Andres and the Knight Commander slowly walked down, they had been discussing the prisoners. They looked like mercenaries and Andres was interested in them. They could be canon fodder at minimum and loyal soldiers at best, letting the Knight Commander return to his duties he stepped into the halls with their cells, each had been throw in there own small cube, barely ten feet of in each cell with a cot and bucket in the corner. He looked over them carefully, the three cells in a row as leaned against the wall opposite them the old man surveyed them. He nodded, the reports sounded about right, they looked tough enough for the work.

He looked between them all, he'd decided with the report and their appearances he knew the course of action he'd take. So he spoke, in tone that let them know he could kill them dead in a moment should they attempt anything. Mercenaries fear few things but an ungodly amount of lightning from Grand Master trained by the greatest known Grand Master, that was something they could fear. His tapped along the tome in his hand as spoke. "You are prisoners of Ylisse for crimes against the city. The Knight Captain says I should leave you to rot, I believe you could be useful. Ylisse is at war. The Church is marching against us and we've begun preparations for an invasion. Yet feeding you all and keeping alive drains resources, many prisoners have had their executions moved up or are being sent into exile, exile is a choice you will not get." His looked at them reading their faces.

"Your choices are different, you die here or live. You'll fight alongside the Shepherds and swear the oath of Fealty to Naga's Champion, you will kill for him and you will win for him. You may die but I can promise it will not be alone in a cell. You will join the Shepherds, Ylisse's fighting force of misfits and heroes. You will end this war and you will be set free and you will be paid a fair wage for the work." He finished his finger stopped tapping as he opened the book. "Your answers, now please." He said demanding the answers quickly.

“Oh yes, yes of course I will Mister Jerod, Marianne said with an enthusiastic nod. “You see, you are my friend now Mister Jerod. And I have to protect my friends, don’t you agree? If anyone bothers you, I’ll be sure to pluck out their eyes just for you. Yes, I imagine we’ll have so much fun in store for all of us.”

An uneasy calm was present in her voice though it was probably just a trait that all Dark Mages shared. The folks from Plegia weren’t exactly known for their benevolence, especially since their involvement with the Fell Dragon Grima all those years before. One had to wonder though why a native from that dark land had now chosen to side with the boy destined to represent Naga.

These thoughts and wonderings had to be put on hold though as Konrad gently interjected himself into the conversation at hand. Marianne paused before smiling warmly at him, recognizing him as the one who had expressed concern over her bloodied hands. Which, in actuality, they were still stained red from the dried blood even now.

“Ah, hello there Mister Healer. It’s very nice to see you again…oh yes, that reminds me! Given that you are all my F.R.I.E.N.D.S. now, I have to give you tokens of my own friendship! Let’s see…ah, yes, here you go, one for each of you.”

Digging in her dress pocket, Marianne produced two severed fingers for the two men. The digits were crusted with blood and age and she happily offered them with that same caring smile of hers.

"Ser Knight, I am one of the healers accompanying these new Shepards, a Troubadour to be specific. Where would you have me in formation, when the need arise, to best suit your Commander's, or your, tactics?"

Marius turned around around in order to face the Troubadour who had just spoken up. Although he did remember seeing this woman amongst the ragtag band, which formed to rescue the ‘Champion of Naga’, Marius could not remember this woman’s name, probably because they were never formally introduced.

“Well,” the red cavalier began, delaying in a desperate attempt to see if he could pull her name out of his head, “I have not discussed any tactics with Sir Jacob, so I cannot say anything with any certainty. However, with that said, your mobility as a mounted healer should prove to be a great boon for our company since you will be able to get to our wounded quicker than anyone else who happens to be traveling by foot. But I would have you remain out of the front lines unless totally necessary, since you would not be any good to us if you yourself happen to get injured. You obviously know who I am, but I think you have failed to let me know who you are.”

---

Abra looked over her former foster mother’s house once last time, checking to ensure that she was not leaving anything behind that she thought that she was either going to need or miss if she happened to forget it. She had spent her whole life in this house. It was almost heartbreaking that she was about ready to leave it forever. Even in spite of her fond memories of this place, there was nothing chaining her down in this place anymore, ever since the death of her foster mother, Helike. Unfortunately, it was just time for Abra to move on to other, and hopefully better, things.

