Chapter 19:
We started making our way through the woods that are near the shore of the island. Everyone was on edge, worried about a surprise attack. We got a surprise, but it was worse than an attack. What looked like Leila ready to give a report to Hector, actually turned out to be her dead corpse propped up to look like she was alive from afar. Matthew
was especially distant, as apparently the two of them were lovers. With one more reason to stop these fiends, we continued on. Ninian soon warned us that someone was approaching in the forest, but before we had time to do anything, a nomad horsemen snatched Lyn and held her hostage for Ninian. Or so it seemed...because after we refused to hand her over, he let Lyn go, saying that it was shameful to hold someone hostage to get what they want, especially since the hostage in question was also from Sacae. Instead he'd let us die honorably
in battle. Noble as his gesture was, none of us were really ready to die either.
The fortune-teller told us that if Florina were to join us, she'd meet someone she knew. Though her Pegasus is still wounded, we decided to follow the ladies advice.
Hector was worried about Matthew
coming along so soon after Leila’s death, but Matthew assured him that he'd be fine, and that with the fog as thick as it is, this is the sort of environment that we need him for anyways. I do worry about if he's really ok, but Matthew's right, everyone who can help out should do so.
Once again, we split up the groups. Hector, Oswin, Marcus, and Lucius went south to the small forts guarding the forests, while Dart, Kent, and Serra went east around the island, to make sure we weren't flanked. Matthew stayed near the center, able to provide intel with his amazing eyes and a torch, and Florina stayed near Merlinus, waiting for this "chance encounter".
The Black Fang must LOVE Pegasus knights, because just as Kent's crew started to go on their route, they were attacked by a couple that were supporting the usual horse units. Fortunately, Dart and Kent were tough enough to handle the skyriders.
Speaking of skyriders, we soon learnt what the old hag meant by an acquaintance of Florina coming around soon. Some suicidal Pegasus Knight flew into the area and was about to go straight for the nearest enemy unit. Florina seemed to recognize her, and intercepted the rider. It turns out that the lady is her sister, Fiora, who was the sole survivor of an ambush by the people in the area. Florina was able to convince her to fight alongside us instead of going commando. Everything about her seems to check out nicely, so I approved of her going straight into action, after having Guy deliver some much needed lighter equipment for her to use.
Marcus
managed to gain more power despite having not attacked in a long while. He's mostly served as a way to protect the other fighters, but this will help him be better at that job.
The Southern group was moving pretty smoothly. Lucius was able to grow stronger by carefully sniping enemies that got near, and Marcus and Hector took blows easily. The eastern group, despite having more fighters, was having more issues. Many reinforcements were arriving from the sea, and the group suffered attacks from both sides. This did prove to be good practice
for the team
, especially newcomers Dart
and Fiora
.
Matthew soon spotted the man we were after, Uhai...WHO HAS A KILLING EDGE?! Seeing the powerful nomad wield such a deadly weapon suddenly had us fearing for our lives.
Hector carefully made his way towards him, attempting a risky attack to finish the job quickly. It...wasn't as quick as it could have been, but he still managed to finish the warrior off.
Honorable to the end, Uhai's dying words
were to tell us where we could find the Dragon's Gate. We decided follow his directions. As we went off, I heard Hector mumble about avenging Leila. Hector's a cool man, but he can be scary when he's angry. I understood how he felt though...I need to continue with my job of making sure we all make it through this situation in one piece.
Turns: 10/94 (excluding Chapter 11)
Character Stats:
Hector
Lord Level 20/0
HP: 34 (-2)
Str: 17 (-1)
Skill: 13
Speed: 12
Luck: 10 (+1)
Def: 20 (+3)
Res: 3 (-2)
Axes: A
Serra
Cleric Level 8/0
HP: 21 (+1)
Mag: 4 (-2)
Skill: 6 (-1)
Speed: 12 (+1)
Luck: 10
Def: 3
Res: 9
Staffs: B
Kent
Cavalier Level 17/0
HP: 33 (-1)
Str: 16 (+4) (WOW!)
Skill: 12 (-2)
Speed: 13 (-1)
Luck: 5
Def: 8 (-1)
Res: 2 (-3)
Swords: C
Lances: C
Lucius (Lucius really needs help...)
Monk Level 10/0
HP: 22 (+1)
Magic: 10 (-1)
Skill: 8 (-2)
Speed: 12 (-1)
Luck: 5 (+2)
Def: 1 (-1)
Res: 11 (+1)
Light: C
Dart
Pirate Level 9/0
HP: 35
Str: 12 (-1)
Skill: 9 (+1)
Speed: 9
Luck: 4 (+1)
Def: 6 (-1)
Res: 1
Axes: B
Fiora
Pegasus Knight Level 9/0
HP: 22
Str: 9
Skill: 13 (+1)
Speed: 14 (-1)
Luck: 6 (-1)
Def: 7 (+1)
Res: 7 (-1)
Lances: C
