Disclamer: I don't own Fire Emblem or any of it's characters.

Summary: The Kingdom of Bern attacked the Lycian League when Eliwood was 10 year old. During the war both of Eliwood's parents are killed and the armies of Pherae were all but decimated with less than 500 remaining knights left. Eliwood has to rebuild Pherae which was left in ruins by the war with little to no aid from the rest of the Lycian League after the war. He will later go on to conquer all of Lycia and create the Kingdom/Empire of Pherae.

Couples: Eliwood/Lyndis (Main pairing), the rest will be decided later on.

Prolouge: Tragedy

Once, dragon fought man in a war called the Scouring... Mankind vanquished

the dragons thanks to the efforts of eight heroes. These eight mighty generals

brought peace to Elibe. The continent was divided into nations, and the people

enjoyed an easy prosperity.

The hero Hartmut settled in the east and founded Bern, famed for its military

might.

St. Elimine moved west, and her sacred name flourished among the artisans of

Etruria.

The horseman Hanon's legacy lived on with the nomads of his beloved plains

of Sacae.

The birthplace of the knight Barigan is now home to the renowned Knights of

Ilia.

The berserker Durban's final glory was to create a warrior's clan in the

Western Isles.

The archsage Athos is said to have retired to the barren wasteland of Nabata.

The heirs of the champion Roland themselves became the lords of the Lycian

League.

Deep within the Lycian League lies Pherae, after Ostia it is the second largest country in the Lycian League along side Araphen. It was a land surrounded by mountains which made it a natural fortress where the mightiest horses ran wild. These horse were what made the Pheraen cavalry so fearsome when coupled with the skills of their riders. It was also home to some of the mightiest warriors in all of Lycia as the lords of Pherae from past to present were mighty general who were said to be descendants from the eldest son of the Champion Roland of the "legendary eight generals" himself. The Lords of Pherae were loved by their people due to their benevolence and wisdom in which they led.

It was now 980 years since the Scouring and though the were small skirmishes between countries Elibe enjoyed a quite peace. All this would change when the Kingdom of Bern attacked the Lycian League. The Marquesses of the Lycian League gathered at Araphen to meet the large on coming invasion.

However, Bern deployed a second force consisting of two elite armies led by two of their Dragon Generals to attack Pherae through the treacherous mountain pass which no one expected them to use . Despite being caught of guard the Pheraen army that was left behind to guard Pherae while their Marquess, Lord Elbert, was at Araphen fought bravely against the in coming invaders. However, with many of their most skilled warriors having left with their liege they were basically slaughtered. Bern attacked even the defenseless villager who the knights tried but failed to protect.

Hearing this Lord Elbert and his forces rushed from Araphen back to Pherae. By the time they returned though the forces of Bern were already laying siege on Castle Pherae which was being guarded by the leader of the Knights of Pherae, General Marcus, who despite his young age of 26 at the time held steadfast and stroked fear into Bern force as the fearlessly led what was left of the troops stationed in Pherae to meet the enemy even fighting General Calaras, the second strongest of the Bern Dragon General to a draw and even wounding him causing him to retreat temporarily. However the difference in numbers eventually took its toll and the Knights of Pheare were now all holed up in the castle ready to die defending the wife and son of their liege, Lady Elearona and the 10 year old Lord Eliwood, as well as all the citizen from the surrounding town and villages the managed to get into the safety of the castle before the siege began. This was what Lord Elbert one of Lycia strongest warriors arrived to see…………..

"My god," siad a soldier next to Elbert as they stopped to see the carnage before them. The Bern forces retreating back temporarily having been repelled once again but from the looks of the force that was being gathered in the distance for the next attack which would probably start in a few hours there was no doubt that those defending the castle would have fallen had they not arrived to take part in the next battle.