As the floorboards underneath her creaked from the stress placed upon them by her foot, Abra took one last gander at Helike’s bookshelf. Abra obviously could not bring all the books that populated the shelving unit; all these books would just weigh her down, if she could even carry them all in the first place. After some careful deliberation, Abra pulled out one of the books off the shelf. The cover of this book was deep red, hinting at the focus on fire enchantments that lurked within that book.

However, this was not the only book that drew her attention. Abra pulled out a second book, this one having a blackish-purple cover, almost like the color of raisins made from Black Corinth grapes. This was the book that Abra had stumbled upon on the night of her sixteenth birthday. Something about that book just drew her attention to it. Was she going to use it? Of course not, but there was just a little nagging voice inside her head that nodded her to bring it along too.

After making her last round about the house, Abra gathered up her bag and headed toward the door. Before she left, Abra grabbed a small urn from the fireplace mantle. Within this miniature container was a fraction of the ashes of her recently-departed foster mother. The rest of her ashes had been buried in the backyard, with only a small marker that declared that Helike was laid to rest there. While she considered that bringing along this urn might come off as, well, morbid and grotesque, but at the same time, it almost felt as if her foster mother was still at her side, guiding her on whatever road lies ahead of Abra.

Before she left, Abra cast one final spell upon the house, causing it to be rendered invisible so that looters would not wreak havoc upon her deceased foster mother’s house. Then, with one last sorrowful tear, Abra departed from her foster mother’s house for the last time.

Jerod gave the dark mage a strange look when she turned away from him to address the healer, he himself had no time to respond to the man as he gave thought to the rather odd dark mage, Marianne, before him. He was unsure of how far this whole newfound status as a 'F.R.I.E.N.D' of this dark mage would go, but it was certainly not something that most would probably be comfortable entertaining the prospect of, let alone actually being in the shoes of one such friend. And the healer was now stuck in the same mess, well, the walking one was. Niya, bless her stubborn soul, was standing off from this whole mess. Probably organizing where she intended to be with the Champion or his second, whichever she had cornered first. Probably the second, the lad seemed to get drug off rather quickly. Of course, the dark mage proceeded to offer a token of friendship to the two of them, in the form of quite the...interesting severed finger. Well, no sense making enemies, and he had seen far more gruesome trophies claimed before. "T'ank ye kindly lass, ah appreciate yer trop'y o' friends'ip, sure a' sure. As fer ye, 'ealer, ah am still intact, t'ank ye fer yer concern. Ye can call me Jerod, at yer service."

Niya calmly listened to what the knight had to say, noting he really had no idea where to stick her. He suspected keeping her in the rear guard until her talents were necessary, which was a wise if uninteresting place to be. She would have spoken right about then when the Wyvern Rider, Melody, that her detestable mercenary companion had been talking to strolled in and brute forced her way in without a concern for the conversation already going on, earning the disdain of the Troubadour. Just like Jerod, in that regard, he would have gladly butted in should he have something he just had to say, so she found herself not appreciating this Wyvern Rider, a rare resource indeed, as much now. But she kept concise and as cool, emotionally, as always. Though, as the group would no doubt see, whenever she referenced Jerod clear venom and distaste laced the mentioning of him. "I will ride where the injured are, then, a simple task. Niya of Regna Ferox, to make introductions. I can see how you and that mercenary Jerod got along so well, Rider. You are as blunt as he is with a similar knack for manners."

Sanctus look up at the person talking. "Oh, is that all?" He said sarcastically. "You want me to swear loyalty to a cause, no matter if it is good or bad, just to save my own skin?" He chuckled "I don't know about that piece of wyvern dung," He pointed in the direction of Jonathan's cell. "But I don't work like that. However, rotting in this cell over a hairsplit of philosophy doesn't seem like the best idea. I'll go with you, and see for my own eyes weather your cause is just or not." He held up his chained hands, "So how about you start by getting these things off, and giving us something to eat besides stale bread and dirty water?"

Lilith actually grudgingly agreed with Sanctus's crudely put, but wise enough, point of view. "I accept too," She spoke up. "But...well," She winced at a bad memory. "I am a pegasus knight by trade and my pegasus...was killed." She looked down. "I was hoping to join the Yiliseian Pegasus Knights here... but anyways, I will need a steed if you have any." She shoved her emotions away. "If you are paying, I'll fight for you." She said.

