Postby ManRandomThe » Thu Jun 28, 2012 7:26 pm
At the inn, Erk saw a purple-haired man sitting at the bar. He seemed unconcerned by the singing, the ale and the other guests as he was lost deeply in his books. ''Now that's a welcome sight'', Erk said pleased as he saw the reading man. The Shaman, Canas, must have been an odd sight for a pirate port like Badon, yet he seemed unconcerned. ''Excuse me, but you are a shaman right?'', Erk asked. ''I need to ask you...Excuse me!'', as the shaman didn't appear to have noticed him at all. "Hmmm....Oh, hello?", Canas asked. ''Excuse me but I got taken...out of my way a bit'', Erk said. ''A pirate said I should seek your help to get back to Caelin'', he told him. "Ah yes, I have foreseen your arrival", Canas said. "Just last night, you were in the company of three great heroes, were you not?", he asked. ''I wouldn't exactly say heroes but the three are noble, respectable and able persons'', Erk answered. ''And I assume you saw that with elder magic?'', he asked.
"No, just with a divination", Canas admitted. "But, it seems it was right. Now, if that is true, then the other part might be right. So, you want to get back to Caelin? Well, don't worry, they will be soon coming this way", he told him. ''Ah yes, this is a port town'', Erk said. ''Lord Eliwood will surely need a ship'', though that they could come for him too only occurred to Erk a little later. ''What other part are you talking about?'', he asked. "Much has transpired since your meeting with the archers and your trip here", Canas started. "The Three have learned much thanks to the info of a well-placed spy about the true nature of Marquiss Darin and the shadowy hand strangling Lycia's neck right now. And so, they know the truth lies on Valor, the Dread Isle, and so they will come here for a ship to arrive", he said. "That was Elder Magic. And it's good for me too, as I actually have been needing to arrive there myself, so it works out for everybody", Canas explained.
Erk seemed a bit disappointed of having missed that information. ''The lords would be happy to add you to the army, as I can feel your magic is quite powerful'', Erk said. ''Valor, huh...'', he trailed off in thought, as his mentor had always talked about investigating the place. "That sounds fine", Canas said. "So, you might as well get some rest, young man and wait for them", he advised Erk. ''I don't have money to rent a room here'', Erk said. ''So I'll go sleep by the door, and I'll see you tomorrow'', as he stood up and prepared to leave. "Ah, if you don't object, you can stay in mine", Canas offered. ''That would be...I don't know if..'', Erk said hesitant but went along with it. ''All right, thank you'', he said to Canas. "It's quite all right", Canas said. "Besides, I have this book here, so I imagine it will keep me going until they come", he told him.
''Read from it'', Erk requested rather greedily. ''....Please'', as while Erk was not a dark mage himself, he intensely studied the theory. "Oh, sorry, this is an actual book kind of book", Canas said. "A tale of a man who fell in love with a dragon, but when separates from his wife and children fell into the path of madness", he explained. ''Oh'', Erk said disappointed. ''Carry on then, I'll be in your room...don't hesitate to tell me if you want to use it'', he added. "Of course, master mage", Canas said. A slightly guilty Erk went to bed waiting until the next morning when Eliwood would arrive.
As Canas foretold, Eliwood, Hector and Lyn would meet with an Ostian spy who infiltrated the Black Fang named Leila who told them everything she knew. After making sure Marquiss Hausten and Caelin were safe, the army moved to Badon, although both Rebecca and Wil felt guilty when Erk was reported missing, and a search proved unfruitful. Erk was in the inn, waiting for the group to arrive. In the meantime, he spent time by going through Canas' small library. It was another couple of hours before Eliwood''s troops came into Badon. They scoured the docks for a crew crazy enough to take them to Valor. As expected of a island referred to as the dreaded isle, no one wanted to take them to Valor. Erk had already expected this and thought the only one that would want to take them was that pirate that saved him. As the troops spread out, Wil and Rebecca saw a familiar figure running up them. "Is that....", Wil trailed off.
''Yeah, that's Erk'', Rebecca said. ''It's good to see you two again'', Erk said. ''My apologies for disappearing, I was...careless'', he said. Wil and Rebecca brought Erk to Eliwood and Co, where he explained what happened to him last night, how he was saved by a band of pirates, and about Canas. ''Yes, so I think those pirates might be eccentric enough to take you to Valor'', Erk told them. "It's worth a shot. Thank you Erk, nice to see you back and all right", Eliwood said as he and some others went to see Fargus while Erk went to go see Canas. ''Lord Eliwood said you are free to join us Canas'', Erk said. ''He did however ask you to realize its a dangerous journey and that you must be fully prepared for the worst'', he added. "Of course, of course, it's no picnic to reach Valor, and the Black Fang", Canas said. "But, I still will come none the less". Erk couldn't really object. Eccentric as Canas was, it was good to have another scholarly mage join, especially one that was a walking Library.