Elbert looked surveyed the devastation before him with a calm but serious gaze. He could tell that even though he had arrived back just in the time to relieve the forces guarding the castle the next battle would be a bloody one and that many would die. He thanked the gods that he had given in when Marcus had insisted on remaining in Pherae to defend the castle should anything unexpected happen. He knew if not for his loyal General who he thought of as a brother the castle would have fallen long ago and his wife and son would have been killed.

Not wasting any time he and his knights rode swiftly toward the castle.

"It's a good thing we made it back just in time my lord. The castle would definitely fallen in the next attack had we not return." said a Harken, a 20 year old who was just recently knighted, as the rode next to his liege. Harkens was a very skilled swordsman. He would definitely go on to rival that of Marcus maybe even Elbert. That is if he survived this current predicament they were in.

"Indeed, however the fear the next battle will be a bloody one. We must hold steadfast if we hope to survive let alone live through it." Elbert replied before raising his voice and yelling in a commanding voice. "I expect you all to give this battle your all. The survival of Pherae depend on us. We will not lose!!!"

"Yes, my lord!!!" yelled the knights back they're eyes narrowing they're minds focused.

As they approached the castle one of the sentries opened the gates. And they all rode in swiftly not wanting to give the enemy a chance to attack.

Marcus who was tending to the wounded soldiers as there were to many for the healer to tend to got up and immediately made his was toward his liege who dismounted his horse and was also heading toward him. Marcus bowed a little as he approached Elbert knowing there was little time for formalities at the moment.

"My lord. It is good to see that you are well. Lady Elearona and Lord Eliwood are in the throne room. We have gathered all the citizens from the surrounding villages and towns. I was escorting Lord Eliwood in one of the villages when the enemy attacked." Said Marcus as he and Elbert made their way to the Throne Room. Elbert stiffen when he heard the last part. Sensing his question Marcus continued.

"I managed to repel the attack and escort the surviving villager back to the castle. Lord Eliwood is unharmed but the sight of so many deaths shocked him as it was his first time witnessing so many deaths but he fine now both mentally and physically.

Elbert pushed open the door to the throne room and was immediately assaulted by a hug from his wife and son before he knew it. Seeing them both fine eases him and he turned back to Marcus.

"Thank you, Marcus for defending the people of Pherae and protecting my family while I was away, was it not for you I don't know what would have happened." Said Elbert as the gave Marcus a brotherly hug.

"You're thank are wasted on me my lord, I merely do my duty. It was you who took convinced your father to take me in when I was fifteen and made me your squire. You have treated me like a brother. It is the least I can do in return for all your kindness." Said Marcus returning the heart before moving back and placing his right hand over his heart and bowing his head.

"What's is the status of the forces left in the castle, supplies and the number of enemy forces. I brought back all the 2500 men who accompanied me to Araphen." Asked Elbert with a serious expression on his face now. Eleanora and Eliwood sat at the side as Elbert and Marcus entered through the door at the side of the throne room.

"Out of the 2000 knights soldier left to guard Pherae. All of the 800 guarding the fortress by the border of Bern were killed. Another 700 were killed while defending the town and villages giving time for the villager to escape to the castle. The rest abandoned their post at the other fortresses to reinforce the castle. Of 500 men left guarding the castle before your return only 100 are fully able including myself. The rest are who ever who can still stand and wield a weapon while the rest are being tended to by the healer but are unlikely to be able to join the battle anytime soon. We have enough supplies to last us a year but I doubt the will last that long. The enemy armies currently number to about 10000 maybe take a thousand or so depending on how much they lost today. They are being led by two of the Bern Dragon Generals, General Calaras, a mighty wyvern rider I managed to wound during battle but his injuries are likely healed by now, and General Gwen, a skill magic user on par with Etruria's current Mage General.

"I see," said Elbert. "Regardless of how you look at it the enemy outnumber us 5 to 1 and are being led by two of Berns most fearsome warriors. Even if we win the next battle the cost will be dear but we cannot surrender. If we do the Alliance army will be pincer from both sides and will fall. We must break them here defeat is not an option. Get the men ready. Warn the civilian in the castle. There a bloody battle in front of us."

