soldiers retreated back down the hill. It was a controlled retreat, not a fearful rout, and the archers that hadn’t been picked off yet by their own ranged combatants provided some covering fire as they ran. With the enemy’s retreat, Terra approached their defensive line to survey the battle’s results.

Sain was a bloody mess, and Serra got to healing him immediately. Dorcas was about the same, and Erk was helping to patch him up. Kent and Rosaline were beaten up, but not as badly injured, and were seeing to themselves. Wil had taken an arrow, but was otherwise unscathed, and it looked like everyone else had either avoided injury entirely, or otherwise had only gotten some light scrapes and bruises.

While everyone was getting patched up, Florina and Lyn returned from their mission. They landed behind the defensive line, and Terra went to meet them. Both of them were injured.

“How did it go?” Terra asked, tentatively.

“The ballista’s crew has been eliminated.” Lyn said grimly. “How are things over here?”

“We’ve held their first attack off.” Terra said. “I think they’ll probably try at least one more, maybe more. Go get patched up, then join the defense.” Together, they walked back to the defensive line, and Terra surveyed the battlefield below.

Down near the bridge, it looked like another attack force was assembling: more of the same, plus some mages. Beyond the bridge, the enemy was keeping a decently-sized force in reserve. If she had to guess, they hadn’t expected them to be able to blunt their first assault, and the loss of their siege engineers was another unexpected setback. Terra didn’t like their odds if they had to try to beat them on their own terms, but with the way things were progressing right now, they had a chance.

She turned away from the gathering enemy and addressed her forces. “The enemy is going to try to mount another attack on us. When they try, I want us to meet them with a downhill charge. They’ll probably be expecting us to hold our terrain and let them come to us. The surprise should rattle them enough to put the initiative in our favor. I want our charge’s momentum to carry us to their ballista. Florina and Lyn can lead our way.”

“Didn’t you already have us take it out?” Lyn asked. “Why do we need to go back?”

Terra was about to answer her when Dorcas announced, “The enemy is on the move.” She turned around to see that the second wave was leaving the bridge and approaching their line.

“I’ll explain when we get there.” Terra assured Lyn. “Just trust me. Now get ready. When they start climbing the hill, I’ll give the order to start the charge.” Terra walked through their battle lines, and approached Rath. “I can’t join this charge on foot. May I ride with you?”

Rath nodded, and offered a hand. Terra took it, and climbed up onto his horse with him, and held onto him.

Terra watched as the enemy’s force approached, and when they started climbing the hill, Terra said, as loudly as she could without shouting, “Now!”

She was surprised when Sain shouted, “For Lady Lyndis!” But it seemed to inspire their forces, who rushed headlong down the hill with a mighty roar on their lips. As Terra had anticipated, the enemy hadn’t expected the counterattack, and was struck with indecision to either attack or regroup. The charge slammed into their force, and after a brief melee, Terra could tell that retreat had won out. The remains of the enemy force broke and ran for the bridge, and Lyndis’s Legion looked to give chase, until they broke off and climbed the hill to the ballista instead. There were still a few scattered defenders left milling about, but their resistance was short-lived.

Terra thanked Rath as she dismounted, and walked over to the ballista. From what she could tell, it looked to be in perfect working order, and it had a few bolts left in a pile nearby. Everything looked perfect… Then she froze, and cursed herself. Every part of her plan had fallen into place, but she’d forgotten to ensure the most important part of it! Everything might fall apart now!

Nervously, she turned to address the group. “Um… I realize now that I should have asked this earlier… Do any of you know how to operate a ballista?”

“Your plan was to shoot at them with it?” Lyn asked, surprised.

Terra nodded. “They’ve prepared a defensive position on the other side of the river. I had planned to use their own siege weapon to disrupt it, but… I just realized that I’d forgotten to make sure that we had someone with us who could use it.”

Terra scanned the group, nervously. She was relieved when Wil stepped forward, but tempered her relief when he shrugged. “I’ve never used one before, but it’s like a really big bow, right? I’m sure I can figure something out.”

Rosaline joined him. “I’ve never done it myself, but I’ve worked as a guard for a ballista before. I might have picked something up by watching them.”

Dorcas shrugged, and stepped forwards. “If you two are operating the weapon, I suppose you’ll need someone to load it, right?”

Relieved that something had come together, Terra addressed her new siege engineers. “Alright. I need you guys to get this thing turned to the south, pointed at the defenders. Everyone else, I want you to screen us from any attacks until we’ve got it sighted and we’ve fired our first shot, but once we know where the bolts are landing, I want you to prepare an attack from our side of the bridge.”

The first two shots landed short of the bridge, as Terra had feared they would, but the second was closer than the first, which was promising. When it appeared that their enemy might actually be able to do something with the ballista, they prepared another attack to try to dislodge them from the weapon, but by now, Lyndis’s Legion had plenty of experience fighting Caelin’s soldiers from uphill, and they were able to repulse the attack.

The third shot landed on the other side of the river, and pinned a horse and rider to the earth. With the weapon now sighted in, Terra advanced to the bridge with her forces. The fourth shot came after the enemy had spread out their formation, and landed without physical effect. The fifth bolt, wrapped in tarred cloth and set alight, carved a crimson streak across the sky, and landed in the middle of an enemy formation. With the signal launched, their forces crossed the bridge, and the battle began on the other side.

The enemy’s forces were scattered, demoralized, and some injured from previous repulsed attacks, but they still attempted to put up some kind of resistance at the bridgehead. However, withering indirect fire coupled with a concerted charge to shatter their defensive line, and once Lyndis’s Legion set foot on Caelin soil, most seemed to decide that the battle had been lost, and made to retreat from the field. Only the commander and his retinue seemed willing to stand and fight to the last, and they were quickly overwhelmed and cut down.

With the battle over, their forces reconvened, and Terra noticed the souring look on the knights’ faces.

“Kent? Sain? Is everything alright?” Terra asked.

Kent sighed. “I was prepared for the need to fight against soldiers of Caelin, but I had always hoped that there would be some chance for parley, that someone would stop and recognize me and ask me what was going on… and I know that some of them recognized me. I fought people today that I’ve known since I was a squire. And yet… they attacked us without hesitation, to a man.”

“They’re all blackhearted traitors who’ve thrown their lot in with Lundgren’s.” Sain said confidently. “Good riddance, I say. It simply means less resistance moving forward.” Terra thought she sensed a crack in his confidence, and wondered if he didn’t have some of the same worries.

Kent shook his head. “I hope you’re right.” Kent turned north. “A ballista… how troublesome.”

“I’m glad Nils was here with us.” Lyn said. “If he hadn’t been, I think we’d have lost our tactician today.”

Nils smiled. “I-I’m just glad I can help!”

Terra noticed a wagon approaching over the bridge, and saw Matthew at it’s reins. He’d apparently finished with his errand just in time to not be useful on the battlefield.

“Turned the ballista back on them, huh?” He said once he’d rejoined the group. “That’s pretty smart thinking.”

“Thanks.” Terra said dryly. “Now, did your friend have anything to say?”

Matthew’s look turned serious in an instant. “I ended up talking to a couple people around town. I’ve got some news. First off: Marquess Caelin. He really is sick. Has been for three months now.”

Lyn’s face fell. “Grandfather…”

“Three months…” Sain said. “That would be around when we left Caelin for this, I think. Maybe just after.”

“The people I spoke with were floating an interesting rumor about his condition, though.” Matthew said. “They say that someone’s been poisoning him.”

Lyn’s eyes flared. “Poisoned!? By who?”

“They say that, as soon as the Marquess took ill, Lord Lundgren took control of the castle like he owned the place. That he’s poisoned his own brother.”

“How can this be?” Lyn yelled angrily. “How can they let him get away with this? The villagers know that he’s the one responsible, yet still he sits in power, no hand raised against him!? How? Why?”

“They have no proof.” Kent explained sadly. “It’s a rumor, nothing more. There’s nothing to give it weight. And they’re afraid of what might happen if they tried to act on it.”

Matthew nodded. “And the Marquess’s loyal retainers, who might have been able to lend credence to these rumors, are nowhere to be found.”

“They’ve been silenced?” Terra asked.

“Silenced, sent off, slain in the night…” Matthew shrugged. “I’ve heard everything suggested.”

Sain shook his head. “This is beyond belief.”

“And that’s not even the worst news I’ve heard.” Matthew said solemnly.

“How can it get worse?” Sain asked.

“An imposter has appeared.” Matthew said, looking straight at Lyn. “One who claims to be the Marquess’s granddaughter. Or, at least, that’s the story that Lundgren is spreading.”

Lyn frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?” Lyn asked.

“It means that people are waiting for a baseborn child and two traitorous knights to appear and lay claim to Castle Caelin, and prove Lundgren’s claims correct.”

“But- that’s- That’s not true!” Sain sputtered.
“Traitors? Us? Ridiculous!” Kent objected.
“He says I’m an impostor?” Lyn asked.

“Do you have anything to prove your claim?” Terra asked. “Anything that links you to Caelin?”

Lyn shook her head. “No… My mother left Lycia behind when she joined the Lorca. She didn’t bring anything with her.”

“Could she be proof enough?” Sain asked. “Kent, you’ve remarked yourself that she bears a strong resemblance to her mother.”

Kent shook his head. “No, they’ll just say we found a look-alike. We’re seen as betrayers of our knightly vows… our word means nothing.”

“No… I think our only hope is in Marquess Caelin himself.” Terra said.

Lyn’s eyes widened. “You’re right! My grandfather would surely call me his own if we met! It’s why you were sent to find me in the first place! We have to ride to him! I must see him!”

“Lundgren’s branded you as an impostor and oathbreakers.” Matthew said. “It’s possible that he’s also feeding his lies to the representatives of other territories in his court. In which case, riding on the castle now might be too dangerous. Opinion could turn against you.”

“Then what am I supposed to do?” Lyn asked. “Go back to Araphen and talk to the Marquess there? It would take far too long. My grandfather might be dead by the time everything’s said and done!”

“What about Eliwood and Hector?” Terra asked.

Lyn’s eyes widened. “You’re right! They said they’d be in Kathelet for a while longer! Eliwood was sympathetic to my cause. If we talk to him, maybe he can help us! Come on! We must hurry! Back to Kathelet!”

Chapter Text

It took them two days to get back to Kathelet from the Caelin border, and Terra thanked every spirit and deity she knew of that Eliwood and Hector proved easy to find. She’d been worried that it would prove impossible to find two people out of an entire city, even a small one like Kathelet, but…

“Do you know if Lord Eliwood of Pherae and Lord Hector of Ostia are currently staying in Kathelet?”

“Oh, yes, they’re still here. I was called to break up a fight involving Lord Hector yesterday.”

One short conversation with the city guard had put those fears to bed. The pair of them were put up in an inn, The Charging Bull, near the keep.

They went straight there from the city gates, and entered the inn to find the two of them in the inn’s dining hall, eating a late lunch.

“Ah, Lady Lyndis! Terra!” Eliwood said, standing. “I’m glad to see you well.”

“Lord Eliwood.” Lyn said. “I’ve come to ask you for your aid.”

“I take it this is about the slander that Lord Lundgren has been spreading?” He asked.

Lyn nodded. “You’ve heard his lies, then?”

Hector grunted. “We’re very familiar with the drivel he’s been spreading, I assure you.”

“If it’s already reached your ears in Kathelet,” Terra said, “we fear that it may have ranged farther already. If Lycia supports Lundgren in this matter, our mission will be impossible.”

“What would you have me do?” Eliwood asked.

“Whatever it takes to keep the rest of Lycia out of this conflict.” Lyn said. “As lords of Lycia, you must surely have connections to the other territories. If you could somehow convince them not to ride to Lundgren’s aid, we will surely succeed.”

“You want my help, too?” Hector asked.

“If you would lend it, then yes. Absolutely.” Lyn replied.

Eliwood considered this. “You need only their neutrality?” He asked.

Terra nodded. “If you can secure their aid for us, all the better.” Terra said. “But I believe that we will be able to prevail against Lundgren ourselves, so long as it’s just us against him and his traitors. And I suspect that it will be easier to secure their neutrality than their support.”

