Credits: LordIke14, bookwormbabe29

Narration:
Lyn takes her leave of Araphen, finding no aid from its spiteful marquess. Now, she and her companions resume their march toward Caelin in earnest. Racing against time, with her grandfather’s life the prize. Harried and impatient, Lyn presses onward. Suddenly a young boy appears and pleads for their assistance.

(View inside a house to the north)

Bard:
“Please! Somebody… Somebody, please help!”

Man:
“That’s enough! Get out now! I want none of your trouble!”

Bard:
“But, sir… Why? You were so kind yesterday…”

Man:
“I thought you were just two kids, a couple of traveling performers… If those men are chasing you, you must be up to no good! Now get up and get out! You’re a plague on decent folk!”

Bard:
“But… ……”

(The bard leaves)

Man:
“Whew… What a mess.”

(A monk appears)

Monk:
“Hmmm…”

(Outside, Lyn’s group arrives from the west of the house)

Lyn:
“Where are we, Kent?”

Kent:
“This is Kathelet. If we head due south, we’ll pass into Caelin.”

Sain:
“From here, I’d say we’re about ten days’ ride to Castle Caelin. Assuming we don’t run into any delays, of course.”

Lyn:
“Ten days…”

(The bard appears from the house and moves toward Lyn)

Bard:
“Pardon me, but…”

Lyn:
“Yes? Can I help you?”

Bard:
“You and your friends… Are you mercenaries?”

Lyn:
“And if we are?”

Bard:
“I need your help!”

(Kent appears)

Kent:
“Milady Lyndis, you mustn’t let your guard down. Not even for a child.”

Lyn:
“I know. Forgive me, but we’re in a hurry. Is there someone else you can ask?”

Bard:
“There’s no time! Ninian’s been… It’s my sister! Some men have taken her away!”

(Sain appears)

Sain:
“Your sister? Did you say your sister’s been accosted?”

Kent:
“Sain…”

Bard:
“That’s right! By some cruel, awful men. I don’t know what I’ll do without Ninian.”

Sain:
“Milady Lyndis! We must help him!”

Kent:
“Nonsense! We haven’t the time! If the marquess is as ill as we’ve heard, we must proceed!”

Lyn:
“Kent, I… I want to help this child.”

(The bard and Sain leave)

Kent:
“Milady?”

Lyn:
“I’m worried about my grandfather, of course. But this! I cannot stand by and let a child be taken from her home!”

Kent:
“I see…”

Lyn:
“I’m sorry, Kent.”

Kent:
“I am your loyal retainer. You owe me no apologies. You must do as your heart dictates, milady. I will follow you, no matter where that may lead.”

Lyn:
“Thank you.”

(Kent leaves, Sain and and the bard reappear)

Sain:
“Hah! Such a noble speech! Ever the true knight, that one! Ah, well. You’re in luck, laddie! Let’s go get your sister!”

(Screen switches to Lyn and the bard)

Lyn:
“Will you lead us to the men who’ve done this?”

Bard:
“Uh huh. They’re really tough, so be careful.”

Lyn:
“Leave them to us. We’re pretty tough ourselves. Right, Mark?”

(An enemy Archer and Shaman appear from the east and run towards the group)

Bard:
“Ah! Oh, no…”

Bandit:
“Heh heh heh… Found him! C’mon, it’s back to Nergal with you. Quiet now.”

Bard:
“No! Let Ninian go!”

Bandit:
“We ain’t supposed to kill you, but we sure can rough you up! Get ’em!”

(Screen blacks out, a clash of swords can be heard, then the screen returns to normal and Lyn is seen protecting the bard)

Bandit:
“Huh? Who do you think you are?”

Bard:
“Lyn!”

Lyn:
“Let the boy’s sister go.”

Bandit:
“Ah… So you want to help the kid, huh? What a shame. You’re gonna die for something that don’t concern you.”

Lyn:
“You think so, do you? Do we look so meek to you? I think you’re in for a terrible shock!”

Bandit:
“Stupid girl… You’ll regret those words. Take ’em down, boys!”

Tutorial:
Starting with this chapter, you’ll be able to use the preparations screen. On this screen, you can choose who will fight, equip different items, and arrange your formation, among other things. If you have no special preparations to make, simply press START. This starts the chapter with the same group you were using at the end of the last chapter.