"I see. I appreciate the escort, milady, and may you be successful in your endeavors." Another bow as a farewell for the princess before Lei'min shut the door behind them and offered an empty chair for the tactician. Once the room and the hall were devoid of any other presence besides the two, the Champion introduced himself and confidently shot down 'his' disguise in one, simple statement. The thin smile upon the swordsman's face lowered into a small frown as the pair of stunning yellow eyes squinted into a semi-glare, focusing themselves onto Jacob's face. What a keen young man he is, Mei'lin thought to herself as she broke the tense silence with a soft chuckle, her lips curving into a wry smile.

"You are a curious young man, Jacob... I've no intention of denying the truth, with that glint of confidence in your eyes." The facade of masculinity in her voice was gone and was now replaced with a tranquil, feminine voice. "But that does not change the fact that I may resort to... threats if a rumor unnecessarily circulates. Have I made myself clear, Sir Jacob?" Calmness remained in her tone and facial features while she spoke, despite the slight venom present in her declaration. Deciding that the current discussion was irrelevant to the important matter at hand, the general cleared her throat and changed the topic as she settled on a chair across the Champion.

"Pardon for my hostility, I do not wish to cause any dispute to ruin my country's negotiations with you. It is a personal matter and I do hope you do not take that into account in your decision." Bowing her head lightly to gesture an apology, she continued onto business. "Simply put, Sir Jacob, Chon'sin may consider creating an alliance to side with you, the Champion, on this war. For this alliance to pursue, here is the condition: You and your Ylissean army must provide support in protecting our land, Chon'sin, from outside forces. If you bear knowledge of the location at which our fair land stands, then you must be aware that we will most likely be invaded by foreign forces if we declare allegiance to the Champion of Naga." Chin resting upon the back of her hand, Mei'lin leaned her elbow atop the desk beside her as her serious gaze watched the other's reaction. After a slight pause from her speech, she inquired, "What will it be, Sir Jacob? ....If you require time for a proper response, my men and I will be stationed here until an answer be given."

Jacob nodded when she spoke of not revealing her disguise. "I swear it will remain a secret, I can understand your need to hide your gender. I only wished to go into this knowing what you were lying about General." He said from his chair. "I have no title, it's just Jacob." He told her in a soft voice not wishing to offend the General. He to her proposal, it was an interesting on, an alliance with a nation close to Rosanne with forces that could back their during the counter attack. This was very interesting, yet it would need to be approached carefully and held in waiting, Ylisse's forces were strong but not enough to fight the Church alone.

"I have a counter proposal, we cannot guarantee protection at this time. Yet as we speak I have been given command of the Shepherds, the army that once brought the blades of Ylisse, Chon'sin, Ferox, and others together. I plan to go to Ferox and then Plegia and forge a continent spanning alliance of nations to drive back the crusaders." He told her then paused much as she had then continued. "I suggest Chon'sin stall it's support for the Church and after we defeat the arriving forces and proven we can hold our own then we sail, landing in your home we begin our campaign. However your soldiers shall remain here and you General will travel with the Shepherds and forge these alliances with me. Should I fail you could take your men home and your home would be safe." He got and bowed to her. "It is not a perfect plan but it does seem fair." He offered her a hand up. "So will travel with us? As equals, I will ask nothing of those who support us that I would not do myself. After all I have much to live up to." He smiled in knowing way, as if they played cards and he held the winning hand.

Upon hearing the word counter proposal, the Chon'sin general raised an eyebrow with her interest piqued at what the young tactician had to say. Staying still in her current position with an undivided attention towards Jacob, Mei'lin spoke not a word during his piece. Even after the end of his last statement and a hand being held out to him, her arms crossed atop her chest with a deep in thought expression. A bargain or two, the swordsman had anticipated it, but this proposal was still very much involved in the fate of her beloved nation. Was it worth stalling the support of the church?

Due to Chon'sin being the land of skillful swordsmen and staying at a close distance to Rosanne, the offer being given to ally with the Church's side was inevitable. Though this being the case, the current ruler of Chon'sin was to be cautious on which side to take and prolonged the decision to be made. Thus the general was sent to the faraway land of Ylisse to represent her country in negotiating with the Champion. After all, the nation was once saved by the Shepherds of Ylisse, offering their support in this upcoming war may be a wise choice. But... Will the Church patiently wait for an answer?