Before Eliwood could speak, Hector stood up. “I’ll start penning some letters.” He said. “Eliwood, I’ll write to Tania and Tuscana. Lord Helman will certainly listen to you, and the less I need to think about Erik, the better.”

Eliwood nodded. “Agreed. We can parley with Marchioness Kathelet while we’re here.” He turned back to Lyn. “We’ll do what we can for you. We’ll send the letters as soon as we can. With fast riders, we’ll probably hear back from the other lords in a little less than a week. Five days, I think.”

Lyn frowned. “Five days? No faster?”

“I’m afraid not.” Eliwood said sympathetically.

Lyn sighed, and nodded. “I understand. Five days. But letters or not, we leave on the sixth. I will not wait a moment longer while my grandfather’s life hangs in the balance.”

“His life?” Eliwood asked. “I’d heard he had taken ill. Has the sickness progressed so far?”

“We’ve heard whispers he’s been poisoned.” Terra explained. “That Lundgren seeks to seize his throne.”

Eliwood’s eyes widened, and he nodded gravely. “I understand. I will do what I can. Don’t worry about lodgings. I’ll arrange something with the innkeeper here. I’ll pay for your stay.”

“Thank you.” Lyn said.

… My lord, Lord Lundgren has been spreading lies about Lady Lyndis and the knights that escort her. He calls her a pretender, her knights honorless oathbreakers. Perhaps these baseless rumors have already sullied your court. But I do not doubt for a moment that you know these are lies.

What might not have reached your ears, however, are rumors from Caelin, which speak to the nature of Lord Hausen’s illness. It is whispered in the villages of Caelin that his sickness is the result of action on Lord Lundgren’s part, that he has poisoned his brother to seize his throne. If Lundgren is willing to betray his own brother in the name of power, then truly his thirst knows no limits. I believe it likely that he will not simply stop with Caelin.

I beseech you: Caelin cannot remain in Lundgren’s hands. If you cannot lend us your aid, if you must maintain your neutrality in this matter, I understand. But if you can support us in this fight, and render us your aid in the coming battles, it would be appreciated, and remembered for years to come…

Lyn, Sain, Kent, and Terra left with Eliwood and Hector early the next morning, to make Lyn’s case to Marchioness Kathelet in person. They were escorted by the castle guard into the Marchioness’s audience chamber. It was an ostentatious room, with the territory’s heraldic banner hung on every pillar, lit by high windows and banks of torches on either side of the room. Guards were stationed flanking the way from the entrance to the throne, set atop a raised dais, where Marchioness Kathelet sat, looking at them.

She was an elderly woman, with sharp grey eyes that matched her silver hair. As they walked closer, Terra could see that her right eye was clouded over, probably as a result of whatever injury had left the scar over it.

Their escort stopped them at the foot of the dais, and Kent cleared his throat.

“Lady Katrina, I am Sir Kent, knight of Caelin. I present to you Milady Lyndis, granddaughter of Lord Hausen and lady of Caelin; Lord Hector, brother of Lord Uther and lord of Ostia; Lord Eliwood, son of Lord Elbert and lord of Pherae; Terra, tactician by trade and commander of Lyndis’s forces; and Sir Sain, knight of Caelin.”

Lady Katrina’s eyes were fixed on Lyndis, and did not leave her as the rest were introduced. When Kent’s introduction was finished, she nodded once, and said, “I welcome you, one and all, to Kathelet.” She paused for a moment, then spoke again. “Lady Lyndis, I’ve heard quite the rumors about you. That you’re a pretender to Caelin’s throne. That you’ve seduced a pair of Caelin’s knights into betraying their oaths. That you ought to be cut down for the sake of the realm.” She leaned forward on her throne. “How do you respond?”

Terra was impressed by the calm in Lyn’s voice as she spoke, even as rage burned in her eyes. “Until quite recently, I had no intention of even setting foot in Lycia. I was born and raised on the plains of Sacae, and would have lived there my entire life had Sirs Kent and Sain not come to me. They told me of a grandfather I had never met, who had sent them to find me and my parents, now passed. Now, I simply wish to see him before his illness takes him.”

Her voice hardened as she continued. “However, my granduncle, Lord Lundgren, sees me as a threat to his ascension, as I have learned that I am the rightful heir to Caelin’s throne. As such, he has sought to kill me, that his rise to power might be assured. The rumors you have heard are an extension of those efforts.”

“I see.” She leaned back in her throne. “Do you have proof that what you say is true? That you really are the lost granddaughter of Marquess Caelin?”

Lyn shook her head. “My mother, Lady Madelyn, brought nothing of her life in Caelin with her when she eloped with my father. As I said, I grew up oblivious of my Lycian heritage. I have nothing to prove my claim, save my likeness to my mother.”

Lady Katrina shook her head. “And you expect me to grant you my support on such dubious grounds?”

“No.” Lyn said. “But we did not come here seeking your support.”

That had Lady Katrina’s attention. “Oh?”

Terra spoke up then. “We understand that Lyn’s claims are hard to support, true though they are. That, for those who have not struggled alongside her, she may as well be the impostor that Lundgren claims. And so knowing that, we do not come here to ask you for your support, but for your neutrality.”

Understanding settled into Lady Katrina’s face. “You merely wish for me not to commit myself in aid of Lord Lundgren?”

Terra nodded, and made to speak, but Lady Katrina held up a hand, silencing her. She was silent for a while longer as she thought, and then she leaned forward again, and her eyes turned to Lyn once more. “Lady Lyndis, if you defeat your grand uncle and take Caelin, what are your designs when you ascend?”

Lyn frowned. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand your question.”

“Your grandfather is in poor health. You’ve said so yourself, and I know it for fact. And when he dies, you will be his rightful heir. This you claim, and shall come to pass if you defeat Lundgren. So when your grandfather dies, and you ascend to Caelin’s throne, and begin to lead my neighboring territory, what then?”

Lyn blinked. “I admit, milady, that I have not thought so far ahead. My sole concern in this endeavor has been to see my grandfather once more, and I have not thought far past seeing him again. Had Lundgren not struck first, I doubt I would seek his defeat, as I do now. Quite simply, the throne holds no appeal to me.”

Lady Katrina leaned back, a quizzical expression on her face. “Interesting…” She hummed softly, tapping her fingers against the armrest of her throne. Her eyes turned to Eliwood and Hector. “And you two believe her claims?” She asked.

“I do, Milady.” Eliwood said.
Hector nodded. “Yeah, I believe her.”

Lady Katrina sighed, thought for a moment longer, then nodded once. “Very well. I have heard your case, and shall deliberate upon it today. You shall have my answer on the morrow. Do you have any further business with me?”

“Only one more thing, if milady is willing.” Terra said.

Lady Katrina nodded. “Speak.”

“We have heard rumors in the villages near the crossing at Fort Greene.” Terra said. “They say that Marquess Caelin’s illness is unnatural.”

Lady Katrina’s eyebrows furrowed. “Have you now…” Her face scrunched in thought. “In my villages?”

Terra nodded.

“I see. My answer may have to be delayed as I investigate these rumors for myself.”

“Please don’t delay too long.” Lyn said. “We have planned our departure for five days from now. These rumors have us concerned for my grandfather’s wellbeing. I would like to have your answer before I depart.”

Lady Katrina frowned, but nodded. “I see. If that is all, then you are dismissed. I shall let you know when I have reached my decision.”

After lunch, Terra found Lucius in a quiet corner table in the inn’s common room, tucked into a book. As Terra came closer she saw it was a book about Saint Elimine. A historical text, it seemed, rather than a purely religious one. He was deep in thought as she sat down across from him, and it took a gentle “Hello, Lucius.” from her for the monk to notice her presence.

“Oh! Hello, Terra.” He said, surprised. “My apologies, I didn’t notice you sit down.”

Terra shrugged. “It’s alright. You seemed deep in thought. I didn’t mean to distract you.”

Lucius shook his head. “No, you’re quite alright. I could use the distraction. I fear my thoughts weren’t very productive.” He smiled lightly. “What can I do for you?”

Terra reached into the bag at her side, and pulled out Daybreak. She set the tome on the table between them. “I was hoping you could teach me to use this.”

Lucius’s brows arched as he looked at the tome. “I’ve never seen a tome like it. Where did you happen upon it?”

“It was given to me by the priest of the shrine of the Mani Katti, Lyn’s sword. After we rescued him, and he gave Lyn the sword, he told me that he had some things for me, as well. He gave me a journal and this tome. Told me that they belonged to a woman named Kaia. The name sounded familiar to me, and he told me that I look a lot like her. I think she might be my mother.”

Lucius gave her a confused look. “You think?”

“I’ve got amnesia.” Terra explained. “I woke up in Lyn’s tent without any memory of my past, and it’s only come back in tiny bits and pieces. I… I don’t remember my mother, but I think they might have belonged to her.”

Lucius nodded. “I see. I hadn’t realized.” He paused, and considered the book again. “May I take a look at the tome?”

Terra nodded, and Lucius picked it up, and opened it to its first page. “Do you know what kind of tome this is?” He asked

“The priest called it Daybreak.” Terra answered. “He said that it harnessed the power of the sun.”

“Alright…” He turned the page, and was quiet for a long while as he inspected the tome. Then, with a sigh, he set the book back on the table between them. “While I could probably teach you magic, my instruction would not help you wield that tome.”

Terra frowned. “But you wield light magic, don’t you? I thought this would be right up your alley.”

Lucius shook his head. “I wield holy magic. It’s an important distinction. The magic I wield draws its power from faith. You said yourself that this tome draws its power from the sun. I suspect that what you have in your possession is an Anima tome, albeit one I’ve never seen before. If it’s what you want to wield, I’d recommend that you find someone else to be your teacher. Maybe Erk could help you.” He smiled. “I’m sorry I can’t.”

Terra shook her head, and took the book back. “No, it’s not your fault.” She said, sliding the book back into her bag. “If you can’t teach me, you can’t teach me. But to say you’ve been no help would be a lie. You’ve given me something I can work with. Thank you.”

Lucius gave a light laugh. “You flatter me, but I accept your thanks. Good luck with your quest.”

Erk answered after the first knock on his door. If he was surprised to see her, he didn’t show it. “Hello, Terra. How can I help you?”

“Hello, Erk.” Terra said. “I was hoping I could ask a rather substantial favor of you. May I come in?”

Erk opened the door wider, and stepped aside to let Terra walk in. It was a double room, and Terra thought she recognized some of Dorcas’s effects near one of the beds. Erk went to a chair at a desk, and Terra found a seat on what she gathered was Erk’s bed. He waited for Terra to speak.

“I was hoping to find someone that could help me learn to use magic.” Terra explained. “I have a tome in my possession that I was hoping to learn to use.”

Erk was certainly surprised now.

“Oh, I… I see. I’m, um… I’m not sure how much help I could be.” He said, flustered. “I’m still a student, myself.”

Terra nodded. “I understand, but… I’d be willing to take whatever I can get. And when I showed my tome to Lucius, he told me I’d have better luck with you.”

Some of Erk’s surprise turned to curiosity. “I see. May I… can I see the tome?”

Terra took Daybreak from her bag, and handed it off to Erk, who took it and opened it. He studied its pages, and his surprise turned to wonder. “Where… where did you get this?”

Terra recounted the story, and when pressed, the details of her amnesia. Erk listened intently, and when she finished, Erk spoke again. “I’m no spellcrafter, but I think your priest from the plains is exactly right: Daybreak channels the power of the sun. It’s an Anima tome, and a unique one, at that. I’ve never seen nor heard of its like before.”

“Unique?” Terra asked. “Are you sure?”

Erk shrugged. “I think so. As I said, I’m only a student. My teacher would know better. But it’s certainly not one of the more standardized tomes I know of. If not unique, then certainly something special.”

Terra nodded. “Would that make it harder for you to teach me to use it?”

“It might present some unique challenges,” Erk said, “but the biggest one would be getting you to master the basics. You said you’re an amnesiac?” He asked. Terra nodded. “It could be possible, if your mother was a practiced mage, that she taught you something.”

“Would there be a way to find out?” Terra asked. “Some sort of test?”