(Preparations screen shown for the first time)

(Battle started)

(View of the forest edge)

Lyn:
“I see we’re facing a shaman, Mark. I’ve heard that practitioners of the dark arts are fearsome foes. We’ll have to be careful… What!? Who are you?”

(The monk appears)

Monk:
“Please forgive me. I never meant to startle you.”

Lyn:
“Your robes… They look like religious vestiary. Are you an Elimine bishop?”

Lucius:
“Yes… Well, no. I’m only an acolyte, an Elimine monk, to be specific. My name’s Lucius.”

Lyn:
“Do you have business with us?”

Lucius:
“I was at the inn when this child came seeking help. The innkeeper was afraid to get involved. He was…unpleasant.”

Bard:
“I wasn’t afraid of him! I’m used to being treated that way.”

Lyn:
“That’s awful.”

Lucius:
“May I please lend you my services? I truly wish to help the boy. If only a little.”

Lyn:
“Of course.”

Lucius:
“Thank you very much. The blessings of St. Elimine be upon you.”

Tutorial:
The monk Lucius has joined your group. Monks are users of the magic of light. Those who wield magic are highly attuned to its flow, so they have a high magic resistance. Units with high magic resistances can reduce the damage caused by magical attacks. When magic users battle each other, they often find it hard to inflict damage. The light magic of monks is strong against the dark magic favored by shamans. Lucius should come in handy here. Let’s put his magic to the test. Have Lucius attack the shaman nearest him.

(Lucius is not selected)

Lucius:
“Mark, isn’t it? I am Lucius. I await your orders.”

(Lucius is selected)

Lucius:
“You wish for me to attack the shaman? Very well.”

(Lucius moves elsewhere)

Lucius:
“I beg your pardon, but I would prefer to attack from here.”

(After Lucius attacks the Shaman)

Nils:
“I can help, too!”

Lyn:
“Nils! Can you fight?”

Nils:
“No… But I’m a bard, and bards are useful to have around!”

Lyn:
“A bard? Do you mean you’re a minstrel? This is no place for a ballad or a saltarello.”

Nils:
“C’mon, trust me! I’m all yours, Mark.”

Tutorial:
It’s time to see what Nils can do. The music played by bards allows your allies to move twice in the same turn. However, bards cannot engage in combat, so be careful not to expose them to danger.

(Nils is not selected)

Nils:
“Mark? I’m Nils! I’d like to perform for you, so give the word.”

(Nils is selected)

Nils:
“You’d like me to play for Lucius, right?”

(Nils moves elsewhere)

Nils:
“I have to be next to him, so he can hear my tune!”

(After Nils refreshes Lucius)

Nils:
“What do you think?”

Lyn:
“That was lovely… Invigorating, even. You ought to play for me sometime. I could use the boost!”

Nils:
“Everyone could! My music can refresh you all!”

Tutorial:
Through the power of Nils’s music, Lucius can move again this turn. Bards gain experience by playing music. Use Nils’s powers often, and increase his skill.

(House where Nils was chased off by the owner)

(If Nils visits it)

Man:
“What!? You again? Leave me out of this! You’re nothing but trouble!”

Nils:
“……”

(If somebody other than Nils visits it)

Man:
“That’s quite a group you’ve gotten yourself involved with. You do know you’re facing the Black Fang, right? Anyone they target winds up… Well, you know. No one Escapes the Fang! That’s what they say, anyway. You and those odd children? I’d say you’re finished. Not that I’ll have any part of it. Course not!”

(House to the left and a bit south)

Lady:
“Hmmm… Maybe I could get some firewood out of it… Hm? Who’s there? Who are you? Ah, you’re just passing through? Pay me no mind. I was just thinking out loud. You see, there’s an old tree on the other side of this mountain. It’s just a dead old snag, really. I was just thinking of some way I could put it to good use. As I said, it’s nothing that need concern you.”

(Village to the east)

Man:
“So how much do you know about magic, huh? Magical attacks are special. You can’t just avoid ’em like a sword or an axe. Not even if you’re wearing armor. Who’s tough against magic? Let me think… Well, anyone who uses magic or staves. Pegasus knights, too. Hm? You got others who need to battle magic users? I got something for ’em. It’s a special kind of water.”Pure water,” it’s called. Just sprinkle a bit on you. It’ll protect you and lessen the damage you take a bit. Go on, take it. Don’t be so shy. It’s not like I’m givin’ you gold or anything. This stuff’d strongest when you first put it on. It gets weaker as time passes, so be careful.”