"By your command my liege," said Marcus as he left to carry out his order.

Elbert turned to face his wife and son who were both looking at him. Eleanora had fear in her eyes for a moment before returning her expression to neutral. Eliwood had a look of fear which was soon replaced determination. That alone made Elbert extremely proud. It was one of the thing he taught Eliwood while training him in combat and strategy with Marcus and tutoring him in politics. That added to what he studied in Ostia had taught Eliwood to remain calm when faced with extreme danger.

Elbert approached them.

"This next battle will be the deciding factor. It going to be extremely dangerous. I want both of you to remain here in the Throne room unless I or Marcus tell you other wise." seeing them about to argue he cut them off.

"I know your skilled in the light magic arts Eleanora but it's going to be dangerous. I need you here to protect Eliwood. No Eliwood you can't come with me. I know you want to help but you're still to young regardless of your skills. This are battle hardened veterans we're facing. I won't allow you two to get hurt.

Seeing that there was no arguing with him Eleanora approached Elbert and gave him kiss before burying her head in his chest.

"Be careful," she said.

"I will, I promise," said Elbert hugging her close before letting go to hug his son.

"Take care of your mother," he said as he hugged his son. "Know that no matter what I'll always be proud of you my son," he thought he might as well say it as he himself knew how difficult the battle was going to be.

Turning around he headed for the door before turning his head back to smile at his family. Closing the doors he ordered the twenty or so guard outside it standing in the corridor to guard it with their lives. Something they all promised with fire in their eyes.

Elbert headed out to the courtyard seeing all his men on the in front of him and on the walls of the castle standing in stiff attention. Marcus came to stand beside him.

"This battle will decide the fate of not only Pherae but of the entire Lycian League as well. We may be out numbered and will be facing two of Berns strongest generals but we will not loose. This is the home of the fearsome Pheraen cavalry and the mightiest warriors in all of Lycia!!! Fight for our people!!! Fight for Pherae!!!!!!!"Elbert shouted as he drew his word and pointing it toward they sky. his voice sounded throughout the courtyard ringing in the ears of every knight and soldier to yelled back "FOR PHERAE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

With that all everyone (but the castle guard who would hold the castle should the need arise) mounted their horses and headed for the gates. The civilian who watched them cheered them on and silently prayed for their survivals. For so long as the Lord of Pherae was there all believed they would surely prevail.

As they headed out and got in to formation they looked ahead at the in coming Bern armies with the Dragon General in the lead.

"Marcus lead the right flank. Isadora you take the left. Harken you will come with me. Archer to the rear and provide cover for us. Infantry cut down all who try to pass you to reach the castle. The most skilled archers are to man the ballista."Elberts ordered.

Seeing the enemy beginning to move he order the charge. "CHARGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

And as one the Pheraen army attacked. As the to armies clashed with a bang steel met steel hundred died within minutes of the attack.

Marcus thrust his spear into the first enemy in range. Before pulling it out as he swiped left and right killing enemy soldier left right and centre. Before throwing his spear into the air at an incoming wyvern rider while dodging the attack of another as he reached for his hand-axes throwing them at all incoming enemies. Finally running out of axes to throw he drew out his sword which was infused with magic( given to him when he was made General of Pherae's armies) and pulled out his spear from the fallen wyvern whose rider fell to his dead after his mount was killed and started striking at every one within range. He charged onward striking fear into the hearts of his enemies and instilling courage into the men under his command.