Erk considered the question, and then his eyes lit up. “I think there’s one way.” He fixed his eyes on Terra.

”Do you understand what I’m saying?” He asked in that different, familiar language.

“Yes.” Terra answered. “I understand you.”

Erk’s eyes burned bright with anticipation. Can you speak this language?”

Terra paused. Could she? She tried to pierce the fog, to summon the words forth, tried to string them into a sentence. I… I think… I can.” It was rusty, felt a little odd on her tongue, but also somehow… right.

Erk seemed immensely satisfied with her answer. “That pretty much settles it, then.” He said. “At the very least, you've started out on magical training. You’ve got at least a few years of learning in you.

Terra was happy, if a little confused. “I don’t get it. What’s so special about that language?”

“The language you spoke,” Erk told her, “was the language of Dragons, of Spirits, and of magic itself. It is the core of Elibe’s magical tradition, and the cornerstone of every mage’s schooling. Before you can learn to cast even the simplest of spells, you must learn the Magical Language.”

“As I have, apparently.” Terra said, more to herself than to Erk.

“Indeed.” He said. “If you didn’t know the Magical Language, then you would have a much longer road ahead of you. We’d have to start there, and I doubt that we’d actually have you using magic for a long while. But you’re practiced, if perhaps a bit rusty. I think we might be able to have you try some basics, if you’d like.”

“Right now?” Terra asked.

Erk shook his head. “No, I’ll need to go into town and see if I can grab some things first. But tomorrow, I’m sure we can set something up. Does that work?”

“Sure. That sounds good. Is there anything that I can do in the meantime?”

Erk thought for a moment. “There is one thing that I can think of. Some time today, find a quiet place, preferably outdoors, though it doesn’t have to be. Speak the Magical Language, and call out to the spirits. Open yourself up to them. Anima magic harnesses their power as your own, and most mages commune with them to build rapport with them. It’s easier to wield their power as your own if they are willing to lend it to you.”

“Alright.” Terra said. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Erk handed Terra her tome, and stood. “Well, unless there was anything else you needed?” Terra shook her head. “Then I have some preparations to make. I’ll see you later, Terra.”

Out behind the Charging Bull, there was a small, walled garden: A pleasant little space, centered around a tree in the middle. A myriad of flowers grew along the walls, but the space under the tree was left clear. It was under the tree that Terra sat, leaned against it, and facing back towards the inn. The afternoon air was pleasantly warm as Terra settled in.

Erk hadn’t given her much direction for this. He’d told her to call out to them with the magical language, and to “open herself up to them,” but that had been the extent of it. He hadn’t really gone into further detail on what “communing with the spirits” really meant.

Daybreak was the tome she’d planned to use, though, so maybe that was a place to start. The Magical Language was still unfamiliar to her, and she had to think about what she was going to say, but as the words left her lips, she became more comfortable.

”I call upon the spirits of sun and day.” She whispered. “Grace me with your presence.”

Nothing happened. She spoke again, more confidently this time. ”Spirits of Sun and Light, heed my call! Come to me!”

The wind blew, and the leaves rustled, and nothing happened.

This is silly. Terra thought. I’m calling out to the sun to have a chat… But it is a nice day out today… a nap sounds rather tempting… Maybe just a quick one.

So Terra made herself comfortable against the tree, closed her eyes, and drifted off into sleep.

She woke slowly to a feeling of warmth surrounding her. It was a pleasant warmth, the warmth of the shining sun, warming you even on a cold day.

And then the warmth teased her, needled her for her slumber, for missing its arrival. It was strange. It felt like a familiar jab. One she’d suffered before, and one she felt she’d suffer again.

“I’m sorry for sleeping on you.” She said. ”I forgot how this goes.”

The warmth seemed to deliberate on that statement for a moment, before it forgave her. It always did. And then it filled with excitement, the kind you felt when you were meeting with an old friend for the first time in a long while. She laughed.

“I know, I know. It’s been a while, hasn’t it. I’m sorry it’s been so long.”

The warmth questioned her absence, and she shrugged. ”You know how it goes. I don’t control things.”

The warmth seemed to question that statement, but then it gave its understanding, and questioned her again.

”I need your help.” She said. ”I need Daybreak’s power. Can you help me?”

The warmth swirled around her, and she let it fill her up. It was a comforting feeling, long missing, but finally back.

”Thank you.”

Terra woke with a start. The sun was high in the sky. The afternoon hadn’t dragged on long after she’d closed her eyes, it seemed. The strange dream she’d had tugged at her mind, and she realized that perhaps she had communed with the spirits after all. And one of them had apparently answered her call. It felt familiar in a way she couldn’t place, despite the assurance her dream self had apparently had. But she had opened herself, and welcomed the spirit in all the same. She smiled. It seemed she had its support.

Erk came to get Terra early the next morning, and together, they left Kathelet behind, and went out beyond its walls to a spot a few minutes walk from the gates, near a large boulder.

“Did you manage to commune with the spirits yesterday?” Erk asked.

Terra nodded. “I did.”

Erk’s face scrunched up. “Um… which spirits did you commune with?”

Terra frowned. “The spirits of the sun. I figured that, if I was going to use my mother’s book, I’d want to commune with them. Was I wrong?”

Erk sighed, and shook his head. “No, you weren’t wrong. I just wasn't thinking. We’ll need to have you commune with spirits of fire before we continue. The tomes we’ll be working with require it.”

“So then each tome takes a different kind of spirit?” Terra asked, sitting down.

“Not quite to that level,” Erk told her, “but yes.” He sat down as well. “Spirits of wind will not be able to help you light a fire.”

Terra nodded, and closed her eyes. ”I call the spirits of fire and flame. Grant me your presence.”

And she waited. She’d learned yesterday that they would come to her, but in their own time.

…

She felt it as a creeping warmth that bloomed to cover her whole body. It was… it was different from the warmth of the sun spirit earlier. This was the heat of a blaze that warmed her face, a warm fire on a cold night.

”Hello. I-”

She could feel the warmth prodding at her, asking to be let in.

”I- are you sure? I- yes, but I haven’t-”

She could feel it’s presence flood through her, a burning heat that quickly subsided into a gentle warmth. She blinked.

“Are… do fire spirits always…”

Erk chuckled. “Sort of. There’s a reason fire spells are used as instructional material and beginner magic.”

Erk handed her a small spell tome as they stood. It was red, and a small fire was emblazoned in the middle of it. “This is a Spark tome. It’s a beginner’s tome. No good for combat magic, but perfect for teaching handling and technique.” He pulled out his own copy, and opened it up. “Go ahead and open yours up. Take a look at the pages.”

Terra did so. The page was covered with criss-crossing lines and patterns detailed with a vibrant red ink. The lines ran off the top of the page, and the page was scored near the spine, cutting across several of the lines… or were the lines drawn over the score?

“The lines,” Erk began, “are a set of magical circuits drawn onto the page, and charged with magic when the mage is ready to use the tome. To use the spell, you grab the page” Erk took hold of the top of the page “where the lines run off the page, and focus your power into it. Different tomes might have different places to charge from, so keep that in mind.”

“Where does me communing with spirits come into play?” Terra asked.

Erk smiled. “Good question. You know that there are three schools of magic in Elibe, yes?”

Terra nodded. “Anima, Holy and Dark magic.”

“Exactly.” Erk said. “It all depends on where you draw the bulk of your power from. Theoretically, you could cast any manner of spells by drawing your power from within, from your body's natural reserves of energy, but that’s incredibly dangerous to do in anything more than very short bursts. So a mage must find something else, something beyond themselves, to fuel their power. I admit I’m not familiar with the ways of dark mages, but Holy mages rely on the grace of a higher power, normally Elimine, and Anima mages draw their strength from spirits of nature.”

“Which is where communing with spirits comes in.” Terra surmised. “To secure their power for myself.”

Erk nodded. “Right. We call on the spirits of fire, or lightning, or the wind, or, in your case, perhaps the sun. We welcome them into ourselves, and borrow their power for our own uses.” He paused, and said again, “Borrow. The power of the spirits is a gift they give to us. Remember that well. It’s not something you should take for granted. Curry their favor often. My teacher has told me stories of mages who did not maintain a good relationship with the spirits they courted, and had those spirits abandon them in the middle of a fight.”

Terra nodded gravely. “What… what happens if you overuse your body’s-”

“It’s not good.” Erk said curtly. “Take care not to find out.”

Terra blinked. “R-right.”

There was an awkward pause between them, and then Erk cleared his throat. “Um, anyways. How to actually use a tome.” He held out his tome, and placed his hand at the top of the page. “Hand on the charge lines, focus your magical power into the circuits on the page. Most tomes are made such that ripping the page out will break the circuits and release the magical energy stored within. Then, speak a phrase in the Magical Language to give the magic shape and guidance. Here, too, the spirits come into play, and they will deliver your spell to its target. Know your target, rip the page, and release the magic. The spirits will do the rest.”

To demonstrate, Erk took hold of the page his hand was resting on. He called out, “Spirits of fire, burn!” and ripped the page from the tome. He flung it towards the boulder, and the page burned up mid-flight, and turned into glowing sparks that collided with the boulder, and disappeared.

He turned to Terra, expectantly. “Give it a try.”

Terra nodded, and stepped up. She held the tome in the crook of her arm, and placed her hand on the top of the page, where the lines flowed off. She took a deep breath, and focused. She could feel the connection she made, could feel the magic flowing from her into the page. She took hold of it, and called out, “Spirits of fire, burn!” She ripped the page from the book, and flung it into the air, where it turned to glowing sparks that flew towards the boulder, just like Erk’s had.

“Good job.” Erk said. “Go through a couple more pages.”

Terra went through the next couple pages of the tome, sending wave after wave of sparks at the boulder.

“Well, you certainly seem to have the technique down.” Erk said. “I suppose that’s good. How are you feeling?”

Terra frowned. “Fine? I don’t feel any different than when we started. Why, should I?”

Erk shook his head. “No, not at all. In fact, if you’re really not feeling any different?” Terra shook her head. “Then that means that your grasp on the language and your technique are probably good enough to function on a battlefield. You were obviously very well trained before you lost your memories, for it to return to you so quickly and completely. Just make sure you keep up your connections with the spirits, and you’ll do wonderfully.”

Terra smiled. “Thank you for your help. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.”

Erk laughed. “I’m flattered. I’ve barely taught you anything. I’ve just jogged your memory. Get a tome back into your hands, and you’ll do wonders.”

“Regardless, I’m grateful for your help.” Terra said. “Was this it?”

Erk nodded. “I had been prepared to teach you more of what I know, but you seem to have a handle on everything. I think we’re good here.”

They began their walk back into town.

“If I may pick your mind,” Terra said, “I have a few other questions.”

Erk shrugged. “I’ll do what I can. Ask away.”

“Are there… is there magic other than what you can do with tomes or staves?”

Erk nodded. “Certainly. One need look no further than Nils and flute for proof.”

Terra blinked. “I… I hadn’t thought of that.”

“It’s certainly a novel method for wielding magic.” Erk said. “I admit that my practical schooling focused entirely on magical tomes, but I’m familiar, at least on a surface level, with the idea of magic taking other forms.”

“So, are there any limits on the forms that magic can take?” Terra asked.

“Yes.” Erk said confidently. “Elibe’s magical traditions are built upon the Magical Language, so any sort of magic will require its use. Additionally, any sort of magic will require the aid of another, stronger power. No human has enough magical energy in themselves to manage casting any meaningful magic for long. That’s why we enlist the aid of the spirits. And most magic requires some sort of focus, some way to channel it in the way the caster wants. And most focuses are specialized to do one thing.”

Terra nodded. “A fire tome can’t be used to cast anything other than Fire.”

“Exactly.” Erk said. “Or, to continue the discussion on unusual magic: Nile’s flute. Given what I’ve seen thus far, he probably doesn’t know any combative magic, and if he does, he can’t use his flute to wield it.” He paused, then added, “I don’t know much about them or their skills, but I suspect that Ninis’ Grace might also be a magical focus, not just a sentimental piece of jewelry.”

Terra was quiet for a moment. “There’s certainly a lot to them, isn’t there?”