(House to the south of the village)

(If Matthew visits)

Matthew:
“Huh? Milord! What brings you here?”

??? (Hector):
“Ah, Matthew. Eliwood and I are here for our monthly bout.”

Matthew:
“You’re still testing one another’s fighting prowess, eh? It’s a solid friendship you two share, that you can practice so faithfully.”

??? (Hector):
“If you don’t sharpen your blade, you lose your edge. So tell me, what are you doing here?”

Matthew:
“Milord Uther was curious about the succession issue here.”

??? (Hector):
“Oh, the long-lost granddaughter thing, right? So, which way does my brother lean?”

Matthew:
“By my assessment, he will back the granddaughter’s claim. The marquess’s brother, Lundgren, is too ambitious by far. Left alone, we might wake to find him at Ostia’s door before long.”

??? (Hector):
“Sound advice, I think.”

Matthew:
“My return to Ostia is going to be delayed a bit. Would you mind letting Lord Uther know?”

??? (Hector):
“What, so the marquess’s brother is now your personal messenger?”

Matthew:
“You always did have a good sense of humor, milord. Don’t forget my message!”

??? (Hector):
“What impudence!”

(If Serra visits southeast house)

Serra:
“Excuse me! Is anyone home? An empty house… How dull!”

(Serra leaves, Hector appears)

??? (Hector):
“Whew… I thought she’d find me for sure. She’s been working for my brother in Bern. And now she’s returned… Ahh…”

(If somebody else visits)

??? (Hector):
“Blast! Eliwood’s late. I wonder what’s keeping him… …Starting to think my axe’ll rust over before he finds his way here.”

(Boss battle)

Heintz:
“Who are you supposed to be? Playing the heroes in some foolish knightly romance? You may think you’re helping the children, but you’re only rushing to your doom!”

(Boss defeated)

Heintz:
“You were only… striking at air… You are…too late. The girl is already–“

(View of inside the castle)

Lyn:
“Nils! Where’s your sister?”

Nils:
“Ninian! Ninian… She’s not here. Why? Where could she be?”

Kent:
“My lady Lyndis! A villager spotted a group of men riding south.”

Sain:
“The boy’s dear sister… They must have her!”

Lyn:
“Come! We must give chase!”

Nils:
“But… But… We won’t make it! What if they’ve already…”

???:
“Are you looking for this girl here?”

(An illustration of a red-haired man, Eliwood, carrying the fainted Ninian, witnessed by Lyn’s group)

Nils:
“Ninian! Ninian!”

???:
“She’ll be fine. She’s just lost consciousness.”

Lyn:
“Who are you?”

Eliwood:
“I’m Eliwood, of Pherae. My father is the marquess.”

Lyn:
“The marquess’s son…”

Eliwood:
“She was with a band of ruffians. She seemed upset. She looked in need of rescuing… Was I wrong to involve myself?”

Lyn:
“No, you saved her life. Thank you. My name is Lyn. I’m from Sacae… I’m Marquess Caelin’s granddaughter.”

Eliwood:
“Marquess Caelin?”

(Screen blacks out)

Lyn:
“And that’s my story. It’s not an easy tale to believe, I know…”

Eliwood:
“No. I do believe you.”

Lyn:
“What?”

Eliwood:
“At first glance, what I saw was a daughter of the plainsfolk. Now I can see it, though. You have your grandfather’s eyes.”

Lyn:
“Do you know my grandfather?”

Eliwood:
“The marquess, Lord Hausen, is my father’s good friend. I also know that the proud people of Sacae tell no lies. It’s true, isn’t it?”

Lyn:
“Yes… Thank you. I would not have expected any Lycian noble to be so courteous to a Sacaean nomad.”

Eliwood:
“You seemed to be in trouble. May I be of assistance?”

Lyn:
“Thank you for your kind offer. This is my problem, though, and I’ll deal with it.”

Eliwood:
“I see. I’ll be in the area for a few days longer. If you need anything, please let me know. Lyndis, I’m on your side.”

Lyn:
“Eliwood… Thank you.”

(View changes to Ninian and Nils)

Nils:
“Ninian! Are you awake?”

