Disclaimer: Fire Emblem - The Sacred Stones is a belonging to his respective corporation and creator: Nintendo and Intelligent Systems. The following characters belong to the author.
Adrion: A recruit from Renais in training to become just like Seth.
Adam: A journeyman from Frelia in training to become Frelia's first hero.
Nicole: A young maiden from Rausten. The uptight best friend of L'Arachel.
Mace: That's me, as a stuck-up Judge sitting in the High Seat of the Prime Judges of Renais at the Renais Assembly.
Ephraim
and Eirika – The Sacred Twin Life
—The Second One; Carcino—
Year 801
In our last story, Eirika was supposed to be married according to the Laws of Renais presented by the stuck-up High Judge Mace. Eirika was turning twenty and according to the law, she was to be wed before her 20th birthday in order to keep her title as heir of the Renais throne valid. Eirika felt at first that she wasn't ready, until she met Sigurd, who was traveling to Magvel on vacation with his tactician Oifaye. The two fell in love, but Ephraim still felt that the wedding is still a bad idea. Ephraim went to speak to Eirika about whether she's truly happy or not. Eirika does tell him that she's happy and immediately suspects that Ephraim is trying to sabotage the wedding. The twins argued. After that same moment, Innes went to Eirika and share to her his feelings to her. Eirika felt frustrated because she also developed a crush for Innes.
The ceremony took place at Rausten Court, but Eirika's cold feet syndrome went up the roof. She didn't want to get married. With her meeting with Innes and Ephraim, she didn't know what to do, but she really wanted to get married. With encouragement from her friends and family, she decided to go on with the wedding. However during the vow exchange, she dropped a bombshell on Sigurd. She explained to him, instead that she would rather have a wedding with the love of her life and she would rather walk down the altar for that one time only. She felt that Sigurd was not the love of her life. Sigurd understood every bit of her words and thus, she left the court and never returned to Renais.
A year has passed since Eirika departed from Renais. Her twin brother Ephraim stared at her empty suite and sighed. Fado approached him and placed his hand on his shoulder, "Are you all right?"
"All right?" Ephraim said, "How can I be all right without my twin sister? We had so many memories in the past twenty years."
Ephraim reminisced the time he was with Eirika as toddlers. Eirika was playing with her teddy. Ephraim came to snatch it away from her. Eirika began to cry. Ephraim blinked, handed the toy back and Eirika smiled again. Eirika looked back at Ephraim then gave him her toy. Ephraim pointed to himself. Eirika nodded. Ephraim looked happy and instead of taking the toy, he hugged his sister. Another memory flashed to Ephraim when Ephraim was training Eirika in the sword. Eirika kept failing at landing a good thrust, but Ephraim encouraged her. The next thrust turned successful. Eirika laughed. Ephraim laughed with her as well. Another memory flashed to Ephraim when the twins were training for the Sacred Stone Ball during Christmastime. Ephraim looked paranoid as he saw the ice rink. He attempted to leave but Eirika encouraged him to enter the rink with a nudge. She held his shoulders and they both entered the rink. She let go of Ephraim and Ephraim began to lose his balance until he fell flat on his face. Eirika sighed. But after getting used to the ice rink, Ephraim got the hang of skating. Eirika was happy and went to hug Ephraim. Another memory flashed to Ephraim when they were playing the Nintendo Wii. Eirika lost a Wii Sports tennis match and Ephraim began dancing victory. Another memory flashed to Ephraim when the twins were in front of an audience at Port Kiris, including their friends, Fado, Seth and others. It was at the time the twins switched places. Both twins smiled at each other sheepishly. Eirika first said I'm sorry. Ephraim was moved to tears, said he's sorry too, and went to hug Eirika. Eirika hugged back. People around them were awed and felt moved to tears as well. The final memory flashed to Ephraim when Ephraim was consoling Eirika after he heard of the wedding setup. He hugged his sister who cried softly on his shoulder.
Ephraim sighed and angrily he left the suite, passing Fado, "That does it, Father. I can't spend another day like this."
"Wait a minute, where are you going?" Fado called.
"I'm going to find Eirika." He said.
"What?" Fado exclaimed, "You don't even know where she is! And I can't afford losing you, my children. I'm still paining about what happened to your mother!"
"This is different, Father." Ephraim said, "And yes, I don't know where she is, but it's been a year since we traveled around Magvel. I think I pretty much know the entire continent."