Erk hummed. “Nils, at the very least, is certainly very magically gifted. He’s probably been learning his whole life. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ninian was the same. But I also suspect that their instruction was entirely focused on their unique brand of magic. I doubt either of them could use a tome.”

“Err, speaking of which.” Terra said. “Where did you get these tomes? I think I’ll need to get a Fire tome.”

Erk cocked his head. “You don’t mean to use your mother’s tome?”

“I… Even if I do plan to use it, I can’t use it forever.” Terra said. “I’ll need another tome eventually. Best to just get it out of the way now.”

“Of course.” Erk said. “Yes, I can help you with that.”

Terra laid down under the tree in the garden. She took long, slow breaths through her nose, and breathed out, even slower, through pursed lips. Serra had taught her this exercise after her injury, and Terra had done it every day since. It still hurt, but it was a dull ache, and less intense than it had been at first. And marching back from Caelin had been hard, but it had been easier than the march there had been. Terra took solace in the fact that she seemed to be getting better.

She finished her exercises, and sat up, supported by the tree. The garden was a nice place to perform her exercises, but it wasn’t the only reason that she was out here this afternoon.

She’d remembered a dream that she’d had while she was out of it, after she’d been impaled by the Black Fang rider. One where she’d wielded a magic that seemed to borrow the power of the spirits of the earth, to sense the entire field of battle. Her conversations with Erk, and her recent magical “training” had reminded her of it, and now, she was compelled to see if it was something she could replicate.

But her conversations with Erk had also made it very clear to her that it wouldn’t be as easy or simple as repeating what she’d heard herself say in her dreams. There were steps she’d have to take.

And so, she took a deep breath, and took the first step.

”I call upon the spirits of the earth.” Terra said. ”Grace me with your presence.”

…

She felt it in the grass and dirt under her, and the tree at her back. Not warm, like the sun or fire spirits had been, but not cold, either. It felt strong, sturdy, and reliable. It felt like it had always been there, and always would be.

”Hello.” Terra said. ”I need your help.”

The spirit seemed to give its assent like it was a foregone conclusion. As though it’s mind had already been made up before it had even arrived: for it was the earth. It would always be there.

”Thank you, all the same.” Terra said. ”I appreciate it.”

And then… gratitude. Sincerity. It seemed… happy, almost, to be appreciated. To be acknowledged. And now its assent was enthusiastic, and Terra felt the spirit enter her. This spirit, too, warmed her as it filled her, but it wasn’t the same warmth as before. This was… it was the warmth of fresh earth under your feet. The warmth of a kindred spirit.

That was step one. Step two was the focus. Erk had been very clear on that: magic needed a focus to channel it through. And… Terra reached into the bag at her hip, and pulled it out.

It was a dark green gem, a little smaller than her fist, and perfectly round. It was clear, all the way through, and there were no imperfections within, no air bubbles or impurities. This was her greatest treasure, her hope and comfort. She’d known it was important since she’d woken up in Lyn’s tent. She’d flown into a panicked fury when the thief had stolen it from her. And for the longest time, Terra had no idea why the damn thing was so important to her.

But maybe now she did.

Her hands settled into her lap, clasped around the stone. She remembered the words from her dream, and now, they ushered forth from her lips.

“I call upon the spirits of the earth. Heed my call and grant this boon: show to me the lay of the land, and reveal to me where stands friend and foe.”

Terra had an idea of what would happen next, but to say she was prepared for it was laughably incorrect. In moments, it was already too much, and frantically, she shouted ”STOP!”

And then it was over, and Terra’s head ached, and her heart hammered in her chest.

In those short moments, she’d felt her awareness, almost paradoxically, grow to an unimaginable scope, and become almost impossibly detailed. She’d felt every set of footsteps in the entire city. It had been too much.

Terra looked at the stone in her hands with more trepidation than she’d ever felt for it before. It was a power that seemed incredibly useful, but… could she handle it?

“Terra? Are you alright?”

Terra looked up to see Wil standing in the doorway to the garden, concern clear on his face. “I heard a shout, and I came as- oh.” He closed the distance with her, knelt down, and swiped at her nose with a cloth he’d produced. It came back red with blood. “How’d that happen? Terra, are you okay?”

Terra blinked, and her hand travelled up to her nose. Her fingers came away red. Had the spell done that?

“Here, take it.” Wil said, offering the cloth. Terra took it, and held it hard against her nose.

“Thanks.” Terra said.

“Are you doing alright, boss?” Wil asked. “You look like you just saw a ghost.”

“I… I think I’ll be alright.” Terra said. “I’m just… trying something new.”

“‘Something new?’ And it socked you in the nose?”

“I… I’m trying some new magic.” Terra finally said. “It went… it was weird.”

“Huh. Didn’t know you were a mage.” Wil said.

“Until today, I didn’t either.” Terra admitted.

Wil shrugged. “Well, I don’t know much about magic, but if it’s making you bleed, maybe you bit off a little more than you could chew?”

“It certainly seems that way.” Terra said.

“Well, baby steps, you know? Gotta learn to walk before you can run.”

Terra considered the statement. “I guess so…”

“Just be careful with it, alright boss? I’m sure you’ll get it eventually.”

Terra nodded. “Right. Thanks, Wil.”

Wil smiled. “Any time, boss.”

“So, I heard that you’re learning magic now?” Lyn asked.

Terra laid in her bed, and stared at the ceiling of their shared room. The room was dark, save for the lone candle on their shared bedside table. “Yeah. I got Erk to teach me a bit. It seems like I was a mage before I lost my memories.”

There was a moment of silence between them.

“I… I think I understand why.” Lyn said, shuffling in her own bed. “And I’m glad that you’re learning ways to protect yourself. I’m just… I’m worried. This makes you a target on the battlefield.”

“I was already a target.” Terra argued. “Now I’ll be able to do something about it.”

Lyn was quiet again. The silence spoke volumes.

“I’m tired of feeling powerless, Lyn.” Terra said finally. “Tired of feeling like a burden. Tired of standing by and watching you guys risk your lives and doing nothing.”

“You don’t do ‘nothing.’” Lyn tried to counter. “You’re not-”

“I do less than all of you.” Terra replied. “I make plans, and I hope that they work out. We’re fighting trained soldiers now, Lyn. We need every pair of hands we can get. We can’t afford to have people pulled off the frontlines just to make sure I’m safe. Not if I can do that job myself. Not if I’m fighting right there with you.”

The silence returned, and Terra’s words settled between them.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you myself.” Lyn said. “The temple… The Black Fang… I’ve failed you two times, haven’t I?”

Terra winced. “No, you haven’t-”

“If you do ‘nothing,’” Lyn interrupted, “then I’ve failed you.” Her voice was firm, but Terra could feel the sadness in it. She was silent for a moment longer, then said, “Promise me something.”

Terra paused for a moment, uncertain, then relented. “Anything.”

“Please.” Lyn said. “Watch my back… and let me watch yours. Don’t let me fail you again.”

“I promise.”

“We need to reconsider our marching plans.” Lyn said.

Lyn had called Terra, Kent, and Sain together for a meeting, and they’d chosen the knights’ room to convene in. Terra had wondered what she’d wanted to talk about, but now, she understood.

“This is about what we heard about your grandfather.” Terra supplied.

Lyn nodded. “If the rumors we’ve heard are true, and my grandfather isn’t just sick, but poisoned, then that makes speed essential.”

“Of course.” Sain said. “Every moment lost is another he draws closer to death.”

Kent frowned. “It’s even possible that Lundgren might try to accelerate his schemes now that we seem so close. Every second matters.”

“So what are you suggesting?” Terra asked.

“Last time we spoke about our march, we decided to circumvent the Three Peaks, in hopes of catching Lundgren unaware.” Lyn said. “But that route costs us a day, at least, which is unacceptable given what we know now. I want us to march straight through, instead.”

For the briefest of moments, Kent and Sain shared a look. It was a subtle look, one that Terra almost didn’t notice.

“Of course, Milady.” Kent said. “It might be more dangerous, but your mission is paramount.”

“Please.” Lyn pleaded. “Please know that I don’t make this decision lightly. You are my friends. I don’t like the thought of placing you in more danger…” Her fists clenched at her sides. “I… I hate the thought that I’ve been made to decide whose well-being I favor… But… ” Lyn faltered.

“You’re here to see your grandfather.” Sain supplied. “Visiting his grave is hardly the same.”

Lyn’s gaze hardened, and she nodded. “I did not travel weeks and miles, shed blood and tears, only to have another family member cruelly torn from me.”

“Kent and I swore oaths to Lord Hausen.” Sain said. “To your grandfather. We swore to protect his life at any cost. Your mission has always been our own, now more than ever.”

“Milady.” Kent said softly. “None of us… we are all here for you. We fight for your sake. We are yours to lead.” He smiled lightly. “And none of us will leave you without a fight.”

“We’ll make it through.” Terra told her confidently. “I know we will.”

Lyn sighed, and smiled. “Thank you. All of you.”

“It’s our pleasure.” Kent said.

For a moment, a comfortable silence descended on them. Then, Terra cleared her throat. “Well, if this is to be our plan, I’d like to pick your brains.” She looked at Kent and Sain. “You two are knights of Caelin, so I expect that you two will be familiar with the region we’ll be marching through?”

“Of course.” Sain said.

“Lyn, I can fill you in later, if you’d like.” Terra told her. “Go take a break. Get something to eat.”

Lyn nodded. “Thank you.” And she turned away, and left the room. It was just the three of them now.

“So, what do you want to know?” Kent asked.

“Why are you so hesitant to march through the Three Peaks?” Terra asked point-blank.

For a moment, both knights stood in stunned silence. “You two seemed relieved the last time we spoke about this, when we chose to circumvent the region. And when Lyn changed our plans… I saw your look. You obviously don’t want her to know what’s up, or else you would have voiced your concern. What’s going on?”

After a pause, Sain spoke up. “His name is Sir Eagler. He’s Caelin’s Knight Commander. His estate lies in the Three Peaks. He… Kent and I both had the privilege of training directly under him as squires. And when we first became knights, he was our captain… He’s always been one of Lord Hausen’s best, most loyal knights.”

…

It took a moment for Terra to follow their line of concern.

“Knights which Lundgren has been doing away with since he started scheming.”

Sain nodded. “We suspect that Lundgren wouldn’t be able to simply do away with Sir Eagler the same way he can with some of Lord Hausen’s other supporters. Sir Eagler is much-loved by Caelin’s knights and soldiers. Killing him or exiling him, or even simply removing him from his position, might make deserters out of people who might have otherwise stood by. But…”

“But he does nothing to save his lord?” Terra asked.

“Neither of us think that he’s fallen in line with Lundgren.” Sain said. “That’s… It’s not him. But the fact that he remains in his post…”

“You’re worried he’ll fight us.” Terra said, finally understanding the depths of their plight. “If we take the route through the Three Peaks, you’re worried he’ll be made to stand against us somehow.”

A heavy silence hung in the room. For a long while, nobody spoke, nobody moved. No one dared to break the spell.

Finally, Terra did. “Why not tell Lyn? Surely she’d understand if you just-”

“Lyn’s mission is our own.” Kent said firmly, breaking his silence. “Her burdens are already heavy enough, and she doesn’t need ours to be added to them… A knight’s feelings matter not, compared to the wishes of their master. Lord Hausen’s life is in jeopardy, and so we must ride to save him. That is our duty as his knights. Lyn has told us that we will travel through the Three Peaks. And so, as her knights, we shall. And if Eagler chooses to stand against us, then… then we’ll…”

“Kent.” Terra said softly. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Sain put a hand on his shoulder, and gave him a soft shake. Kent took a breath to steady himself. “Sir Eagler… Eagler is my adoptive father.” He said.

And now everything fell into place for Terra.

“My birth mother was a stablehand in his estate, and my birth father was Eagler’s second.” Kent explained. “But my birth father died in Eagler’s service, and then my birth mother died in childbirth… and so Eagler and his wife raised me as their own.”

“I… I refuse to burden Lady Lyndis with this. She has enough to worry about.”

“If you told her, she’d go around.” Terra said. “I’m certain of it.”

“And if we go around, her grandfather might die.” Kent said. “And if my lord died because of my actions, then I will have failed as a knight… no, we must go through the Three Peaks. It’s the only way… Father would understand.”