Meanwhile, as Erk left, Wil and Rebecca came up to him. "Rebecca here has something she wants to say to you", Wil said as he stood behind her. ''Wil, I think Erk getting kidnapped is a greater deal then me attacking him'', she said. "That's her way of saying sorry for assaulting, tying up and spanking you", Wil explained. "Still, when you didn't come back, we were both rather worried, especially poor Priscilla", he said. ''Apologies accepted'', Erk said. ''So Lady Priscilla was worried? That's....unfortunate'', he said, ashamed of himself. "Yeah, but hearing the whole story has made her a lot more better", Wil said. ''That's good to hear, but when I see her, I must apologize for this'', Erk said. ''Don't bother! That's not necessary'', Rebecca said. ''You being safe has already made it up'', she told him.
Suddenly, Marcus rode in with two quivers and handed them to Wil and Rebecca. "Here, take these", he said. However, the arrowheads were soft. "Er....Thanks, sir, but what's this all about?", Wil asked. ''This does not seem usefull Marcus'', Erk said. ''Taking a weapon that cannot kill to the battlefield is nothing short of foolish'', he added. "That's the idea. Captain Fargus of the Black Shark Corsairs has agreed to ferry us to Valor. However, his sole condition is a test of strength, and so we must best his pirates. To make sure none of us die, we are trying to to hold back or use blunt weapons. Erk, in your case, try not to be a walking thunderstorm, okay?", Marcus explained. ''This is going to be bothersome'', Erk sighed, as he really didn't see the point of this test. "All right, it won't be hard to miss them, and to win, someone has to reach Fargus at the port, and that's it", Marcus said. ''I've spend the night at the tavern here and according to everyone, aprauching Fargus with a weapon is suicide'', as Fargus was quite possibly stronger then any fighter in their army. "I said approach, not fight", Marcus said. "All right, that's it. Move out!", and with that he rode off. "Well, nothing to it but do it", Wil said. "Race you to Fargus!", Rebecca said as she tested out her arrow on a approaching Pirate. "Y'arr! I hate to be the first one dead!", he complained.
''Don't worry the rest will soon acompaney you to the not-so-afterlife'', Erk said and took out his thunder tome. Erk made sure he made the ligtning bolt landed just before the pirate's feet. "I already lost, you jerk!", the Pirate complained as the rubber arrow was stuck in his longcoat. "Okay, okay, let's move on", Wil said, bow and soft-headed arrows in tow. While the whole thing seemed ridicules to Erk, Rebecca on the other hand found it fun. ''Okay, you are dead!'', Rebecca laughed cheerfully as she shot some pirates. ''The afterlife is at the tavern so be nice gents and go their or I'll make you walk the plank! Yarrr!'', she said. ''Dead people can't hear you Rebecca'', Erk said annoyed. Wil only smilled as he cleared the town with Rebecca. She hadn't changed a bit. As they got close to port, and a local fighting arena, Wil saw a Pirate that looked...oddly familliar. "Hey, Becky, look at that guy", he said. ''That guy looks like Dan if he would have zero fashion sense'', Rebecca smilled. That the pirate could actually BE Dan didn't cross her mind. ''That's Dart'', Erk said. ''He seemed like a nice man before, if a bit impolite.''Wil didn't say anything, but he remembered when Dan and he went their seperate ways, it was at Badon, because he wanted to sail the seas....it couldn't possibly. "Hey! Wil! Snap out of it!", Rebecca told him as she dragged him away.
Erk stepped toward Dart. ''I know I owe you guys a debt for saving me but that won't stop me from sending you to an imaginary afterlife!'', as he readied his tome. ''Hey! I said snap out of it!'', Rebecca said. ''We gotta join the fight'', she chaztized him. "So, I see your punyness was because you are a fancy-pants magic user then", Dart said. "Well, these axes are dull, but my fighting spirit still is as sharp as my wits!", he said. It wasn't too much further for Wil and Rebecca as they made their way to Fargus. ''Who are you calling puny?!'', Erk said offended. ''I could easily argue you are a brute because all your braincells go to feeding the muscles needed to lift that axe!'', he said back to Dart. ''Yarr they are gonna make it to the boss!'', a pirate yelled in panic. ''....Not! Release the trap, you cowardly deckapes!'', he yelled to his troops. "And such mighty muscles they are!", Dart said. "Now come on, laddie, show me some fire!", as he charged forth. "Oh, there's a trap coming", Wil said to Rebecca. "Hey, thanks for warning us!", he taunted the one who yelled it as clear as day. "Should I trigger it, or should you?", Rebecca asked. Erk honestly didn't like being referred to as ''laddie'' and created a fireball large enough to get that point across.