"You think? Pretty much?" Fado narrowed his eyes.
"You'll see Father." Ephraim pumped his fist, "I'll bring back Eirika and we'll be a family again no matter what that judge says."
-Dining Chamber-
Ephraim, Tana, Innes, and Lyon gathered around a table with a Magvel Map on it.
"So let's see. Eirika left Renais to live in one of those countries. Which one do you think she went to?" Lyon said.
Ephraim faced Tana, "What did she said in the letter?"
Tana read, "According to the letter: in a country no one would find her."
"That's obvious." Innes said.
"You know, if you haven't told Eirika that you loved her in the first place, this wouldn't have happened." Tana accused Innes.
"Oh, so her fleeing the church on her wedding day was my fault!" Innes shouted.
"Either that or you have a strange way with words." Lyon said.
"Can we not point fingers right now and concentrate on finding Eirika?" Ephraim interrupted.
"Right." Tana said, "So where do you think she went to? That place she claimed no one would find her?"
"I doubt she went to Frelia or Jehanna." Lyon said.
"Or Grado and Rausten." Tana said.
"Or Carcino." Ephraim said.
There was a slight pause. Ephraim suddenly jerked his head up, "hey, wait a minute!"
Tana gasped, "She went to Renais!"
Ephraim glared weirdly at Tana, "Tana, this is Renais. And yeah, Carcino! I believe she's in Carcino!"
"You think she went there?" Lyon gasped.
"We've never been to Carcino before." Ephraim pointed, "It's a hundred percent possibility she's in Carcino."
"Are there kings or emperors in Carcino?" Tana asked.
"I believe there's no monarchy whatsoever in Carcino." Lyon said, "It's a simple free country."
"Really? How did you know that?" Innes asked Lyon.
"It's in the Magvel World Book Volume I – ABC." Lyon placed the book on the table.
"ABC huh? Well, have you ever thought that this book has pages of lies?" Innes mocked.
"And have you thought that your declaration of love toward Eirika was all an act to sabotage her wedding?" Lyon countered. Innes's smile turned into a frown.
-Throne Room-
Fado sat on the throne, looking distant, until Seth and Adrion entered the room.
"Is what I've heard true?" Seth asked the king.
"Is what true?" Fado asked.
"That Prince Ephraim is leaving Castle Renais to travel to Carcino with Tana, Innes, and Lyon, with hope to find Princess Eirika and convinced her to come back home even though she blew off her own wedding and laid down her title as heir to the kingdom's throne?" Adrion said.
"Okay, so how did you know all of that?" Fado asked Adrion.
"Rumors around the castle."
Fado chuckled, "Well, Adrion. Some rumors are practically untrue."
"Like what?"
"Like Eirika laying down her title as Princess on purpose. Anyway, we'll just have to pray that the twins come back safe." Fado said.
"I just thought of something fantastic, King Fado." Adam entered the room along with Nicole. Fado looked shocked, "What are you two doing here? Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?"
"Uh, we're like here for support." Nicole crossed her arms, "And if we were eavesdropping, we wouldn't be here talking to you now."
"Yeah, and your voice was already too loud for us to control our ears." Adam wiggled his ears.
"Just tell us your idea." Fado said dully.
"Yes." Adam approached Adrion and Nicole and wrapped his arms around their shoulders, "We were thinking, us three, that we throw Princess Eirika a welcome back house party."
Adrion and Nicole nodded in agreement.
"A house party?" Fado exclaimed, "The one with fine wines and women?"
"Now you're speaking my language." Adam smiled.
"I will not allow this." Fado replied, "If this house party is one of your plans to take advantage of my daughter's leaving the country, then heck no to the core!"
"Okay, how about this my king." Nicole stepped up, "What if it's not a house party? What if it's a tea party?"
Fado shuddered. He turned around and made a gagging and choking sound. Nicole looked offended, "What? My idea's too girly?"
"Let's put it this way…" Fado said, "It's for people who like dolls."
"Hey, I like dolls!" Seth shouted. Everyone in the room stared strangely at him. Seth looked embarrassed. He cleared his throat and quickly changed subjects, "Okay, so how about a small 'welcome back' gathering?"
"Now, there's an idea. Hop to it." Fado descended from the throne and took leave, "I'm going for a walk."
Seth smiled, but Adrion, Adam, and Nicole frowned.
"A small 'welcome back' gathering? It's no wonder you like dolls." Adam said.