“… Alright.” Terra said after another long silence. “I won’t tell Lyn. If it’s truly your wish that she not know, then I’ll respect that.”

Kent nodded. “Thank you.”

“Now, tell me about the region we’ll be marching through. Tell me about the Three Peaks.”

Terra was finding herself in the garden more and more. It was a nice space, and enjoyable to be in. It was… it was calming, in a way, to just sit under the tree and let the world move on around her. It was nice, just to come out here and find a little peace.

To try and calm her racing mind.

Her conversation with the knights about the Three Peaks had been enlightening. She hadn’t promised them a solution, hadn’t even mentioned the problem that faced them after they’d left that conversation behind, but she felt she might have one. It all depended on her. What she’d be able to do.

”I call upon the spirits of the earth.” Terra said. ”Grace me with your presence.”

…

It happened quicker this time, she thought. The feeling in the earth and the grass and the tree all felt familiar to her.

”Are you the same spirit that came to me before?”

Affirmation. Support.

“Thank you.”

It felt different, this time, when it entered into her. It was odd to place, like the spirit wasn’t filling her, but… refilling itself in her? It was already within her, and now it was entering her again… or something.

But she welcomed it all the same, and then turned back to the task before her.

She took the stone out of the bag, and held it carefully in her hands, idly stroking the surface with her thumbs. Last time… last time had been terrifying. But maybe she could do this differently. Maybe there was a way to start easier.

“I call upon the spirits of the earth. Heed my call and grant this boon: show to me my immediate surroundings, and reveal to me where stands friend and foe.”

The change of request had its desired effect. Instead of being bombarded with stimulation and information from all across the city, Terra only felt the garden she was in. She felt the tree she was seated against, the walls surrounding her, the grass and flowers… she could feel herself, which was a bit of an odd sensation, like she was looking at herself from afar.

She realized that she’d been grasping tightly to the orb, and loosened her grip. She’d been worried about being overwhelmed again, but this much… she felt alright with this much. It wasn’t nearly as imposing as viewing the entire city on her first try had been. This… this was doable. She could do this.

But this little wouldn’t be enough. She needed to push a little farther.

”Spirits of the earth, show me the inn before me.”

The building before her slowly added itself into her awareness. She could feel its planks and walls, and everybody inside of it. And she realized that she recognized everyone inside of it. She could tell apart Kent and Sain, sitting in the dining area, from Wil, laying on his bed in his room, and Erk, sitting at the desk in his. Could see Matthew and Hector, Florina and Lyn… All without being able to really see them herself. It was a promising result…

She just hoped it would be enough.

“Tania and Tuscana have assured me that they will not interfere in Caelin’s affairs.” Hector said.

“I’ve received word from Laus and Santaruz, as well.” Eliwood said. “Laus has sworn its neutrality, and Lord Helman sends an offer of aid at your request.”

Lyn shook her head. “While I appreciate the offer, we cannot afford to wait any longer to wait for his aid. We will press on without it.”

“I suppose all that’s left is Lady Katrina’s reply, then?” Terra asked.

“She actually had a letter sent to my room.” Lyn said. “She has validated the rumors Matthew reported, and while she will not directly support us, she does wish us the best in our endeavors.”

Terra nodded. “Good. That’s everything, then.”

“Thank you for your help.” Lyn said, looking to Hector and Eliwood. “Both of you.”

“I’m glad we were able to do something to help.” Eliwood said. “I wish that I could do more.”

“You won’t come with us, then?” Lyn asked.

“Eliwood and I have had to barter our own neutrality to secure the rest.” Hector explained. “As much as I’d love to knock Lundgren’s head with you, if we ride out with you, it’ll be seen as us going back on our negotiations. All bets would be off, then.”

Eliwood nodded. “What we’ve done will have to be the extent of our aid, I’m afraid. However, as a friend, I shall pray for your success.”

“Thank you.” Lyn said. “I won’t waste the opportunity that you’ve given me. When you next hear from me, I’ll be writing from Caelin. I swear it.”

“From behind?”

Florina nodded. “Nine of them. At the speed they’re riding, they’ll be on us in about fifteen minutes.”

They’d been on the road for a day. They weren’t even to Caelin’s border yet, and any attack that they might have chosen to send would have come from the front, not their rear. Lyn had refused Santaruz’s offers of aid, and none of the other territories had offered any sort of support beyond a few encouraging words.

Which meant that Terra knew exactly who was riding towards them.

“Go guide them in.” Terra said. “They’re reinforcements.”

“Reinforcements?” Lyn asked, confused. “But Santaruz… we turned down their offer.”

“Eliwood and Hector weren’t the only ones to write some letters.” Terra revealed. “I didn’t want to say anything, in case nothing came of it, but I wrote a letter to Araphen, explaining our situation and requesting his support. They’re a bit farther away than everyone else, so I figured their response would be slower. We set a strict deadline for when we were going to leave, so I told him that, if he was going to support us, he should meet us on the road to Caelin.”

“And so he has.” Lyn observed. She shook her head. “I don’t believe it.”

“It’s heartening to hear, though.” Kent said. “This is a direct show of support from another Lycian territory. It lends at least some legitimacy to your claims. And that the support comes from Araphen, Caelin’s long-time ally, is sure to be understood by all who are watching.”

Sain smiled. “This is a huge boon! If Lundgren was worried before, I’m sure he’s terrified now!”

“Go spread the word.” Terra told the knights. “Let everyone know that we’ve got help coming. And tell Rath I need him.”

The rider at the head of the column separated from the group, and came forward towards Terra, Lyn, Rath, Kent, and Sain.

“Which of you is Terra?” The rider asked, stepping down from his horse.

Terra stepped forwards. “I am.”

The rider produced a letter from his saddlebags, and handed it to her. “Lord Alistair sends his reply.”

Terra took the letter, broke the seal, and skimmed the letter’s contents. Marquess Araphen, or Lord Alistair, as the rider had referred to him, had been none too happy with the rumors that Lundgren had been spreading about Lyn, and upon hearing that he might be responsible for the failing health of his friend, he’d felt it was his duty to help. The riders were all he’d been able to send on short notice: they were supposed to be leaving for a patrol through the borderlands, but they’d been rerouted to help Lyn, instead. He regretted not being able to send further support, and hoped that what he’d been able to rally would be enough. He also promised that he would champion Lyn as Caelin’s rightful heir to his neighbors.

“We’ve been told to report to you for our orders.” The rider said as Terra looked up from the letter.

“Alright. I’ll be leaving your detailed command to Rath, and he’ll report to me. For now, fall in with our column. I’ll get you caught up to speed.”

The addition of six cavaliers, two mounted archers, and a troubadour for mobile healing, represented a massive increase to their combat strength and their tactical flexibility on the battlefield. And it was quickly made useful.

Lundgren hadn’t sat idle while Lyndis’s Legion had retreated and regrouped. The crossing at Fort Greene had been reinforced while they were away, and while Lundgren had seen fit not to redeploy the ballista, the guard had been replaced, and even bolstered. But Lyndis’s Legion had also grown in the intervening days.

Terra stood with the battle line today, Fire tome in hand. They were on the far side of the bridge from the fort’s defenders. They hadn’t tried to ride out from behind their defenses this time, instead electing to hold their defensive position and allow Lyndis’s Legion to break itself on their line. But now, with six more soldiers to form and hold a front line, Terra hoped that it wouldn’t change things much.

Their first obstacle would be the bridge.

“Cavalry, charge!” Terra commanded. As one force, Rath led Kent, Sain, and Araphen’s riders across the bridge. The defenders closest to the bridge on the other side rained some fire down onto the bridge, but the charge held together as it crossed into enemy territory, where the riders broke apart to engage the enemy skirmishers.

“Now!” Terra called. “We go!”

With the enemy defenders distracted, Terra had their foot soldiers cross the bridge to reinforce the cavalry. The enemy’s skirmishers had quickly fallen away from the bridge, and heavier fighters were moving up to combat the cavalry force, but the cavalry wouldn’t be alone for long. And with no indirect fire raining down on the bridge, they’d be completely fresh. They made it to the cavalry a little after the enemy’s counterattack hit. They joined with the cavalry to form a battle line against the enemy’s soldiers.

Before, they didn’t have the numbers or the staying power to manage a line like this. Terra had always been concerned that a larger enemy force would be able to outmaneuver their line. The last time they’d fought here, she had needed to make use of terrain features to make sure that didn’t happen. But now, with six more bodies to form their battle line with, and another healer in their midst to keep everyone in fighting shape, Terra was much more confident in their ability to hold the line.

Terra’s spot in the line was on the flank, with Lyn, Dorcas, and Rosaline. She stood a bit behind them as they held the line, fighting against Caelin’s soldiers. She ripped page after page from the tome in her hands, sending one fireball after another into the melee, trusting in the spirits to guide the fire into her foes, and not her friends. It was one thing, she realized, to fling sparks at a boulder in the middle of a field. It was another entirely to launch balls of scorching fire into clustered melees, and hope that she didn’t accidentally strike a friend with them. But the spirits guided her shots with deadly precision. Her friends were spared the fire, and the smell of her enemies’ scorched clothes and burnt flesh became uncomfortably familiar.

And the sounds! The scream of metal on metal, of wounded men and horses, of people just trying to communicate over each other and over the deafening noises of battle… She’d heard these sounds before, but now she was immersed in them. A part of them. Just another noise in the cacophony.

Even after the fighting was finally over, and Caelin’s defenders had been routed, the smells hung persistently in her nose, and the sounds kept ringing in her ears.

Kent, Sain, Lyn, Rath, Erk, and Terra all sat around the fire. Camp had been made for the night, and Terra had called the others together. Each sat, looking at her, waiting for her to speak.

“Tomorrow, we march into the Three Peaks region.” Terra said. “Beyond it lies Castle Caelin, Lundgren, and Lord Hausen. If we make it through the Three Peaks, I’m confident that we can win the fight against Lundgren. And I have a plan to ensure our success.”

“Alright.” Lyn said. “What have you come up with?”

“According to the knights,” Terra said, “the region is full of rough terrain, and known for the heavy fogs that settle across the land during the early morning hours, before dissipating in heat of the afternoon sun. I think that we’ll be able to use the fog and the terrain to avoid enemy patrols, and march through the region unmolested. We’ll come out the other side with their forces none the wiser. Then we’ll march on Castle Caelin, surprise them in the field, and defeat Lundgren before he can rally the rest of his forces.”

“It seems like a decent plan.” Rath said. “But I’m not sure that we can sneak through the Three Peaks without being caught. The fog will work against us just as much as it works for us. We won’t be able to spot enemy patrols until they’re right on top of us.”

Terra had expected someone to bring this up. Slowly, she pulled the stone out of the bag at her hip, and held it for everyone to see.

“I’ve been learning magic from Erk.” Terra said. “By his account, I was well-taught before I lost my memories. And… I remembered something. I’ve been re-learning magic that enables me to expand my senses, and gain awareness of my surroundings on a very wide scale. I can feel out whole landscapes, entire battlefields, and everyone on them… all without needing to physically see them. I should be able to guide us through the fog, and past their patrols. We’ll need to stay very tight while we march, but it should be possible.”

“I’ve never heard of this kind of magic before.” Erk said. “I’ve heard of wind magic being used to transmit orders across battlefields, but never anything like this… That stone is your focus for the spell?” Terra nodded. “Interesting… What spirits are you invoking to empower the magic?”

“Spirits of the earth.” Terra said.

Erk blinked, and his eyes seemed to come alive at the possibilities. “I think… I think it will work. I don’t know anything about the magic involved, but I think it seems sound.”

“If it works,” Terra said, “we stand to be able to make it through the Three Peaks without coming to blows with the defenders. We’ll be able to make it through faster than we would if we had to fight them. We won’t have to worry about taking casualties. And if Lundgren isn’t expecting us to be at his doorstep so fast, we may catch him out of position. It’s our best course of action.”

Kent and Sain seemed hopeful. Erk and Rath were both intrigued, though Terra figured they each had different reasons. But ultimately, it was Lyn’s call. And so everyone looked from Terra to Lyn, as she thought about the plan Terra had laid out.