''Grrr! Hey don't act like that!'', the pirate yelled. ''The whole crew pulled their minds togheter to come up with this!'', he added. ''What an impresive result that must have been'', Rebecca laughed. ''Enough! Take this!'', as against the streetwall, a large number of crates where stappled up. The pirates kicked the crates down breaking them. ''Yarharharhar! Try crossing now matties!'', as out of the crates came all kind of fish, rotten fish to be precise, which created a huge stank troughout the alley. "Woah!", Dart said as he rolled out of the way. "Practice battle, you dummy!", he shouted. "Oh, that's just wrong", Rebecca said. "Can I borrow your head scarf?", Wil asked her. ''I know which is why the flames aren't that hot'', Erk said. ''And if you are allowed to hit me with that blunt thing, wouldn't I be at a disadvantages if I can only miss?'', he epxlained.
''Gladly Wil!'' as Rebecca untied the scarf over her head and handed it to Will. ''Huh! H-hey wait, you can't do that yar'l ruin it!'', one pirate whined. "It's not the temperture, it's the magnitude of it!", Dart complained. Wil then tied the scarf around his nose, took a breath in and began to cross the rotting fish. ''Just hold your tounge and fight'', as another fireball flew in Dart's direction. ''Yar! He'll ruin it! Stop him you deckapes!'', but no pirate however dared to charge into the stench to subdue Will. "Ya'arg, what happened to that 'yes, please, thank you sir' one of you I saw earlier?", Dart said as the fight continued. "Well, that sucked", Wil said as he crossed it. "Now, to Fergus!", he commented. ''I already said I'd show no mercy because right now, you are my enemy, imagionary or not'', Erk said. ''Back then you were not'', he explained. ''Garharhar! He's out of the stench get him no-ugh damm!'', as Rebecca had shot some arrows from a distance on them. ''I believe they where the only ones standing in your way'', she said to Wil.
"Man, you are colder then the Northern Seas!", Dart said as the fight continued to be a draw. "Thanks, Becky!", Wil said as he ran up to Fargus. "Hi there!", he said to him. ''When you consider it's a pirate saying this, it does come off a bit laugheble don't you think?'', Erk said coldly after his newest spell missed. ''Aha! You made it, whelp!'', Fargus said. ''Shame the little lordlings haven't reached me themselves'', he added. "Hey, I may be a reaver and a slayer, but I still am nice, just not to certain people!", Dart said back. "Is that them over there?", Wil asked as Eliwood and Lyndis came up from the west. ''It's a good thing I'm not one of those people right!'', Erk said. The young mage was thinking of unleashing a more powerfull spell, but the thing that prevented him was that he had yet to succesfully cast it. ''Yarr! That's something you should know boy!'', Fargus laughed. ''They're YOUR lords right?'', he chastized Wil. "Well, since you are that much of a jerk, I guess so!", Dart replied back as he charged. "Captain Fargus, we are here. Did we pass your test?", Eliwood asked. ''How am I a jerk? This is a battle right?'', Erk asked. ''Argh this annoys me!'', as he took out a red golden book from under his robe. ''You did whelp, you reached me'', Fargus said. ''Fargus of the black sharks is a man of the sea, and a man of his word'', as he then blew on a very sharp whistle that echoed throughout Badon. "Oh, looks like someone made it to Captain Fargus", Dart said. "The test is over".
'Then I'll drop my arms'', Erk said dissapointed. He really wanted to test if he was capable of using the Elfire tome and this mock battle was the perfect oppertunity. "All right, laddie, let's go over to the ship then", Dart said. ''Dart, could you stop calling me laddie?'', Erk asked irritated. ''16 is considered adult in some part of Elibe''. Well, Lycia for that matter, but Eturia just wheren't one of them, though. "Well, I am 19, so there!", Dart said back. Although Erk didn't make the connection quite yet, he and Rebecca also were somewhat alike in personality at times. ''I don't see why that give you the right to talk down on my youth'' Erk said.
Will and Rebecca as well as many other where on the ship were the pirates cheerfully gave them their meals. ''Come laddie! Eat up!'', a pirate affectionately pulled his arm around Wil's shoulder. It was one of the pirates who made the trap. He had given Wil a different kind of food then the rest, fish brought from a certain alley, an idea made by Rebecca. "Thanks, but the slight smell and discoloring gives it away", Wil said in a friendly tone. ''Really? So? Eat up!'', the pirate laughed. ''Yeah Wil, eat up!'', Rebecca laughed, finding it funny, as she knew exactly what it was. Wil took a piece off with the fork, swirled it around....and stuck in Rebecca's mouth. "As you wish", he said slyfully. ''Nghhm! Aaaaaaaaah!'', Rebecca screamed in disgust. ''Okay, that's it! Hold him!'', as the pirates grabbed Wil and pushed his face to his plate with food. They were pirates but at least they were chivalrous ones, plus they hated that their plan was found out. "I regret nothing!", were Wil's last words before the horrid stench and taste of the food knocked him out.