"Hm..." The female myrmidon hummed thoughtfully, before rising to her feet to become at eye level with the Champion. "You pose a... tricky counter proposal, Si-- Jacob. Time is of the essence, but very well. I shall inform my high commander through a letter of request, if any more delay to the support of the Church can be made." Before parting her lips to continue, her hand held up with a solemn expression yet with a wry smile. "But do know that once I've established that this negotiation, this plan, will not be to Chon'sin's merit, I will immediately take my leave with my men. And perhaps, I may be seeing you on the battlefield in the near future, not as an ally, but as a foe." Once again, her usual calm tone gave off a subtle venom in what she was conveying. Mei'lin was a loyal Chon'sin before anything else, any threat to it might as well be a threat to her.

"Otherwise, I accept your counter proposal for the time being. Ah, pardon for my late introductions but I go by the alias of General Lei'min, though my real name is Mei'lin. Let us overcome difficult trials to come with hard work, Jacob." Grabbing the other's hand with a firm grasp, Mei'lin shook his hand with a slight upward curve upon her lips.

The muscle-bound fighter sat upright in his cell, still not wearing anything but his old and worn undergarments. He leered out at the grandmaster with a slightly bemused look crossing his haggard features, not quite certain what a fancily dressed nobleman wanted with his sorry self. Jonathan crossed the cell as the man spoke out about servitude and the possibility of dying outside the cell that he'd become all to familiar with. It wasn't like there was an option, unless the greatcloaked man assumed that he'd refuse on principle. Luckily for everyone, Jonathan was anything but principled.

Jonathan grinned, managing to show off nearly all of his surprisingly well-kept teeth in a terrifying grimace that he must have assumed was friendly. "Alright, you've convinced me that I should help your cause. What use do I have for a life living in a cell, amiright?"

Andres grinned at his three new prospects unlocking the doors to there cells and tossing them all the keys to their shackles. He walked into the other room return with water, cheese, and fresh bread for them all. "Eat on the way, were going out to the yard, your weapons and personal effects will be returned shortly, your armor is the chests along the wall behind me." He told them as he sat the food down on the table, drawing a pipe for his cloak he snapped his fingers igniting it and stood by the door waiting for them.

Andres banged on the iron door leading up and out, a moment later five guards arrived and unlocked the door. Andres looked them over a moment then sighed. "Four of you escort me and the prisoners up, the other go fetch Jacob and have him meet us in the courtyard." The soldiers immediately jumped to work as the old man turned back to former prisoners. "Try to look decent, your meeting the Champion of Naga." He smirked then turned back starting up the hall. "As for weapons or mounts Shepherds have received their own funds and we plenty of Pegasi up in the stables for you to meet and choose from." He said smoke clogging up hallway as the soldiers and Grand Master marched. "Oh and piece of advice, if you attempt to run or desert I'll burn your legs off and watch you try to crawl away before slice your head off." The old man told them in a cheerful voice.
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Jacob nodded to the Mei'lin and released her hand. "I understand completely, you must do what is best for your country and I will do what is best for mine. I'm glad we understand one another and I pray do not have to face you on the field of battle."

He was about to ask her if she would like to discuss thing further when a knock came at the door, then a voice. "Tactician Jacob, your presence has been requested in the courtyard by Grand Master Andres, I'm to escort you down." The soldier outside called out then waited patiently for him to emerge.

Jacob sighed looking towards the door. "I'm sorry General, I must go see what Andres needs. Though I'm almost positive it will involve sparing with some knight or another. If you would like you can accompany down General Lei'min, we are leaving soon for Ferox, in just a couple of hours actually." He turned towards the door and stepped out the soldier giving a salute to Jacob as he stepped out. They began towards the courtyard, Jacob silently hoped Andres wasn't about to try and convince him to aid in one his age old plots... The last time the old coot had asked to the Courtyard had been to try and make him spy on Pegasus knights in the bath house. He'd refused and Andres had hung him for the top of the Tacticians Academy flag pole by his cloak.