Finally, Lyn nodded. “Let’s do it. I trust you, Terra. If you think that this is our surest path, I will follow your lead. You haven’t led us astray yet.”

As the meeting adjourned, and everyone turned in for the night, Terra hoped that would continue to be true.

Chapter Text

The morning air hung thick with a dense fog. The morning sun was probably only just peeking over the horizon, but the sky was overcast by dark clouds that promised rain, and so the sun’s light was filtered grey on grey. They’d broken camp before the dawn light to make it here this early, but Terra was happy with the results. Visibility was horrendous. You could barely see more than a few hundred feet, and poorly at that, before the fog consumed your vision. Anyone standing off in the fog would be little more than an indeterminate blob, if you could make them out at all.

It was everything that Terra could have hoped for. Even from her place next to Rosaline on the front of the wagon, she could tell that her plan might actually work.

Terra took the stone out of its bag, took a deep breath to steady herself, and spoke. “I call upon the spirits of the earth. Reveal to me the lay of the land, and show me where stands friend and foe.”

She felt her awareness expand to behold the whole land before them, seen with crystal clarity, as though the fog weren’t even there. She could see the two peaks nearby, and the third of the Three Peaks farther off in the distance. She could see the forested valley that they were planning to pass through, and the cliffs that jutted up around it. She could see the river before them, and the bridge that crossed over it.

She could see the village they’d had to circumvent to get here, the castle that they would have to pass by to leave the area, and the many small forts that dotted the landscape: nestled into the peaks, atop the cliffs, or within the forest. She could sense the myriad of soldiers in the forts and castle, hives of activity as they obliviously awaited Lyn’s arrival. She could sense the small patrols already in place in the valley, and atop the cliffs.

She could sense herself, and her friends, and the riders from Araphen, clustered tightly around their wagon, awaiting their orders.

“Take us over the bridge.” Terra said. Terra felt the wagon start moving with a lurch, and their ensemble followed close in its wake.

Passing over the bridge was the first obstacle. The river was overlooked by forts on the peaks that bordered it, and at any point, they might be spotted, and their mission ruined. But the morning was dark, and the fog thick, and they made it over the bridge with no alarm raised, and no soldiers descending upon them. Terra allowed herself to breathe a small sigh of relief, but she knew that things had only just begun.

They approached the wooded valley, and Terra could see the patrols moving in her mind. There were only two of them at the moment, and both were keeping to the north of the valley. She’d been right: No one seemed to think that they would try to slip past the concentration of forts to the south.

“Take us into the forest.” Terra said. “Keep us on its edge.”

Rosaline steered the wagon into the forest, and at Terra’s command, kept them just inside of the woods: covered from the view from the castle, but steering themselves around the fort that lay in the forest’s center. It was the path that afforded them the best chance at avoiding detection from either.

She could feel every bump and shake of the wagon as it traveled over the rough surface of the forest. It was more distracting than she thought it would be, and it seemed to take an eternity for them to make it through the woods. Terra tried to keep her focus on the castle and fort, watching and waiting and hoping against all hope that she wouldn’t see a rider come forth to challenge them and ruin their plan. Any moment could bring an end to their stealth, and make force of arms the only solution. But no one came. Their travel around the forest’s edge was uninterrupted.

“Here.” Terra finally said. “Turn out of the forest here. Head directly away from it.”

She felt the wagon turn, and felt the wagon return to smoother ground, and was glad for a moment, before she realized, too late, that a small group of riders had left the cliff-top fort to their north while she’d been distracted with the one in the forest and the castle. Their paths would intersect. There was no time to turn away.

“We’re going to be spotted.” Terra said as calmly as she could manage. “A patrol’s coming from the north.”

“It’s alright.” Rosaline said. “You planned for that.”

Terra nodded, and nervously bit the inside of her lip. “You remember the lines?”

“I do.” Rosaline replied. “Don’t worry.”

Terra bit down, keeping herself from replying. She knew her reply wouldn’t be helpful.

“Ho there!” came a call from the north. “Who’s there in the fog? Answer for yourselves!”

“We are a merchant caravan!” Rosaline called. “Riding for Santaruz from Bern!”

There was no answer for a moment. Terra could feel the tension hanging in the air with the fog.

“You’re quite the small caravan.” A different voice called. “Only one wagon?”

“We left the others behind in Araphen and Kathelet.” Rosaline called. “We ride alone for Santaruz.”

“With such a sizable escort?” The second voice inquired from the fog.

“It was more appropriate when we were five wagons travelling through the borderlands.” Rosaline answered. “And they shall be welcome when we return by the same.”

“Indeed.” The second voice responded. Another tense silence hung in the air. Terra waited, and hoped that the ruse would work. If it didn’t, and things came to blows, could they run? Or would they have to stand and fight to secure their rear before continuing? Would they have to-

“Ride on, then!” Came the response. “And make haste, before this place becomes a battlefield!”

“Elimine’s blessings on you!” Rosaline called back. “May you win the day!”

The knights remained in place as their group passed by, and Terra let out a breath that she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. Terra watched as the riders completed their journey south to the castle. Terra’s group passed beyond the castle’s reach, turned away from the Three Peaks, and made their way south to Castle Caelin.

“Thank you for your help.” Terra said. “It is no longer needed.”

The spell melted away, and Terra’s awareness returned to normal. The world seemed a little brighter, something that she hadn’t noticed while looking through the earth.

Terra melted into her seat as the feelings settled in. Her head and heart were pounding. She felt drained. Tired. Light-headed. Her nerves were frayed. She felt oddly unsteady, and her hand grabbed hold of the wagon to stabilize herself.

“You alright?” Rosaline asked.

“Not really.” Terra said. “I think I will be, I just… I need some rest. That took… it was a lot for me.”

Terra clambered over the seat and into the wagon. As she went, she heard Rosaline say, “You did it, Terra.”

It was hard to tell how much time had passed when Terra woke next. She felt better than she had when she’d gone to sleep, though. Outside the wagon, the storm clouds still loomed overhead, darker to the south, but the fog was gone, and the world looked a little brighter. They’d made it past the Three Peaks, then. No one had woken her in a panic, so it seemed they really were off the hook.

Terra looked up out of the front of the wagon, and saw that Rosaline had been joined by Sain, riding alongside the wagon.

“Ah, milady!” Sain said with a broad smile on his face. “You awaken from your well-earned slumber!” Sain’s face shifted slightly, and Terra could see the worry in his eyes. “Rosaline told me that you were feeling unwell after the march through the Three Peaks. Are you alright?”

Terra smiled, and nodded. “I am. Thank you, Sain.”

Sain nodded. “I’m glad to hear that. And…” Sain’s face shifted again, and for a moment, Terra saw the bravado fall away. “Thank you for finding a way. I know that Kent said he’d stand against his father if he had to, and I do not doubt his resolve. But… Thank you for not making him prove his words true. I don’t know if he will ever say so, but know that he thanks you, too.”

Terra blinked. “Y-yeah. I’m… I’m glad that I was able to help.”

“So,” Sain asked, his grin returning, “do you think that you will be able to use your amazing power to sense the earth in our upcoming fight? Shall we outmaneuver Lundgren in the field with your all-seeing eyes?”

“... Maybe.” Terra said, thinking. “The problem will come down to my ability to communicate with everyone effectively. It worked fine when I was only commanding a single group, without the chaos of battle to hamper our efforts. But in a melee… I’d be concerned that things would fall apart. I’d also be a sitting duck. I haven’t managed to use that power while mobile.”

Sain nodded. “I understand. Another time, perhaps. After you’ve mastered this new power of…”

Terra followed Sain’s gaze. They had been travelling through a hilly section of Caelin, and had just crested one such hill on the road south.

Approaching the hill from the blind spot on the other side was a group of soldiers flying the banner of Caelin’s knights.

“Have they somehow heard that we’ve made it through the Three Peaks?” Rosaline asked, confused.

“That can’t be!” Sain said. “We’ve seen no messengers attempt to overtake us on the road! They’ve had no word!”

“They must be reinforcements.” Terra realized. “They were marching up to reinforce the Three Peaks. They were meant to be there to fight us… How did Florina not see them approach?”

“She said the road ahead passes through a forest.” Sain said. “They must have been hidden by the trees!”

“What will you have us do?” Rosaline asked.

“Sain, go rally the troops.” Terra told him, leaping from the wagon. “Rosaline, stop the wagon here. Let’s keep the high ground.”

Rosaline pulled on the reins, stopping the wagon, as Sain rode off to spread the word. Terra kept her eye on the group before them. Surely, they must have been spotted by now…

There was a shout from the enemy force, and it came to a stop a ways away from the bottom of the hill. It arrayed itself in battle lines, and Terra could see that it was primarily an infantry force. There were a few mounted knights in their number, but most of the soldiers seemed to be heavy infantry.

“Milady, I return.” Sain said. “Kent’s come with me.”

“They arrange themselves before us.” Kent said. “Do they not plan to attack?”

“I think they may choose to try to block our path, or intercept us if we try to go around.” Terra said.

The Caelin battle line parted, and a soldier walked forward from their lines. He was a titan of a man, clad in gleaming silver plate that shone in the sun’s rays like a mirror. He held a spear low and ready at his side, and Terra could see an axe holstered at his hip as well.

“So you’ve made it this far already.” The titan’s voice boomed as he walked forward, away from his lines. “Which of you is the one who claims to be Lady Lyndis?”

“Is that… Wallace?” Terra heard Kent mutter in disbelief.

“I… I think it might be.” Sain replied.

“Who is Wallace?” Terra asked.

“He was Caelin’s Knight Commander before Eagler.” Kent explained.

“Well?” Wallace boomed again. “Where is the girl?”

“General Wallace,” Sain called out, “I thought you were retired! Weren’t you off sowing fields?”

“I am, and I was.” Wallace called back. “And then Lord Lundgren sent orders for me to take up arms and defend Castle Caelin from a band of ruffians led by two rogue knights and a pretender to the throne.”

“And you believe him?” Sain cried out.

“Lord Wallace, surely you don’t believe us to be oathbreakers, do you?” Kent asked.

“Bring me the one who claims to be Lady Madelyn’s child.” Wallace said, ignoring the question.

“What are your intentions?” Sain asked.

“If I don’t like what I see, I will take her.” Wallace declared.

“And we will prevent you!” Kent declared.

“You would prevent me?” Wallace laughed. “Your band of-”

“Enough of this!” Lyn said, storming forward. Before anyone could react, Lyn was already halfway down the hill, rushing to where Wallace was standing, out in the middle of the two forces. “I have had enough of your foolish posturing!” She reached Wallace, and stood firm, one hand hovering on the pommel of the Mani Katti.

“I am here! Whether you believe me or not, I am Lady Lyndis, daughter of Lady Madelyn and Chief Hass-”

Wallace must have said something, because Lyn stopped mid-sentence. But it was quiet, too quiet for Terra to hear.

“Wh-what?” Lyn asked, confused. “My- what?”

Terra strove to listen to what Wallace said, but the distance was too great, and though his voice grew a bit louder, he was still too soft to hear everything.

“I’ve … thirty … thing … learned.” He took off his helmet, revealing his bald face. “A person … bright and true … deceiver.”

And then he laughed, a deep, booming, rumbling laugh that seemed to shake Terra’s body with every bark. “Yes! Yes, I like you, girl!” Wallace spun on his heel, and addressed the assembled troops behind him. “Soldiers of Caelin! Hear this! When you took up the sword, you swore an oath! An oath to protect your liege and your home and her people! I tell you this, now! Your liege lays sick in his bed! Your home is ruled by a traitor in his place! Your people cower in fear of the man who covets the throne! And this!” He pointed an armored hand at Lyn. “This girl is Lord Hausen’s own flesh and blood! Any who raises their sword against her now raises their sword against Lord Hausen! Any who strikes at her strikes at Caelin itself!

“You now have three options before you.” Wallace said with a new, serious air to his voice. “You can choose to ignore my words and side with Lundgren. In doing so, you shall stand against Caelin’s rightful heir, and betray your oaths. If you do, rest assured that I will not hesitate to cut you down and make this field your grave.”