"What an odd, odd bunch", Canas said to himself. "Oh well, at least they are energetic!", he noted with a smile. ''A bit too much I'd say'', Erk sat down next to him. ''But the fish seemed to have knocked Wil out'', he noted. "Yes, it is a rather pungent odor", Canas said as Rebecca dragged Wil off. ''Pardon?'', as even the formal Erk didn't know the word pungent. ''What are you reading?'', he asked. "A term for a strong smell, Master Erk", Canas said. ''Ah,...odd'', Erk said. ''So? what are you reading again?'', he asked. "Oh, this is just a light novel about the Eight Heroes, but I remember you wanted to know a little about elder magic, so I found this Flux tome for you", Canas said as he handed it over. ''Many thanks Canas!'', Erk said. ''I won't be able to cast it but it will keep me busy for at least a few nights'', he added happily. "It is no problem at all", Canas said.
Rebecca dragged Wil to the brig, but as Rebecca did so, Dart followed the two knuckleheads. ''It would be funner if you were awake'', Rebecca said. ''Oh well'', as she opened the brig, dragged Wil inside and started tying Wil's arms and legs to the bars. Dart snuck up behind Rebecca as she did so, waiting for her to finish. ''Awww, I don't have a gag'', Rebecca pouted. ''Ah well, I'm sure one of these gents is willing to help this cute girl out'', she said to herself. As Rebecca turned around, she bounced off Dart. "Hmm, seems like you having a little fun, yeah?", he asked. ''Uh....yeah,'' Rebecca blushed ''Uh, c-can you..This isn't your business!'', she said embarrassed. "Seems a bit odd you tying up this dork", Dart said. "Imagine the shame on Red's face if he caught you two in this position", he told her. ''But he's a dork, maybe that's why I tied him up'', Rebecca said. ''And who's red?'', she asked. "That Eliwood guy", Dart said. "Hmm, can't imagine that would go over too well", he implied. ''Well, maybe I should tie him up to-no wait he's my lord'', Rebecca said. ''Who's not gonna hear of this, you hear me!'', she tried to threaten. "I'm the one in charge of the brig, little lady", Dart said. "Get the hint?", he asked.
''No, no I don't, big guy'', Rebecca replied. "It means he won't be alone", Dart said as he gathered some rope. ''What!'', Rebecca yelled. ''Look Dan..uh Dart! I know I'm cute but that doesn't give you a right to-eeeek! L-let go of me!'', she yelled. "Dan?", Dart asked as he brought her into the cell, and began tying her wrists. ''Just forget it'', Rebecca said. ''And ouch! This is too tight!'', she whined. "Well, these are naval ropes, they have to be thick", Dart explained. Still, this seemed...oddly familiar somehow. ''Stop it Dan...ahhhh why do I keep saying that!'', Rebecca yelled. ''I mean stop it, you brute!'', she told her amnesiatic brother. "What's the magic word?", Dart asked as he tied Rebecca's ankles together. ''Or this sweet helpless girl will call the authorities?'' Rebecca asked with an attitude. "And how will you explain why you tied up your friend here?", Dart asked. "I mean, besides blaming me, of course". Why did this girl seem so...familiar? ''Wil is Wil'', Rebecca said. ''And he shoved fish in my mouth'', she answered, forgoing that she was playing a trick on him."Wil....That name....I remember hearing in old flashbacks...", Dart said.
While he lost most of his memory in a fight due to blood loss, occasionally, he would get flashbacks of himself when he was younger, a little, scrawny, auburn-haired boy and a small, green-haired girl. ''Hmmm, are you all right Dan, er...Dart?'', Rebecca asked. "Yeah, thanks little lady", Dart said as he recovered. Rebecca felt somewhat safe with the man because of him looking and acting like her brother and so stopped complaining...after a while. Wil also woke up. "All right, I'll leave you here for about an hour as punishment, then I'll come back if you haven't freed yourself by that time", Dart said.