On the left flank Isadora was having some difficulties but fought on she was still young but was made captain of the one of the armies due to her skills. Despite being a woman she earned the respect of her peers. She and her troops were evenly matched with the Bern force managing to hold out despite being outnumbered but the situation began to change as more and more of her troops were killed but still they fought on. Suddenly her horse was killed when an enemy thrust his spear an it jumping of to avoid being crushed beneath it she dodged the next attack before running the said enemy through with her lance and before pulling it out and turning around only having to duck as she pushed it forward into an incoming wyvern rider, the force of the impact broke the spear forcing her to draw her sword as she swung it left and right killing every enemy within range. She and her troops were soon surrounded by the enemy. The soldier behind those surrounding them headed towards the castle meeting the infantry head on. Even as she watched she knew she could do nothing but continue to fight on and pray they didn't reach the castle. All that hope was lost when she saw the two Dragon General join their soldier of the left flank that were heading toward the castle. The rear guard fought hard but in the end were unable to stop them.

In the middle of the battlefield was Lord Elbert fighting like a demon as he ripped tore the enemy formation apart charging onwards killing enemies left right and centre pushing them back. Harken watched his liege from the corner of his eyes as he too cut down everyone in his path using his shield to block the strike of an axe wielding enemy before chopping of said enemies head. He could help but be left in awe at his lord skill, clearly the man was not the strongest warrior in all of Lycia for nothing. As they finished with the remainder of the enemies they looked around to see what else was going on. Marcus had almost taken care of all the enemies on his side of the battle. Elbert turned to look at the left flank what he saw made him look in horror. The left flank had been overrun Isadora and what was left of her troops were fighting for their lives as the enemy surrounded them the main body of the enemy had simply bypassed her completely and had broken through the rear guard heading straight for the castle gates which was at the next moment breached by a powerful magic attack from General Gwen as she and Calaras broke in to the castle. Elbert gave the signal for what was left of his forces too head for the Castle as they all rode swiftly.

Marcus saw the signal cutting the enemy in front of him he charged toward the castle coming along side Elbert and Harken. Isadora and the small group of survivor from the left flank managed to break through the enemies encircling them grabbing the horse of one of her fallen comrades she rode toward the castle as well.

The Pheraen army which now numbered less than 500 broke charged through the gate to find the castle guard fighting fiercely against the enemy taking three to four enemies with them in death as the Bern soldier continued into the castle.

"Marcus stop anyone else from entering through the gates!, Harken Isadora head towards the under ground and protect the civilians. The rest of you follow me to throne room!!!!!,"Elbert commanded. As he dismounted his horse and ran in the direction of the throne room hoping he wasn't too late to save his wife and son.

Marcus and his men killed everyone between the and the gate as the headed out and stood as a barrier against the enemies still outside the castle.

"I shall make orphans of you souls!!!!!" Marcus yelled at them as he tore through them like a beast. His men following suit.

Inside the castle Harken and Isadora headed toward the underground of the castle. Killing everything as they went. They met up with the guards outside the huge doors separating the civilians from the battle. As they fought on they finally began to push the enemy back. Once securing the area they headed toward the throne room to join their liege after telling the guard to stand their ground. As they ran through the castle which was littered with the corpses of their comrades and enemy they met fewer and fewer enemies. Clearly Marcus was keeping the enemy out of the castle.

In the throne room a fierce fight was going on. The enemy had broke through the door. Eleanora led the guard as she attacked the enemies with light magic. She had hid Eliwood out of sight. Her heart sank when she saw the two Dragon General enter. She knew there was no chance of her beating either of them but she refused to give up. The royal guards formed a protective ring around her prepared to defend her to death.

"You've fought well Lady Eleanora," said General Gwen, a brown haired woman with sharp blue eyes. "But that is as far ass you go. Surrender now a we might spare your life.

"Yes the soldier outside should have dealt with your husband already," Said Calaras, a man with green hair and grey eyes. "There's no need of you to follow him in death."

"I doubt that my husband is not easily beaten," said Eleanora firmly. "As for surrendering, I would rather die that had Pherae over to the likes of you.

"Suit yourself," replied Calaras as he ordered his men to attack. The royal guards fought hard but in the end were defeated .

