Archive of Our Own ^omega

Castle Renvall loomed in the distance over Eirika’s forces as they gathered by the river. “This is the only way by land to Castle Renvall, but we can’t ignore the woods to the north. Franz has confirmed there is a ballista within it, likely aimed at the bridge to the castle. We need a small party to take care of it while the rest advance.” Seth kept a neutral expression, but his attention was firmly on Eirika.

“I can handle it,” Franz said. “There are only a few enemies by the ballista.”

“Um, if I may,” Neimi began, “I think I might be able to turn the ballista against the enemy if I can get to it.” 

“That would be a great help. But are you sure the two of you are enough on your own?” Eirika asked.

“It would be a mistake to send too many of our number off the main path. Franz has proven himself on our journey here. Don’t get careless however. Clear a path for Neimi, then rejoin us as soon as possible.”

Franz swelled with pride. “Thank you Sir Seth. Princess Eirika, we won’t fail you.”

After that came the rest of the strategizing, and then Franz and Neimi were off into the woods, Franz riding ahead. Trees came and went as Franz kept his gaze fixed forward, his horse navigating a swift path to the ballista. He knew he was close when the ground began to rise, as the ballista had been placed on a hill with a good view of the castle. With a shout he burst from the trees and ascended the hill.

Cutting down the archer in charge of the ballista was easy, Franz shifted his position on horseback to dodge an arrow and ran his lance through the foe. Lighting was called down on him by a mage, leaving a deep sting. Franz could just make out the mage retreating further into the woods.

“Neimi, I have the ballista secured.” At his prompting Neimi appeared from behind the trees, looking nervously at the trees around them.

“This really is like a bigger bow.” Neimi began to load the ballista. Franz was surprised she could carry the large javelins.

“There’s still a mage in these woods, I’m going to go after him and keep him busy.” Franz lowered his voice in case there was eavesdroppers. Then he was back into the trees.

Another magical thunderbolt dropped on him, letting him know he was on the right track. It hurt, but he was used to riding through pain. He remembered all his lessons on tracking enemies and turned his horse to the right. They charged forward as Franz swung his lance, the mage avoided it at the last second. When the mage retaliated Franz’s horse picked up in speed to avoid another bolt. This unfortunately meant Franz lost sight of the mage, who had gone back into cover.

Franz was worse off than he realized. He wondered how he could have missed such a clear strike even in bad terrain, but the answer was obvious, the injuries. Since he had a quiet moment he took out a vulnerary and applied it to the wound, the last one in his pack, a fact he did not like. He kept close watch of the trees around him as it took effect. Then it was time for another round. 

This time he rode back in the direction of the hill to counteract the worse case scenario. It was right at the perimeter of the hill where Franz saw the mage again. Once again the two launched attacks at each other. The mage ducked around a tree away from Franz’s lance, and aimed his thunderbolts at the ballista. Neimi screamed in pain. Franz charged again, but was once again evaded, and got a blast of painful lightning for his trouble. 

He knew Neimi couldn’t take another hit, surviving was already a miracle for her. It was the same for Franz, all the mage needed was one more hit. At the very least, he knew the mage couldn’t use the ballista, Princess Eirika would be safe to advance to the castle even if he fell. But he still wanted to return to her, to see his homeland restored by her and the prince. 

The next thunderbolt came where Franz expected it. He leapt from his saddle around it, lance gripped so tightly he could feel it like a part of his body, and drove the point into the mage. He fell face first onto a tree root, which hurt, but proved he had lived through the desperate attack. His horse walked over to make sure, letting out a triumphant sound when it realized Franz was alive.

Franz and his horse walked slowly up the hill, the speed was not by choice, Franz felt like he could barely stand. Neimi was smiling through tears, seated by the ballista. “I… I did it. The way to the castle is clear.”

“I’m sorry I let that mage attack you.” Franz offered his hand to Neimi, she took it. He tried his best not to look as weary as he felt.

“It’s okay, we won.” She didn’t need to say that she had been scared, Franz could see it. He helped her onto his horse, then mounted it himself. 

“Moulder can get us back in shape. Let’s catch up to Princess Eirika.” With that Franz’s horse took off, finally charting a course out of the woods.