Ninian:
“Nils? Is it really you? Oh, you’re safe!”

Nils:
“Uh-huh. These people helped me.”

(Lyn appears)

Ninian:
“Who are they?”

Nils:
“Uh…”

Lyn:
“I’m Lyn. I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

Ninian:
“Milady Lyn… Thank you. I’m called Ninian. My brothers, Nils, and I are traveling performers.”

Lyn:
“Both of you? Your brother’s a musician. How about you, Ninian?”

Ninian:
“I… I dance.”

(Sain interrupts)

Sain:
“What? Oh my… you’re a dancer!”

Lyn:
“Sain… Later, please.”

Sain:
“Um, yeah. Of course.”

(Sain leaves)

Lyn:
“A dancer? Your clothes don’t look like those of a dancer.”

Nils:
“Ninian dances to honor life. It’s special… Sacred.”

Lyn:
“A sacred dance? What does that mean?”

Ninian:
“I… The dance I perform when we travel is just a normal dance. My other dance, though… When they caught me, I twisted my ankle. I cannot dance to aid you… I’m sorry.”

Lyn:
“Please don’t worry. We’re just happy to see that you’re out of harm’s way.”

Ninian:
“Thank you.”

Lyn:
“But I am concerned about your leg. You can’t travel on it…”

Nils:
“I’ve an idea. Would it be too much to ask that we travel with you?”

Lyn:
“I can’t allow that! It’s far too dangerous. We’re being hunted. We never know when we’re going to be attacked. We wouldn’t be a hindrance. We could even help you. Right, Ninian?”

Ninian:
“Yes. We might be able to repay our debt using our…special talents.”

Lyn:
“Special abilities?”

Ninian:
“When something poses a threat to us, we can sense its approach.”

Lyn:
“Truly? That’s amazing!”

Nils:
“We can feel it coming, but we can’t do anything to stop it. You’re warriors, though, so you don’t have that worry.”

(Ninian and Nils leave, Kent appears)

Lyn:
“What do you think, Kent?”

Kent:
“I think leaving them here would cause Lady Lyndis more worry than having them travel with us.”

(Kent leaves, Sain appears)

Lyn:
“Sain? Oh, never mind. I know what your answer is.”

(Sain leaves, Ninian and Nils appear)

Lyn:
“Do you really want to travel with us?”

Nils:
“Of course!”

Ninian:
“You have our gratitute, milady.”

(If the chapter was beaten in less than 15 turns)

(View change to Ninian alone)

Ninian:
“Oh…”

Nils:
“What’s wrong, Ninian?”

Ninian:
“I’ve lost my ring.”

Lyn:
“Your ring?”

Nils:
“Not Ninis’s Grace?”

Ninian:
“The very one.”

Nils:
“They stole it? Those curs!!!”

Lyn:
“Was it valuable?”

Ninian:
“It was a keepsake from our departed mother.”

Nils:
“It was blessed by the spirit of Ninis… There’s no other like it in the world. And now we lost it to those villains. There’s nothing we can do.”

Ninian:
“You’re right.”

Lyn:
“……”

(Lyn faces Mark)

Lyn:
“Can I talk to you, Mark? You heard all of that, right? What do you think? I’d really love to retrieve Ninian’s ring for her. But if Nils is right, those thieves might prove to be too strong for us. What should we do?”

Tutorial:
When you fulfill certain conditions, side quests may make themselves apparent to you. Side quests allow you to learn things that aren’t part of the main story. You might meet tough new enemies or find new companions to travel with. However, side quests are very difficult, and once you begin one, you must see it through to its end. If you plan to challenge a side quest, I suggest you keep the save data from the previous mission. Not accepting side quests will not effect your ranking. If you’re in a hurry to pursue the main story, skip the side quests.

(An option window appears)

Embark on side quest? [Yes] / [No]

(If “Yes”)

Lyn:
“You want to help them? Thats great! I was hoping you’d say that, Mark. Kent! Sain! Those men were headed south. We must give pursuit!”

Sain:
“On your word, milady!”

Lyn:
“There’s no turning back now. Let’s ride!”

(If “No”)

Lyn:
“I understand. That is the logical decision. If it had been up to me, I’d have ridden off and put us all in great danger. I’m glad you’re here to calm me down. Thank you. Let’s get moving! To Caelin!”