Wil yawned and noticed he was tied up. "You know, there's easier ways to ask, Rebecca", he said. ''You were being a big sleepyhead, so I couldn't'', Rebecca said. "Oh. So, let's bygones be bygones, and let's try to free eachother", Wil suggested. He didn't bother asking why Rebecca was tied up. ''Your hands are tied to the bars so I have to do all the work huh?'', Rebecca asked. "Well, you see my left boot? There's a knife in there. Can you wriggle it out?", Wil asked. ''Almost...almoooost...no not really'', Rebecca tried her hardest but just couldn''t get the knife out of Will's boots. Wil sighed, then held the heel of his foot that had the boot holding his knife down with his other heel, then began applying pressure as he tried lifting it up to remove it from the bindings. "Now try", he suggested as the bonds became a little looser and the knife slid out of his boot. Since Rebecca was bound, she had to use her feet to pull the knife toward her. Once it was close enough she shoved it toward her hands.
"Good job, Becky!", Wil encouraged her on. Rebecca managed to cut her ropes loose. 'H'mmmm, should I free you?'', she smiled. "Well, seeing on how a big, mean pirate is coming soon, please?", Wil asked. ''Fine, fine I'll do it'', Rebecca moved the daggers across the ropes that tied Wil to the bars. "Thanks, Becky", Wil said. "Now, come on, let's get out of here and in public so he can't make a move on us", he told her. ''Or we could tell his captain what he did to this cute girl!'', Rebecca said. ''He'll be on deck swabbing duty for a long time!'', she grinned. "Yeah, but then he could tell on you what you did to me", Wil said. "And I'd rather keep this a secret", he added. ''Fine we won't tell'', Rebecca sighed .''Just know you are wasting a chance to see that guy as a swabbie'', she said. "Come on, let's get out of here", Wil said.
At the other end of the ocean on Valor, a mercenary unit of pegasus knights who where investigating the island had been ambushed and defeated. Only one of the knights, their commander Fiora, survived, was bound and gagged as a prisoner. The tied up Fiora was carried over a warrior's shoulder. Because of the pitiful resistance her squad offered, Nergal had decided she was unworthy of his attention and had given the black fang an order to ship to prisoner to Bern. There she would either be removed or kept for ''comfort'' depending on Sonia Reed's mood. Fiora felt completely ashamed of her failure, she didn't care what happened to her now as she was lashed to the mast on a ship. ''Don't worry darling, we'll talk to Lady Sonia on your behalf'', a black fang soldier said. ''It would be a shame to let such a beauty go to waste'', he lecherously said. Fiora could just stare into the sky in a melancholy mood. She hoped her sisters were all right. ''So, you are ignoring me aren't you'', the fang soldier said annoyed. ''Let's see how long you hold that up if we stop feeding you!'', he threatened. Fiora merely sighed at this. She didn't really feel like saying much as the defeat of her comrades still weighed heavy on her heart.
At the upper deck, most of the army and crew were tense as the ship entered a thick mist. The whole situation was eerie, but for a few hours, peaceful. Unlike most people who save for the lookouts, who where in the crew quarters, Erk was at the upper deck, as he liked the calming mist but also know it was a good place to hide in so he kept his eyes open for any surprises. As the ship traversed, Wil checked around the ship, too. ''Keep your eyes open Will'', Erk said. ''Enemy ambushes could be hiding anywhere now", he told him. "Of course, Erk", Wil said, bow in hand, also much more serious in demeanour. ''Wil....do you see that?'', Erk asked. He could see lights shining through the mist. "I do. We should probably sound the alarm", Wil said. ''Don't rush it'', Erk said. ''If we act hastily, that ship may detect us, if we do not there is a chance we can avoid a fight altogether'', he noted. As the Black Fang ship passed through the mist, Fiora, still bound and gagged, noticed another one near. ''They don't seem to notice us'', Erk said relieved. The black fang indeed didn't seem to notice them, except one man on the ship wasn't part of the black fang though but a servant of Nergal, a man with pale skin, black hair and golden eyes. ''Take your weapons, as I...feel something'', the morph said.The black fangs began to prepare their assault on the pirate ship.
''You can return to what you where doing men'', Erk said to the pirates Wil had gathered. ''It seems the danger is past'', but as Erk said that, a large rock only barely missed him. The emeny ship was shooting at them with a catapult. "Or not!", Wil shouted as he sounded the alarm. ''Who in the blazes has the nerve to attack the black shark pirates!'', Fargus barked. ''Boys! Show them who rules the sea!'', he barked. ''Men! Protect the ship and it's crew at all cost!'', Eliwood commanded his own troops. And so, a vicious sea battle began to take place.