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A church Admiral approached Varrus. "We have ten vessels ready depart, load your men aboard and prepare yourselves it will be three days voyage. He told the boy before him as he looked over the soldiers. "Storms are about the sea to, I doubt all the ships will make it across. I pray Naga is guiding us, without that we might not have the man power to fight once we cross the sea." He sighed and looked over the water along the port city. "Theirs a women waiting for you down by the docks, wouldn't give me her name but she asked to see you alone before she left." He withdrew a cigar and a match lighting it he stared at the ocean.

Down by the docks a young women waited, she wore white robes with no emblem on them and a hood pulled tightly around her head to hide her face. However if approached and looked carefully you see it was the Grand Cleric herself in disguise standing by docks that reeked of fish. She stared at the collapsed statue of Duke Virion quietly awaiting the young man she asked the admiral to call for her. She held tightly in her pocket Naga's tear, the treasure she coveted dearly and used whenever she prayed. She hoped the young lord would see her, she had to speak with him, to make one request before he left to face another boy, one that Tiki had proclaimed the Champion of Naga.

After Konrad has introduced himself to the pair, they had a quick exchanged where Konrad has learned of the bearded man, which was Jerod. Konrad nodded towards the man acknowledging the man's name. And as Marianne talked he looked towards her still bloodied hands, his face greyed, he wished the girl would clean it off already. And suddenly the Dark Mage pulled out a pair of fingers from her pockets and handed them to the two men. Konrad absent mindedly grabbed the finger without thinking and when he looked it in his hand he shriek in surprise and disgust. But he quickly composed himself as he didn't wish to alienate the dark Mage by being grossed out by the dismembered finger. Uhh, Thanks so much Marianne, such a nice finger, it looks like you give me a pointer finger..." Konrad spoke in a forced grateful tone. And it did look like a pointer finger.

---

As Melody talked to the mounted Healer and the second in command Cavalier. Melody couldn't help but chuckle at the Healer's saltiness."Hehe, Yeah, manners was never my thing, killing and drinking are. I never needed manners while killing a man, it make it uncomfortable if you are, like, may I kill you with my axe? please and thank you." Melody ranted off, for a short time. "But never mind that, I only need to kill people and I need to be placed where I can maximize my killing proficiency."

Marianne’s happy smile twisted wider at Konrad’s shriek. It was a sign that he liked her gift and greatly appreciated it too. Obviously. She nodded in thanks to both Jerod and Konrad before clasping her still bloodied hands together in joy, much to the Healer’s chagrin no doubt.

“Oh this is so wonderful! It’s always nice to make new friends, isn’t it? Say now, what are we supposed without the presence of fearless leader to guide us?”

It was an honest question and the Dark Mage glanced around to see if anyone else was doing anything worthwhile. It seemed that Jacob had not yet returned to check up on his new Shepherd group. Frowning at his lack of an appearance, Marianne looked up to both Jerod and Konrad with a pleasant expression.

“Hmm, shall we go and search for fearless leader?”

"Heh, save your threats for the little girls who would be intimidated by them." Sanctus said in response to Andres's threat. Lilith and Sanctus were lead by a soldier to their confiscated weapons and armor, which they put on. Then they were taken to meet the rest of the new Shepherds. Sanctus was surprised to see several familiar faces, including the creepy girl and the mercenaries that helped the Champion earlier. "Small world." He muttered. He separated from the other prisoners and hung out unobtrusively away from the rest of the Shepherds. Lilith took a moment to take a glance around the room, before walking up to the group. She waited for a pause in the conversation, then she introduced herself. "Hello, everyone. My name is Lilith, I assume the rest of you are part of this group that is being formed?" She said, trying to be polite, although it came out rather coldly.

"Don't worry so much, old man. If I run, I'll be sure to go through you first. Ha."

A bare-faced lie, but it was always good to make an impression. Jonathan patted Andres on the shoulder as he passed, making sure to leer dangerously at the grandmaster. He'd leave when he damn well pleased, and there wasn't a thing the crazy old bastard could do to stop it. He slouched after the duo, making sure to snag a bottle of wine as they passed the kitchens on their way to the armory. He quickly redressed and armored himself, years of practice making the movements mechanically tedious and simple. He finished by buckling the haft of his axe to his belt, following a little ways behind his fellow former prisoners as they lead the way into the hall that held the rest of the newly-formed Shepards, bottle of wine swinging by his side.