“You can lay down your arms and stand aside. Flee this battlefield, and allow what passes to pass. You shall not forfeit your life, and I shall not pursue you, but know that such an act also betrays your duty to defend your home. Or…” Wallace raised his spear over his head, commanding the attention of every soul. “Or, you can follow me as I march at Lady Lyndis’s side, and together, we will smother Lundgren’s traitorous ambitions and restore Caelin to its rightful ruler!”

For a moment, there was a pause, and Terra wondered if Wallace had misjudged the caliber of men he’d been assigned. And then, one by one, knights and soldiers began to walk towards Wallace. Some did throw down their weapons and flee the field, but none seemed ready to stand against him, and most seemed to have taken Wallace’s speech to heart, and joined him and Lyn on the field. They gathered around the silver-clad giant and the green-haired girl as he pointed his spear to the sky.

“For Lord Hausen!” Wallace called out in his booming voice. The crowd around him cheered.

“For Lady Lyndis!” Wallace cried out. Another cheer rose from the collected soldiers.

“For Caelin! Our home!” Wallace declared, and a third cheer rang out over the field.

Wallace turned back around, and even from a distance, Terra could see the smile broadly beaming on his face. “Lady Lyndis!” He loudly declared. “We march with you!”

One final cheer erupted from the gathered soldiers. Terra shook her head in disbelief. What had started as an almost certain battle had somehow turned into another bolstering of their forces.

“Lord Wallace…” Sain said. “He hasn’t changed at all.”

“He’s… a unique man.” Terra said. “I like him.”

Kent simply nodded. “Yes… Unique.”

It was a clear evening when they set up camp. Not a cloud in the sky to be seen. It was a far cry from the cozy, single-fire setups that they’d been able to use when they’d just started out their journey… back when it had just been Lyn, the knights, and Terra. Now, half a dozen campfires burned all around them as nearly forty people prepared to take their rest for the night.

And at this campfire, Terra was joined by Lyn, Kent, Sain, Rath, and Wallace as they huddled over a map of the area around Castle Caelin.

“We’ll approach the vale the castle rests in from the northwest.” Kent said, pointing at the map. “Through this pass. Once we enter the area, attack from Lundgren’s soldiers and any mercenaries he has recruited will be a certainty.”

“How do you want us arranged for the battle?” Sain asked Terra.

Terra looked back to the map as she considered the question. A series of rivers and canals ran through the area, cutting the land into a patchwork of ground joined by bridges. The two biggest rivers ran parallel, west to east, with a tributary flowing in from the north, and a canal joining the two east of the castle.

“Are these rivers fordable?” Terra asked.

“Not easily.” Kent said.

Terra nodded. “If that’s the case, we should be able to predict where the enemy will come from. I want us to march in two groups: our front line will be Wallace’s heavy infantry and Lyndis’s Legion, with Rath commanding Araphen’s cavalry behind that. That should provide us with a solid front to face the enemy, and a small mobile force that can act as a rearguard or move quickly to reinforce pressured sections of our line.”

Terra looked up from the map to see nods of approval from all present. She relaxed a bit, and returned to the map.

“We’ll march west from the pass, and cross this bridge. March through this area, and wheel to the south.” Terra traced the route on the map as she spoke. “Pass through this village and cross the southern bridge… what are these buildings?” Terra pointed to a set of structures on the map just east of the castle.

“Watchtowers.” Wallace said. “Constructed during our spat with Tania fifteen years back. They’ll probably have a small contingent of defenders each, but it’s more likely that they ride out with the main force than hold out within.”

Terra nodded, and turned back to the map. “Right. We’ll ride out from the southern bridge, push past the watchtowers, and ride on Castle Caelin, defeat Lundgren in the field, and enter Castle Caelin unopposed.”

“What if Lundgren retreats into the castle and bars the gate?” Rath asked. “Can we really siege Castle Caelin?”

Terra froze. It was a distinct possibility. One she hadn’t considered yet. What would happen if Lundgren decided his best chance at victory was to wait out Lyn’s assault in the castle? What if he never took the field? What if they had no choice but to lay siege? Would Lyn’s grandfather survive? Would they make it in time? Would everything be for nothing?

“He won’t.” Wallace said confidently. “Lundgren is a shrewd man. He knows that a siege could cost him what support he has for the throne if it lasts for too long, and when he sees that Caelin soldiers have taken the field with you, he’ll be sure to worry that more sympathizers might throw the gates open for us. On the other hand, if he takes to the field, and makes sure that Lyn dies, then regardless of whether her claim to the throne was true, he’d be the only option left.” Wallace gave a meaningful look around the table, before settling his gaze on Lyn. “He will take the field. And only one of you will walk away.”

Terra swallowed, and nodded. “R-right. So that’s our plan of attack. Any questions?”

Silence.

“Right. Then the next thing to discuss is the matter of watches.”

The rest of the evening was uneventful, and despite Terra’s concerns, no raids came in the night to assail their camp. The next morning, they continued an unopposed march towards Castle Caelin, the monotony broken only by the storm clouds encroaching from the southeast. By the afternoon, they neared their final destination, and a tense silence hung in the air, broken only by the sounds of marching and the peals of rolling thunder in the clouds above. The promise of rain hung thick in the air, and Terra felt certain that the rain would join them on the field today.

“We’re almost there.” Kent said, breaking the silence. “Once we pass by these mountains, we’ll be within sight of Castle Caelin.”

Terra turned south with Lyn, staring at the mountain that stood between them and Castle Caelin.

“I’ll be there soon, Grandfather.” Lyn said softly. Then, she turned to Terra. “Everything rests on this… this final battle.”

Terra nodded. “Lundgren will throw everything he’s got at us.” She turned to look at Kent, Sain, all the members of Lyndis’s Legion, the allies… the friends she’d made along the way. And then past them, to the riders from Araphen, and Caelin’s own loyalists.

“Let them come!” Lyn said. “Let them all come! I will not be turned away. I have come too far to let myself fail here! Come too far to let anything or anyone stand in my way! I will see my grandfather!” Then, Lyn turned, addressing the combined force. “Everyone, lend me your strength! One last time!”

A cry rose up, resounding off the mountains and ringing through the air. And beneath it, Lyn turned to Terra, and said so softly that Terra nearly missed it, “Thank you, Terra. For everything.”

And then, before Terra could say anything, Lyn drew the Mani Katti from its scabbard, and pointed it forwards. “Onwards!”

Their first obstacle came at the first bridgehead. A small unit of armored infantry had taken up a foothold on the opposite side. They seemed prepared to hold their ground at first, but when the full might of their assembled force became apparent, the garrison beat a hasty retreat before they could reach the bridge, instead opting to head back into the woods behind the bridge.

Terra frowned. “Everyone, form up close as we head into the forest! And be ready for anything!”

Their forces gathered close to each other as they marched into the forest, and as Terra had anticipated, once they entered the woods, skirmishers began to harass their advance. Archers and light infantry fired arrows and lobbed spears, and there were even a few mages hurling balls of magical fire into their formation. Terra had no choice but to call for the formation to break and attack their harriers, but as they broke apart to pursue their opponents, the enemy’s armored infantry made their return, pushing into the now-disorganized force.

It was an admirable attempt, but the enemy was outnumbered at least 2 to 1. After the initial surprise of the armored infantry’s attack, their forces rallied, and pushed back hard. The skirmishers were quickly forced away from the infantry. Separated from their support, the armored infantry were quickly enveloped and cut down, and with no armored infantry to screen their aggression, the skirmishers were either surrounded and killed or routed. And while many of their soldiers had been injured in the skirmish, none of Terra’s troops had fallen. So after taking a moment to wait and heal their injuries, they continued onwards.

Terra found herself glad that they’d recruited Wallace’s heavy infantry before this battle. Their inclusion had pushed a significant numbers advantage, and provided a sturdier line to hold against the opposing heavy infantry. Without them, the heavy infantry would have definitely been a more imposing threat, and the battle would have been a much more even engagement.

They broke through the forest and entered into an open plain before the next bridgehead. No garrison stood ready to defend this bridge, so as planned, the force wheeled south, and crossed the bridge.

It wasn’t long before they reached the village, and their formation drew out along the village’s spinal road. From her position in the middle of the column, Terra thought the village was a ghost town, with not a villager to be seen on the streets, and the hair on the back of her neck stood on and as she braced for the second ambush she felt must be coming.

“It’s so empty…” Lyn said from next to her. “Where is everyone?”

Terra saw a flicker of movement from a window, a face retreating from view.

“They’re afraid of us.” Terra replied. “They’ve probably seen Caelin’s military preparing for this fight for days now, maybe longer. And now we’re here, and they’re scoping out the people who’ve come to fight.”

“Hold!” came the booming voice of Wallace from the front of the line, nearly indistinguishable from the rolling thunder overhead. Terra looked ahead to see an old woman was approaching their column from a house near the edge of the village, aided by a walking stick. She walked straight for the silver-clad giant, and appeared to exchange some words with him before pulling back and walking down the column.

“March!” Wallace’s voice called, and the column began moving forward again, out of the village. Terra and Lyn moved forward, and the old woman drew ever closer, finally locking eyes with Terra and Lyn.

“You’ve finally made it, have you?” She said, looking more to Lyn than Terra as she drew closer. “Such a long way…” She smiled. “We’re all behind you, Lady Lyndis. All of us.”

Lyn bowed slightly to the woman. “Thank you. I promise, we will win the day. My grandfather will be saved.”

The old woman held out a hand to Lyn. “Here,” She said, “take this.”

Lyn held out her hands, and the old woman dropped a gold and brass band set with a red gem into them.

“I am too old to join you in your fight to rescue our lord.” The woman said, steel eyes flashing as lightning crashed overhead. “But perhaps my energy ring might be helpful.”

“An energy ring…” Lyn looked at the ring she’d been given, and finally slipped it onto her finger on her sword hand. It seemed to fit perfectly, somehow. Lyn looked back to the woman. “Thank you.”

The woman nodded. “Good luck.” And she turned and walked back to her house. As they moved on again, Terra could see people starting to come out of their houses to watch them march. A call went up from someone, and soon, the whole village was cheering them on as they marched forwards towards the castle.

They crossed the bridge as planned, and entered into another thick forest. They advanced carefully through the woods, but no enemies emerged from the trees to attack them. Terra figured that Lundgren’s defenders had decided to concentrate their forces on their primary defensive line, to give themselves the best chance to defeat Lyn’s forces in the field.

“Lyn.” Terra said. “Head up to Wallace at the head of our column and tell him to stop before we hit the forest’s edge. I want us to make sure we’re in formation when we leave. I think the enemy will be waiting for us.”

Lyn nodded, and rushed forward, up the line towards Wallace.

After a while, Terra could tell that the line ahead had come to a stop, and their marching column slowly compacted itself. Terra organized their soldiers back into their combat formation, and once she had, they marched in formation, out of the forest.

They came out onto an open plain, with the river to their left and the foothills and mountains on their right. In the distance, Terra could see the walls of Castle Caelin. They were almost there.

But in front of them, a force had assembled at the base of the two watchtowers, already drawn up into battle lines. Caelin footmen and knights drew up with mercenary swordsmen and archers. A few mages could be seen amongst their number, too, and the battlements of the towers were manned as well, though only lightly. And in the very back, standing off a fair distance from the front lines, was Lundgren himself, armored in regal purple, equipped with a spear, and flanked on either side by royal guards with similarly impressive arms and armor.

Looking at their arrayed position, Terra guessed that if either side had a numbers advantage, that advantage was slight. And so, for a moment, neither side made any move. They stood, just out of range of the other’s ranged weapons, waiting.

Then lightning cracked, thunder rolled, and the rain began to fall.

Terra realized that the defenders probably wouldn’t rush forward to meet them in pitched battle, and the handful of soldiers in the watchtowers would make picking away at their defensive line from a distance difficult. They’d have to charge.

“Everyone!” Terra called out. “This is it! Past these defenders lies Castle Caelin! Lundgren! Lord Hausen! Let every soldier do their part! For Lyndis! For Hausen! For Caelin! CHARGE!”