''Vile curs, feel the power of my magic!'', Erk unleashed lightning against any black fang soldier in his way which considering everyone was at least a bit wet thanks to the mist, worked really well. Wil spied a pegasus rider (due to the similar uniform she wore as Florina did) tied to a pole on the enemy ship. But, he would wait until the gangplanks were put down before he would try and rescue her. The black fang steered their ship closer and started employing their gangplanks to gain entrance to the pirate ship. A second ship appeared and did the same, trapping Eliwood's force between two armies. "Hey, Raven! Can you cover my back as I go rescue that girl?", Wil asked. "Yes'', Raven said. ''If an enemy comes near you, I'll take care of it'', he told Wil. Erk defended the ship from the other fang force. ''Dart if this keeps up we'll be squashed between them! Can you provide some aid?", he asked. Taking a breath in, Wil dashed forward onto the ship, firing at Fiora's guards. "Sure, laddie", Dart said. And then the pirate jumped off the ship, and using water combat techniques taught him by Fargus, he managed to get to the other ship, and started attacking the force behind them.
Raven blocked the gangplanks so no fang soldier could attack Wil up close. ''Those two...are bothersome'', as the morph commander took out a black book from under his robe. ''You are skilled Dart I'll give you that'', Erk said as he shot fire on multiple places of the ship, creating a fire in the process. Wil rolled forth, knife in hand, and started to cut Fiora' bindings. "Hi there!", he said. "Ah, I feel the presence of Elder Magic", Canas said. "I believe there is an Light Magic user among us. I should go fetch him".
''Mmphh!'', the still-gagged Fiora made a muffled sound. She knew there was a battle going on but thought surely no one would spot her in this mist. With the fire spreading over the second ship, Erk focused on the first. ''What's...What is she doing here?'', he thought out loud when he saw the mercenary. Since Pent often hired her, Erk had met her a few times. Sadly, this kind of combat was not ideal for Lucius. His light magic gave him right away even in this thick mist and being at sea didn't help his health at all. The monk fought bravely though and showed no signs of retreating just yet. Wil finished cutting Fiora free and ungagged her and handed her a lance. "Care for a little payback?", he asked her. "Hello, young monk", Canas said to Lucius. "You see that figure in the black robe? I highly believe he is a Elder Magic user. If I cast a shroud of darkness over you to disguise you to get close to him, care to defeat him?", he asked. ''As a sworn knight of Illia, I should be above such a thing'', Fiora said, as these weren't' even the black fangs that had captured her. ''But you since you have saved me, I will repay you'', she said. ''I'm afraid I'm only just a novice in magic'', Lucius said humbly. ''But I will do my best'', he answered.
''Your Quintessence is impure'', as a circle of purple flames surrounded Wil. ''Lord Nergal has no use for you. Fenrir'', the creature said. Wil knew enough about magic to know that a bunch of purple fire coming out of nowhere wasn't a good thing, so he grabbed Fiora and got out of the way. As the darkness surrounded Lucius, he came close to the Morph and began preparing a spell of his own. ''Resistance is useless, human'', the morph said calmly and took out another book. ''Eclipse'', it said as a dark sphere of energy surrounded Wil. Before the spell could detonate however, Lucius intervened. ''You are unnatural, and I can not let you leave this place. Shine!'', as an explosion of light was unleashed on the morph. Wil then shot an arrow at the horrid creature right in the neck, and it gurgled an awful sound and fell off the boat.
The loss of their very creepy leader both demoralized and strangely relieved the remaining Black Fang soldiers. Lady Fiora!'', Erk ran toward the two. ''What on Elibe are you doing here?'', he asked. "Erk? The young student of Pent, correct?", Fiora asked. "She was tied to the mast by those thugs", Wil said. ''Yes, I'm aware of that Wil, but I was meaning to ask how that happened'', Erk said annoyed at Wil stating the obvious. ''And indeed I am Erk, as I'm glad you recognized me'', he said. Fiora then explained the story of her troops seeing strange activity in Valor, the battle that destroyed them, and her capture.''So, Lord Pent is on to the situation, then there is nothing to worry about'', as Erk said this, he was partly right on this. His teacher wouldn't be able to take on Nergal but that was about the only thing he could not do. ''My apologies, this was insensitive! I'm sorry for your squad!'', he quickly added. "It is all right", Fiora said. "It's no use to mope, but rather, better to avenge them. I will join your army", she said. ''Yes, that's a fine idea'', Erk said. ''To pay you for the good work you'll surely deliver, I'll talk to Lord Pent in order to ensure no small amount of payment for you and the fallen'', he assured her. "Thank you very much, Erk", Fiora said.
The remaining black fang where slowly but surely pushed back into the sea. ''It seems that was the last of it'', Erk said. "Indeed", Wil replied. As always after a battle, Erk went to check on Priscilla. ''Lady Priscilla? Are you all right? The battle hasn't worn you out to much right?'', he asked. "No, I am fine, but thank you for always checking up on me", Priscilla said with a smile. ''You really shouldn't tha-...thanks, Lady Priscilla'', Erk said. "No, you've always taken such good care of me, going above and beyond your duties, so I must really thank you", Priscilla said. ''Well, i..it...wasn't a big deal'', Erk was actually blushing. Priscilla gently led Erk by the hand to her cabin on the ship. "This is large enough for two people, would you care to stay with me? I'm not very familiar with ships, I am afraid, so maybe having a cabin-mate will be better", she said.