He glanced around, barely batting an eye as he recognized the creepy girl who had solicited his services previously. From what he could see, only two of the other 'Shepards' even looked competent, a bearded man who looked as if he'd had his fair share of battles and a stoic young man who was bound with muscle. The rest of them would die before their third battle. He wouldn't even need to make a break for it. The fighter sneered at the thought, hefting the wine bottle higher so he could work the tip of his long knife into the cork. He needed a drink.

"Urgh" was the only noise Sammael made as he hit the stoned pathway again. Swearing to himself he began to rise from the ground before a small laugh came from a few feet in front of him.

"I told you Sam, we aren't getting in. I appreciate the field trip, but I doubt visiting the Exalt is something anyone can just do. She's too important for us little street urchins..." Alley said, leaning against a great stone wall as she watched Sammael bring himself up from the floor. This had been his fourth time asking the guards at the gate for an audience with the Exalt.

Dusting off his pants Sammael grunted in annoyance. "Alley, it's Sammael. Not Sam. Not Sammy. And we're going to get you in there. I can't believe people separate themselves so much from others like this. Guarded ontop of a stone castle. How are you a symbol of the people from up there?" he asked, looking over to Alley. She shrugged her shoulders and followed in step with him towards the marketplace.

"Not sure. Lets go get something good to eat, maybe find a pub or inn for the night. We can try again tomorrow, as I'm sure you're already planning to do." Finding a nearby stall that sold some fresh fruit, plucked one up and handed over a few coins before catching back up to Sammael.

"Wrong." Sammael let out a deep breath, liking the idea of food but hating what the night would bring. "I'm going to try again tonight." he said, taking a quick left and heading towards an inn that looked like it had alcohol in it. As he did that Alley stopped head in her tracks before rushing after him. "Wait! Wait wait wait. Are you talking about trying to... break in? To that giant place? With guards and everything!?" her grin widened. "Sounds good to me!"

Marius wondered why everyone was coming to him about battle tactics. While ‘everyone’ was quite an exaggeration, the questions that they were asking Marius were more apt for Jacob, who was the actual tactician of the group. While Jacob was young, he still held the responsibilities and burdens of organizing and commanding the Shepherds. Although Marius was not uncomfortable with conversing about tactics with the troops, he feared that he might say something that could contradict the orders of Jacob. All Marius could do at this point, until he had time to get some detailed information from Jacob, was give those asking him these questions a general idea of their roles.

“Well, we should take similar precautions with any wyvern riders that we currently undertake with our Pegasi riders. While I’m sure your stead is sturdier than those of our winged knights, but, unless I am mistaken, a well-placed black arrow could ruin your day, to say so politely. I’m sure we could say the same of the other Shepherds, as everyone has their own set of strengths and weaknesses. Until Sir Jacob and I have taken inventory of all the Shepherds, I can only give you some guesswork on all of your roles. So until then, I would say it would be rather unproductive to ask such questions.”

After the knock upon the door and the announcing of Jacob's summoning to the grand master, Mei'lin concealed her feminine gestures and started to play out her masculine charade once more. "Understood. However, I shall remain here to take care of the matter regarding the letter addressing my high commander. It will take no longer than minutes but please, you may go ahead," the general suggested with 'his' arm directing towards the door. When the room was filled with silence once more, 'he' settled upon the desk and started to neatly inscribe how the negotiation had gone and asked permission for going with the counter proposal from the tactician, at least, for the time being.

Gazing upon the courtyard before her, the Chon'sin maiden had finally arrived after turns and walks along the hallways of Ylisstol, with guidance of the available servants. Coming to a stop, her arms were crossed atop her chest with an amused expression upon her features. "Hoh? A spar between the tactician and another? This should prove to be of some interest. ...And perhaps it will be of use to know of his movements and patterns..." The sparring opponent has yet to be chosen but it piqued her interest nevertheless. In the future if the alliance were to fail, studying his moves should come in handy in the future.

Andres rolled his eyes, surveying the courtyard below from a window, it was clear of people and training dummies lay strewn about. Three large cracks ran along the wall, one could tell when the Exalt had been training, much like her grandfather Chrom she had trouble hitting the dummies. he surveyed the Shepherds and withdrew his pipe blowing smoke rings he stepped out on to a balcony overlooking the yard.