As one, Wallace and his armored infantry lurched forwards, and Lyndis’s Legion was right behind them. Together, they charged towards the enemy. Arrows and fireballs launched from the enemy’s defensive line to meet their charge.

“Wil! Erk! Lucius!” Terra called. “Deal with the soldiers on the towers!” She watched as their charge collided with the enemy’s line with a deafening crash, and their organized lines began a chaotic melee. People and metal screamed.

Terra turned her attention to the watchtowers. Wil, Erk, and Lucius had begun focusing on one of the towers, but the other was unpressured from the ground, and was raining fire and arrows down onto the battle below. Terra pulled out her Fire tome, channeled her magic into the first page, and with a call of “Spirits of fire, burn!” she ripped it from its bindings and launched a fireball at the tower. It flew between the battlements, struck an archer in the chest, and exploded. She launched a second fireball at the other archer, but now, she’d been spotted, and he ducked behind the merlon, and the fireball careened off into the sky, and dissipated.

Now, she’d attracted the attention of the three soldiers on the tower, and they seemed intent on eliminating her as a threat.

Terra ripped another page from the tome, and flung a fireball at the top of the tower. The mage she’d been aiming for ducked behind a merlon for cover as the fireball exploded against it. “Rath! Help!” Terra called. The mage popped back up as the fireball splashed against the tower, and launched a fireball of his own down towards Terra. She dodged backwards, and the fireball careened into the ground where she’d stood and detonated, washing hot air over her face. Terra launched another fireball at the tower, and dodged away from another fireball from the other mage. Terra’s hand found the top of the next page-

Pain radiated out from Terra’s shoulder. She spared a glance at the spot to see that an arrow had struck her just under her collarbone. There was a flash from the ramparts, and Terra had to dodge another fireball flung her way, this one landing much closer to her. Half-blind from the light of the explosion, she cast her gaze back to the tower, and saw the archer on the battlements lining up another shot.

An arrow stuck in the archer’s throat, and he collapsed backwards into the tower. Terra looked to see that Rath had arrived with his contingent. Wordlessly, he directed his archers to suppress the remaining soldiers on the tower, his cavalry to ride forward to join the fray, and his troubadour towards Terra to tend to her injury. She rode towards her, and nodded. “Just the arrow?” She asked.

Terra nodded. “Y-yeah.”

The troubadour smiled reassuringly as she placed one hand on Terra’s shoulder, and wrapped the other around the arrow’s shaft. “Alright. I’m going to have to take the arrow out first, alright?”

Terra nodded, took a deep breath, and braced herself.

As painful as taking the shot in the first place had been, having the arrow ripped out was just as bad. But the troubadour waved her staff, the wound healed, and the pain went away. Terra thanked the troubadour, and turned back to the main battle.

The battle lines were still holding. Rath’s cavaliers had joined the fight all along the front, but neither side seemed willing to yield under the pressure. Terra moved to join the fray, fire tome in hand. She scanned the battle lines, looking for a place where her magic could be the most helpful.

She started picking out heavy infantry in the defenders’ battle line, soldiers whose armor would go far in protecting them from blade and spear, and would be harder for their normal forces to dislodge. Then she began launching fireballs at them. She focused her fire, and when one fell, succumbing to the flames or overwhelmed by her allies, she moved on to the next. Slowly, she was able to see a change in the battle lines. The defenders were wavering, but Lundgren’s presence held them steady. They wouldn’t fold. Not yet.

Then, on the right, on the other side of the fight, Terra saw Kent and Sain pierce the battle line and cross behind the defenders, with Lyn hot on their heels. She watched as the three of them made a mad dash for Lundgren and his guards.

“Lundgren!” Terra heard Lyn scream. “This is for my grandfather!”

“A Sacaean mongrel does not deserve the throne!” Lundgren shouted back.

And then, as Kent and Sain charged his guards, Lyn rushed for Lundgren.

Lightning cracked bright across the sky above, and the roll of thunder that followed rattled Terra to her core. The sounds of battle raged around her. But nothing could steal her attention from the duel unfolding before her.

The Mani Katti flashed as Lyn brought it to bear, parrying Lundgren’s first thrust with his spear, but he pushed her away by whipping the tip of it towards her like a club. Lyn kept up her aggression, however, and rushed back in. She gave two swift cuts with her sword, but it looked to Terra like the strikes hadn’t accomplished much. Lundgren swatted with his spear again, and this time, landed a strike with his spear’s shaft. Lyn took the hit, and bounced backwards, away from him.

She seemed fine, and circled quickly around him. Lundgren tracked her movements easily enough, and jabbed a couple of times with his spear. Lyn dodged the attacks, and on one of his strikes, Lyn dodged inwards around his attack, and slashed upwards with the Mani Katti before sliding back again.

Lundgren seemed to have taken some kind of injury to his arm from the swing, because his attacks with the spear seemed more sluggish… less coordinated. Lyn weaved around his strikes or deflected them with the Mani Katti, and this time, when she darted in past his guard, the Mani Katti flashed like a bolt of lightning, cutting into his armor before she pulled away again.

Lundgren switched the spear to his other hand, and hurled it at Lyn, then drew the sword at his hip, and rushed her. Lyn blocked a heavy downward blow, and dodged another. But with Lundgren’s switch to his sword, he stood closer to her, and a step closer brought Lyn near enough to take another swipe at him.

And then, Lyn darted back, braced the Mani Katti, and lunged forward. Terra watched as the tip of the sword pierced Lundgren’s armor.

For a moment, it was as though the entire battlefield froze.

Then lightning cracked, thunder rolled, the Mani Katti flashed…

… and Lundgren fell to the ground.

“His room is just ahead.” Chancellor Reissman said as they walked briskly through the halls of Castle Caelin.

With Lundgren’s defeat, the gates of the castle had stood open for their entry, and the chancellor had been the first person from the castle to greet them as they had entered. Lyn had asked the man to take her to see her grandfather, and had grabbed Terra’s hand as they’d left. So now Terra followed the two of them towards Lyn’s ultimate goal. The reason they’d gone through all of this.

“I wish to warn you again,” Reissman said as they approached their destination, “of what you will find. Lundgren had been poisoning Lord Hausen’s meals for some time now, and his body has been ravaged. He’s been bedridden for months.”

Lyn nodded. “I understand. Thank you.”

Reissman nodded, opened the door for Lyn and Terra, and then stood aside for the two of them. Lyn went in first, and Terra followed behind.

Reissman’s warnings had done little to prepare Terra for the condition of the Marquess.

His face was fallen and sallow, his eyes sunken. His frame was frail, almost more like a desiccated corpse than a man. If indeed he had been eating, he couldn’t have been keeping much of it down. Perhaps that was the poison, too.

Neither Terra nor Lyn spoke as they stood there, stunned as they were by what they saw, and for a moment, Lord Hausen either didn’t notice their entry or ignored it.

But he was the first to speak.

“I said no visitors.” He rasped hoarsely. “I will see no one.”

Lyn and Terra stood there, unmoving.

“What are you doing?” Lord Hausen grunted in annoyance, turning to face them. Terra could see the clouds in his eyes. “Go away. Leave me to my deathbed.”

“Sir, I…” Lyn started, then paused. “My name is… I’m Lyndis.”

Lord Hausen’s frown deepened. “You mock my pain. You come here, claiming the name of my granddaughter, and for what? To torture my heart in its dying moments?”

Lyn took a step forward, face set with equal parts trepidation and determination. “My father was Hassar, chief of the Lorca tribe. My mother was… was Lady Madelyn, your daughter. I was born and raised on the plains of Sacae.”

Lord Hausen was silent for a long moment. “Could it be?” He finally whispered. “Come. Come here. Let me see your face.”

Lyn approached her grandfather’s side, and he reached up with withered arms to pull her closer. Terra could see the concentration in his expression as he thought.

And then his face softened, and tears began to streak down his face. “It’s true…” He choked out. “There is no doubt… you are Madelyn’s daughter… Lyndis!”

“Grandfather!” Lyn cried as she hugged him, and the tears began rolling down her face as well.

“Lundgren said… That you were dead.” Hausen said. “You were all dead, and I would join you…” He tightened his arms around Lyn. “Thank you. Thank you for living.”

“Thank Terra, too.” Lyn said, looking over to where she stood by the door. “She’s the reason I made it to Caelin. She’s the one who led us here. Without her, I would never have made it this far.”

Terra wanted to say something, but Hausen’s eyes fell on her, and she stayed silent as he looked at her.

“Thank you, Terra.” Hausen said with an earnest smile and glittering cheeks. “Thank you, for letting me see my granddaughter… Truly, Elimine’s blessings shine on us through you.”

Terra smiled, and bowed. “I’m just… glad I could help.”

“Lyndis, your parents…” Lord Hausen said. “How are they?”

Lyn’s face fell. “Mother and father… They were killed by brigands last year. I… I was the only survivor. I lived on, but…”

“Madelyn… I…” Hausen’s face darkened. “Lyndis, please… forgive a prideful old man. If I had simply accepted your parents’ love… There would have been no bandits. We could have lived here… in perfect peace.”

“Grandfather… my parents… my tribe… Our life was one of peace and love. Its end was tragic, but until the attack… we were happy.”

Hausen’s dark face lightened at that. “Truly?” He sighed, and relaxed into the bed. “It brings me so much joy to learn that, Lyndis. Thank you. To hear that Madelyn lived a life of happiness… I may die in peace now…”

Lyn recoiled. “No, grandfather! You mustn’t say that!”

Hausen smiled sadly. “Lyndis… There’s no avoiding it. The poison… It’s been too much, for too long… It’s too late for me.”

“You will recover!” Lyn declared. “You have to! On the plains, we say that illness cannot claim a strong heart! I am here now, with you! Be brave, grandfather! You mustn’t give up!”

“You’re… with me…”

“We have so much to talk about!” Lyn continued. “Walks to take, music to listen to…” She knelt back by her grandfather. “There’s… there’s so much I want to do with you… so much lost time to recover.”

Hausen’s smile brightened. “That sounds… nice…”

“Doesn’t it?” Lyn asked. “And once you’re well, I’ll take you to the plains. I’ll show you the endless sky… oceans of grass… I want you to know the lands my mother loved so much!”

“The lands Madelyn loved…” Hausen chuckled lightly. “You’re right… It seems… I still have quite a lot of living to do.”

Terra and Lyn stood atop one of the towers of Castle Caelin. The storm had passed, and to the east, the clouds receded, and night crept into the now-clear sky. They were silent as they stared out over the battlefield, and to the horizon beyond, watching the flashes of lightning and listening to the soft roll of thunder in the far distance.

“We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?” Lyn asked. “The plains of Sacae… they’re so far away now. It’s been a few months since we set out from there, hasn’t it?” She sighed. “It feels like it’s been years.”

Terra nodded. “So much has happened in so little time… It’s dizzying.”

A comfortable silence returned between them for a while. Then, Lyn cleared her throat.

“So, um… Now what?” She asked.

“What do you mean?” Terra asked, turning to face her. “Now we help your grandfather get better, right?”

“Y-yes! Of course!” Lyn said quickly. “That’s what I came here to do! I just…” She blushed, and looked away. “I didn’t know… if you would stay here.”

“Why wouldn’t I stay?” Terra asked. “Where else would I go?”

“Out.” Lyn responded. “Into the world. To seek your past. To search out your truth… Away from here.”

Terra smiled softly, and turned west, towards the sunset, and the rest of Lycia, beyond the horizon. “Someday.” Terra said distantly. “For everything I’ve remembered, everything I think I know about myself, and my past… I’m certain there’s more to uncover. But…” Terra turned back to Lyn. “I don’t want to go without you. After everything we’ve been through together… it wouldn’t feel right to go alone.”

Lyn’s eyes shined bright with the light of the sun as they slowly drifted together. They stood, side by side, looking out towards the sunset. Silently, Lyn’s hand found Terra’s, and their fingers slowly laced together. Lyn’s head leaned against Terra’s shoulder, and she leaned back. Slowly, they turned to face each other as the sun dipped below the horizon. Under the light of the moon and stars, Lyn’s arms wrapped around Terra, and she returned the embrace.

“Lyn…” Terra began. “I-”

And it was all she was able to say before Lyn’s lips found hers.