''Yes, of course I'll stay here with you'', Erk said. ''But I was under the impression you preferred to sleep alone, I'm quite relieved I was wrong'', Erk accidentally admitted. "Well, generally, yes, but I think tonight I can do this, as it is with you, after all", Priscilla said. ''I'm glad you think so'', Erk said. Lately, he found that he was feeling closer to Priscilla then his humble job as escort would permit. "But, I actually wanted to ask you a question, Erk", Priscilla started. "You know, the co-leaders of our archers? Those quirky two called Wil and Rebecca?", she asked. ''Yes, I do and truthfully the more I get to know them, the more faith I lose in the archers they lead'', Erk joked. "Oh, that's mean, Erk", Priscilla said. "But, yes, it does seem you know them. Now, please take note, this is only rumor, but there's these little things that pop up once or twice, that those two like....tying eachother up, and I mean, you like to hang around with them, and....", she trailed off. ''Yes they do seem to do that to each other'', Erk confirmed. ''Is that what you wanted to know?'', he asked. "Sort of. My real question is if you ever....well, you know...", Priscilla trailed off again. ''I truly wish I didn't, but I know what you mean'', Erk said uncomfortably. ''It's true that those two have dragged me into that at least once, against my will I must add!'', Erk said.
"So", Priscilla started as her face began to become as red as her hair. "Um...would you like to...well, do that, together?", she shyly asked. ''Huh? P-Priscilla? Are you feeling all right?'', Erk asked flustered ''Well, if that's what you command'', he said. "I haven't had much experience with it, so I think it's best if you lead", Priscilla offered. She then pointed to a closet filled with the materials needed. Erk took the materials out of the closet, wondering what he was getting himself into. "Oh, and I think this should be a private manner. Agreed?", Priscilla said as she sat on the bed, with her hands behind her back. ''Of course, that speaks for itself'', Erk said as he bound Priscilla's hands. Her dad would probably kill Erk if he found out about this. Thankfully, Erk was skilled enough not to hurt Priscilla's hands, but enough to stay firm. Erk gently continued to bind Priscilla's legs and ankles together ''Is it too tight?'', he asked concerned. "No, it doesn't hurt, thank you", Priscilla told him. ''All right, now please tell me how much further I can go'', Erk asked. ''Or rather how far I can't go'', he said. "Well, nothing too intimate, of course", Priscilla said. "But, you know, maybe a gag, some tickling, things of that nature, that's fine. Just, I'd rather you keep my feet alone, as I'm very ticklish there, and may giggle too loudly", she said.
''As you wish'', as at this point Erk started remembering Serra and bitterly concluded the wrong client was asking for a gag! Erk tied a dark purple cloth over Priscilla's mouth. "Mmmpgh nnmpg", Priscilla sort-of said, testing out the gag, and to tell Erk it didn't hurt and she was fine. ''Now you wanted to be tickled right? And no feet?'', Erk summed up. ''Yeah, I can do that'', as Erk rubbed his fingers along Priscilla's sides. "Nnmmmpgh, JJMPGH", she giggled involuntarily. Erk fastened his pace but remained careful to not provide Priscilla any discomfort. Priscilla continued to laugh and wriggle around, as she was kind of enjoying this. ''Please don't mind me'', Erk said as he went to sit down on the bed too, taking place behind Priscilla to take the tickling easier for him. "Mmmgpgh nnnnnngphk MMMMMMKGH!", Priscilla moaned as she accidentally got closer to Erk. ''W-wow! Careful, my lady'', Erk said and slowed down a bit. "Sommpgh!", she tried to apologize. Only one other had ever done this to her, and this was many years ago, and Raymond was not as good as Erk was, so it was making her a bit more sensitive to the tickling. ''I wonder...your feet are truly off limits right?'', Erk asked. Priscilla nodded her head yes. Erk wanted to go for the feet but since Priscilla made it clear she didn't want it he didn't and just went on tickling her sides. The tickling went on for some time, and Priscilla's jaw began to ache from laughing so hard and so much.