Eliwood who was hiding by the side of the room watched in horror as Calaras ran his spear through his mother abdomen and Gwen send a blast of fire at her chest.

"NOOOOO!!!!!!!,"he yelled as he gripped the hand and a half sword that he was holding onto, pointing it at Gwen he ran at her. The two generals and Bern soldiers in the room were caught of guard as they hadn't seen him. Gwen's eyes widened in shock as Eliwood's sword when right through her heart. She stared at him and the hatred in his eyes before looking down at the sword in her chest before slumping down to the ground the light leaving her eyes as she fell never to rise again.

"You brat," shouted Calaras as he kicked Eliwood who came to land on his mother. Who was barely clinging onto live.

Eleanora looked at her son as he looked into her eyes. Using the last of her strength she touched his cheek. "I …….. love ……….youuu……. Eliwood-d-d,"she said before closing her eyes as her life left her.

Eliwood couldn't believe it his mother was gone. She would never hold him or hug him again. He felt tears fall from his eyes. Before turning around when he heard a roar of fury. There in the middle of the doorway stood Elbert with a look of fury in his eyes.

Elbert charged forward killing everyone in his path as he came to stand protectively in front of his son. The Bern soldier began to attack he cut them down before they could even move. He focused the main aim of his attack on Calaras who was having trouble keeping up. Elbert despite the look of it had gotten tired from the eight hours of continuous fighting and it was beginning to take its toll. His movement were sluggish but he could still keep up with Calaras though it was becoming harder and harder to avoid his attacks and that of the enemy soldiers. Had he been fully rested they would all be dead by now. But he fought on he was all that stood between them and his son.

Suddenly a spear pierced through his abdomen. He chopped of the head of the man who thrust it and fought on. It became harder and harder though as the blood lost was getting to him. Seeing his chance as he parried one of Calaras's attacks he thrust his sword into the man heart before bringing it down. However as he did so one of the enemy soldier sent his sword through Elbert's chest puncturing one of his lungs. Calaras dropped on to the ground dead. Elbert grabbed the arm of the man who stabbed him thrust his sword into the man's head killing him instantly. Before dropping to the ground as Marcus(who had finished with the enemies outside), Harken, Isadora and their men entered a look of horror on all their faces as they rushed toward their whose son was already by his side.

"No father, please hold on, hold on please."Eliwood begged as he held on to his father tightly as he cried. Elbert merely looked up at his son holding on tightly to his hand as he squeezed it trying to comfort him.

"I'm sorry Eliwood I can't. I didn't mean to leave alone like this. Please forgive me." he said turning to his retainers. "Marcus take care of Eliwood for me, teach him all he needs to know. You've always been a brother to me in every way that matter. Help him rebuild Pherae. He's to young to shoulder all this on his own yet. Harken, Isadora and the rest of you, my brave knight help my son and lend him your strength. He will need it for what's to come. It was an honor to have been served by ones do selfless."

"No it was our honor to have served you my liege," cried the knights surrounding their liege as they knelt with their hands to their heart bowing their heads. Elbert smiled as he turned to his son.

"You must lead our people in my place now Eliwood, protect them with all your might and rebuild Pherae" he said to his crying son. "remember no matter what your mother and I will always be proud of you."

"I … love …. you my………… son," Elbert managed to breath out before he closed he closed his eyes, his hand falling limply to his side.

"No father please open your eyes………… don't go please," Eliwood cried holding his father's hand shaking him before turning his head as he felt a hand on his shoulder. I was Marcus looking sadly at him.

"It's alright Lord Eliwood, It will all be alright," said Marcus as he held the little boy as he cried.

All around him the knights looked down sadly some of them crying as well. They had won the battle but at a terrible price. The Pheraen army was all but decimated. Their lord was dead leaving all his burdens on the shoulders of his 10 year old son. All knew that difficult times had befallen Pherae and they would all have to stick together to make it through it.