Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Fire Emblem and aim only to satisfy my needs of broadening my Fire Emblem experience by writing this story.
Story starts off parallel with the game, but over time may branches off into the realms of AU. POV changes often and will always be clearly marked. And by the way deaths in this story were dictated by gameplay, so everyone is up for grabs. Enjoy, and review only if it is worth it or you spot something needing to be fixed.
Gilliam's POV
We arrived at the border palace Mulan just in time to witness the end of a battle between Renais' princess and a Grado fighter, Princess Erika wrenching her thin rapier from the fallen man's chest quite clumsily, though I suppose she handled a sword better than I would have guessed.
"Franz, I've stronger armor, I'll go first. Cover my back." I ordered the young cavalier.
A spearman came running up to us, stopping feet away to take up a defensive stance. I charged the man, allowing his spear to deflect off my armor, slightly denting it, and shoved my own spear deep into his thigh. Suddenly from behind Franz bounded by, in a most carefree manner in comparison to the rest on the field, and ran his sword across the throat of the spearman, almost as an afterthought.
I cursed as I ripped my spear from the now dead man's thigh. Stupid Renaian spirit, disregarding my orders. Of course, I should have expected no less, now that Seth was in sight. Franz no doubt thought it more his duty to report to his commander now, rather than obey an elders orders and wait.
I turned from the back of the young cavalier and looked to the palace. Princess Tana was still in there; chastising the young man could wait.
Princess Erika and I were the closest to the castle, apparently she too was aware of the importance of hurrying, and all that stood between us and the castle were two spearman and the knight, Breguet. I took the spearman closest to myself, charging my spear straight through his midsection and rendering him useless. Far to my left Erika charged the other, sidestepping a thrust spear, though not entirely, as it drew a long gash down her side, and sinking her won rapier into the man's chest.
I was the first to reach Breguet, probably due to my frenzy to reach Princess Tana, and I rammed my spear as hard as I could into the weak spot formed by the hinged plates between his leg and torso armor. I knew it must have drawn blood at the least, but before I could appraise the damage I had done his own spear struck me at the joining of armor at my left shoulder, effectively sending shocks of pain down my left side and spinning me around.
I recovered my balance just in time to see Princess Erika charge him, easily dodging around his slowly thrust spear and thrusting the super fine blade of her rapier under the crack of his helmet. Breguet fell to the ground, and suddenly everything seemed silent.
I walked over and retrieved my spear, which I had dropped after suffering Breguet's blow, then turned to Erika, who was resting against the doorway of the palace, looking quite pale. I was instantly filled with anger. To think that a young girl such as her would have to take part in battle, particularly to the extent that she did, it just didn't seem right.
"Are you all right, my lady? You did quite a lot in this battle" I inquired.
"I'm…fine, sir Gilliam. Let us go find Tana," She said, turning and entering the palace. Right behind me hoof beats announced the arrival of the Paladin and his cavalier.
"Well met, sir Gilliam." Seth greeted, giving a salute.
"You as well, sir Seth." I replied, then turned into the palace, quite anxious to see Lady Tana safe.
A/N. Yes, a little on the short side. The other chapters do progressively grow longer, however, though I suppose not quite as long as I would like. Thanks for actually reading if you have.