I can still hardly believe it. Athos? That Athos? The Archsage of legend?
We spent an evening discussing our problems with the learned hero and resting from the desert heat. Athos gave me a vial filled with a liquid that enhances one's natural abilities. I will ponder carefully who could most benefit from its use.
Afterward, he sent us on our way, with three powerful companions: the berserker Hawkeye, Count Reglay—the Mage General of Etruria! No wonder he decimated the bandit horde so easily!—and his wife, the beautiful Lady Louise, skilled in archery.
We would not undertake the long journey by foot; the archsage teleported us back to Pherae, a short hop from the Bern border.
Eliwood greets his mother with mingled joy and sadness. Although he feels it is his duty to press on, Hector and Lyn both see he needs rest. He relents, with heartfelt thanks for their friendship.
Hector tells me he's counting on me, and I feel a gleam of pride. The bond between all of us is strong now; no scheme of Nergal's can sunder it.
As we bed for the night, I consider our companions for the road ahead.
Those who will stay in Lycia:
- Marcus, Isadora — Eliwood and I insist that they remain in Pherae. We have enough protectors for Eliwood now, and they have duties here, guarding the castle and training recruits. Plus, who knows if the Black Fang may attempt to draw us into a trap by striking at Eliwood's surviving family?
- Rath — The taciturn nomad is travelling to Caelin, to join Kent as a commander of the guard. It appears, when he asked Lyn how he could best serve her cause, she thought beyond our current quest. He did perform admirably in that capacity for Araphen and Ostia, and Caelin is still sorely lacking in manpower, so I consent. I'm surprised he asked for my permission; he considers few worthy of such respect.
- Heath — We must remain inconspicuous, and Heath's mount is hardly that. His status as a deserter could be distrastrously attention-drawing, as well. He's been talking a lot with Eliwood lately; I think he may go into Pherae's service.
- Hawkeye — Speaking of conspicuous, a giant tattooed berserker of a man...but he wasn't planning on staying anyway. Hawkeye will guide us through hidden paths in the mountains to avoid the Bern border guard, then return to resume his duties as guardian of Nabata. I will not press him on what, precisely, he guards there.
The remaining troupe:
- Hector, Lyn, Eliwood — This is their quest.
- Guy — He may soon surpass Hector as our best warrior.
- Bartre — With Marcus staying in Pherae, we need a bodyguard for Eliwood.
- Legault — His knowledge of the old Black Fang should be useful.
- Matthew, Oswin, Serra — The Ostians' utility beyond the battlefield will continue to aid us.
- Ninian, Nils — It is folly to bring the children into the realm of those who abducted them, but Ninian is unyielding in her desire to remain with Eliwood. Nils will be taking over from Hannah the fortune-teller, whose wearied bones are parting company with us.
- Pent, Louise — The Mage-General and his wife are our cover; invited to attend Prince Zephiel's ascension ceremony, they can smooth over any diplomatic difficulties that may arise.