Jacob was walked briskly down the halls arriving in the yard, Andres had been waiting and without warning the Grand master threw a eruption of flames. However Jacob was un-phased as dove rolled and came up straightening his robes and dusting them off. He'd thrown a fire ball back but Andres cast a second spell, they met it in midair and the simply defused with a small burst of small fire. "So Andres, what are you playing it? Is another one of your games? I hope it's not another round of human chess, the Exalt was furious last time we used soldiers for that." For those unaware, the castle of Ylisse was anything but normal, servants had it easier than most of the soldiers.

Andres grinned at his apprentice clapping his hands. "Not today, today we train like the men of Ferox." Jacob groaned, he was no muscle bound barbarian of the north. He was strong but Feroxi strong, the could put the Ox in the cart and pull both. The gates all dropped shut as Andres turned the crowd, blowing smoke at them all. "So, who will attempt to defeat the Champion of Naga. Or are you scared of the boy supposedly blessed by a god?" He cackled, he was either a genius or mad. Possibly both and he loved every second of it.

The mercenary pocketed the finger and let the priest blubber on and come up with something to say, laughing easily and clapping the man on the back heardily, which probably would stumble him a bit if he wasn't ready for it. He either wasn't letting the gift of odd body parts affect him, or he wasn't letting it show. But either way, his actions were the same as he also responded to the dark mage lass. "Tha's the spirit, 'ealer. Yer gift is appreciated, lass, an' ye make a good suggestion. S'all we?" They were no doubt aware of his curious accent, even most Feroxians did not speak the way he did so it was rather up in the air whether it was natural or acquired, but regardless, the mercenary led the two off in the general direction of the courtyard, assuming either of them had any desire to follow the man, he would arrive before the gates shut, and would nod to Niya who had beat him there, and would get no response from the woman.

Finding himself in a rather cozy fighting arena, for training purposes, the damage the one wall had received got a snort of amusement from the mercenary. Then some grandmaster looking fellow came out of a ball of fire, and he waved the smoke away from him as the champion lad himself and the grandmaster fellow, name apparently Andres, spoke back and forth and then the older man issued the challenge, and that got a grand old laugh out of the mercenary as he walked out of the crowd, tried and true iron blade at his side and nothing else of note as he approached the two, speaking easily to them, apparently undisturbed by the fact these two were some of the most important men within Ylisse. Either callous, uncaring, or had spent time dealing with nobility before and was unimpressed. Either way, he spoke easily to the two, taking up the thrown gauntlet before anyone else could stop him.

"Ancient beings like t'em dragons are powerful, aye, but t'ey ain' no gods. Ah'll give t'e lad a fig't, see w'at 'e's made of."

---

"You may try, crudeling, but you might find I have more bite than you may think. Thank you, Ser, I will go and seek answers from the Champion himself then." Niya did not appreciate the unprofessional nature the wyvern rider had displayed so far, and it was clear she had lumped the poor woman in with the same treatment she gave her companion, and regrettably oath holder, Jerod. Disdain and distrust, but would not openly engage in violence with from vows or circumstance. Whether the two would follow or not was irrelevant to the healer, she took her leave and vanished, and would find herself in the arena before long. Within a matter of time the gates were closed and the old man of a grand master arrived. Andres, if her memory was correct, the head of the Tactician's guild within Ylisse. A powerful figure, no doubt, and he issued a challenge to the group, and an all too familiar laugh got a groan from Niya.

Of course Jerod couldn't help but take up that gauntlet. That idiot of a mercenary was going to get himself killed one of these days, he was far too stubborn for his own good and would not lightly back down from a challenge. The only reason he wasn't dead yet was because she had yet to see anything or anyone mean enough to keep that man down, he was resiliant enough to match his stubborness. Even shrugged off magic at times, which had genuinely surprised her and led to the oath binding her now. Until that man released her of it, she was stuck following him around and aiding him in his endeavors, for good or ill. Thankfully he sought out this place and endeavor, but it could have turned out far worse. A cool remark came from the healer, directed at Jerod as a reminder. "Do not forget tacticians use magic and blade, side by side."