''Are you all right Priscilla? I can stop if you want?'', Erk asked worriedly. Another thing Priscilla liked more about Erk as a captor, was he was a lot more gentle. She just shrugged as if to say do "what you will". ''Wait, let me get this'', as Erk ungagged her. "Ahh....Thank you, Erk", Priscilla said as she breathed in from her mouth again. ''So? What will it be, Lady Priscilla?'', Erk asked. "Well, I think you are a bit worried, so if you wish to unbind me now, that is fine", Priscilla said. Erk did so and once Priscilla was free, he immediately checked if the rope hadn't left any marks. "Again, thank you Erk, as I am sure if I asked others, they would have looked at me like I was crazy or something", Priscilla said. ''If they did that, I would have blasted them from the ship'', Erk assured her. "Well, I wouldn't go that far", Priscilla said as she herself still did feel a bit odd about this. "Umm....by the way, I uh, I don't want to pry, but", she shyly stammered. ''But?'', Erk asked. ''Ah, you want to if something like this happened before?'', he asked. "Well, very, very long ago, with me and my brother Raymond, but I prefer you as a captor", Priscilla said. "No, I wanted to ask...if I could try my hand at this, if you don't mind", she said.
''I'm at your service, Lady Priscilla, you know this'', Erk said. In others words she could do whatever she wanted. "Still, it would be unfair to not listen how you would like to be treated, so please, tell me what you would like to happen to you", Priscilla said. ''I'm fine with anything as long as it doesn't get..you know'', Erk said. "Of course", Priscilla answered. "Er, would you like to be tied to the bed?", she asked. ''Yes, if that's what you wish'', Erk said as he started to lay down. Priscilla took four coils of rope and tied each of Erk's limbs to the corners of the bed, making sure not to hurt him, but also not to be too loose. "And maybe a gag?", she asked. ''If that's what you desire'', Erk said. Priscilla took a red scarf and tied it firmly over Erk's mouth. "Would you liked to be tickled now. Nod your head yes or no, please", she asked.
''Nghhhm'', Erk made a small nod. Priscilla then began to tickle Erk's armpits. "Oh, and please nod your head one, then shake twice to say when you want to be released", she told him. ''Hhhhhmp! Nghm!'', Erk said he understood it. Priscilla's left hand stays on Erk's left armpit while her right starts tickling the ride side of his ribs. ''Mphhhhhh!'', as Erk couldn't help himself but try to force himself from the bed which didn't work thanks to the ropes. "Sorry, I'll try a different way", Priscilla said as she began to tickle his stomach. ''Mmphhhh....'', as this made Erk relax only ever so slightly, it was an improvement though. As Priscilla continued to work over Erk's stomach, she would, if only for a moment, move her hands up and tickle his chest, before going back down. ''Mmphhh! nghhhph!'', as much to Erk's embarrassmentm his muffled voice began to sound very high pitched. Although she knew it was mean, Priscilla couldn't help herself as she began to move to the chest, armpits, and back and worked on Erk there.
''MMPHHHHHH NHHHMMMMMMM!''m Erk started nodding frantically for the signal. Priscilla stopped tickling Erk and pulled down his gag. "I'm sorry, was that too much?", she asked. ''Uh, y-yeah a bit, sorry'', Erk said. "No, it's quite all right", Priscilla said as she began to untie Erk. ''You handled this all a lot better then I expected, Lady Priscilla''. Erk said/ ''No offense'', he added. "I too am surprised on how well I did", Priscilla admitted. She then gave Erk a small kiss on the forehead. "Thank you Erk, but I think we should go to rest now", she said. Erk couldn't respond as his face was as red as Priscilla's hair and he was go gobstrucked, he could only stammer. Priscilla gently giggled and helped him to bed.
With the aid of the Black Shark Corsairs, Eliwood and company managed to reach the shores of the dreaded isle of Valor, where the mad Marquess, Darin, and the sinister Nergal awaited them. While we must cut the details of the adventure short, eventually Eliwood of Pherae's forces would eventually defeat Nergal and his scheme, and while most of Elibe would never know of this war, most of the army would go back to their regular lives. When Hector of Ostia and Lyndis of Caelin married, the Principality of Caelin would eventually be unified with others, most notably Pherae. Wil would leave Lyn's service to go back to Pherae and joined up with the Royal Knights, most notably serving with Rebecca. After a few years, the two would marry, and their son Wolt, would be a pivotal figure twenty years later, assisting Eliwood's son Roy much like his parents did before, although ironically, he was much more mature then either of his parents.
Thanks to his connections as the main pupil of Duke Pent of Reglay, the Mage General of Etruria, Erk was able to marry Priscilla several years later. Unfortunately, while their daughter Beatrice would not serve with Roy's forces in the war, as she was a mage knight in the direct service of Etruria, but her story was a notable one in her own right in the direct fight with Bern's main army during the war. Of course, others would find happiness. As like Sain and Kent following Wil to Pherae, where Kent would marry the pegasus rider Fiora while Sain found a beautiful local maiden, Dart eventually reconciling with his family, but preferring a life at sea, or Raven and Lucius traveling the continent righting wrongs as they went, and others had such other tales.
The end.