"Hey!" Seth snapped, "I happen to have a very good reason why I like dolls. They're cute! They're cuddly! They—" he abruptly paused, "Too much information huh?"
The three nodded.
-Carcino-
Here lies a country ruled by no rulers, no monarchs, but a council of elder merchants. Carcino is the cornerstone of the continent's blooming markets, and it is there Ephraim is hoping to find his twin sister. The gang entered a small village that looked serene and peaceful. They saw people, passing by, minding their own business and going about their daily routines.
"Carcino looks gorgeous." Tana wondered at the sight, "It looks like a sea port or a seaside."
"I know." Ephraim said, "But how are we ever going to find Eirika among these people?"
Lyon approached Innes, "Do you see a monarch now, smart boy?"
Innes frowned, "No. I do not see a monarch, and neither do you, smart boy."
"Apple! Apple Pastries on Sales!" A merchant was calling nearby. The gang turned around and saw the merchant on a stand filled with delicious tempting apple pastries. Ephraim licked his lips, "I'm hungry, aren't you guys?"
"Well, it won't hurt a bit to stop for a snack before we head out." Tana agreed and so do Innes and Lyon. As they were about to approach the merchant and buy some desserts, a shadowy figure zoomed past them. Tana squealed, "My diamond ring!"
Ephraim turned to see his bracelet was gone too, "Hey!"
"Thief!" Innes yelled.
The crowd started panicking at the sight of the figure jumping around and stealing everyone's valuable. Cries of help came from the crowd
"Somebody, stop him!"
"He's got my purse!"
"He's got my money!"
"What should we do?" Lyon said, "Should we chase him?"
"But he's too fast to catch him up!" Tana said.
As the shadow was about to depart, two figures blocked his road. The first figure was a well-built man with a scar across his nose and hair the color of lime attached by an indigo bandage. The next figure was a woman. Half of her face was shrouded in dark scarves and heavy garments. The only thing exposed was her eyes and her aquamarine hair tied in a bun.
With her arms around the thief's neck, the woman had the thief in a headlock, "Hold it right there, hooligan." She spoke, "Either you give these items back to the people, or you'll be well tortured in our home."
"Help…" the thief dropped all the items. The woman released the thief and he fled. Everyone roared with joy.
"Wow, these guys are good, especially that woman." Lyon said, "Is she a ninja or something?"
"Hey, wait a minute." Innes pointed at the man, "That man's Gerik."
"Of Gerik's Mercenaries?" Ephraim asked.
"Yeah! I hired them—"
"For your birthday, yeah we know. Haven't we heard that story thousand of times already?" Tana said dully.
The woman's eyes fixed on Ephraim. The seriousness in them turned into fright. Ephraim blinked. The woman whispered few words to Gerik. Gerik noticed Ephraim before facing the woman and nodded. The duo turned around and vanished in the air. Ephraim blinked again, "Well, that was odd."
"Ephraim, are you all right?" Tana approached the prince, "You look like you saw a ghost."
"Even better. I saw Eirika." Ephraim declared, "And I know where I can find her!"
--- --- ---
"You saw Eirika?" Tana exclaimed as she frantically looked around, "Where?"
"She's gone. But look on the bright side, I found her." Ephraim exclaimed with extent joy.
"Maybe your imagination found her." Innes said, "we haven't seen Eirika since we got here."
"That's because you have no keen eye. I'm telling you, I saw her and now I got her right on the tail." Ephraim said.
"Don't you mean trail?" Innes corrected.
"Or hair? You know girls like it when other people mention our hair!" Tana said.
"Oh forget about what other people say! Let's just find Eirika!" Ephraim stormed off. The three monarchs simply shrugged and followed.
-Renais Castle Courtyard-
Seth, Adrion, Adam, Nicole and few other soldiers and knights on duty including Orson were helping setting up the courtyard for the quiet surprise party (or gathering) for Eirika's hopeful return to Renais. Monica, Orson's wife was in charge of the arrangements alongside Seth who was helping out with some pointers.
Orson approached Seth, "Hey Seth, is it true?"
Seth looked up, "Is what true?"
"That you like dolls?"
Monica suddenly burst out laughing. Orson chortled. But Seth didn't find it amusing, but rather offensive by the cold look on his face. Orson and Monica immediately stopped their mockery.
"Aw, come on, Seth. Have a sense of humor." Orson offered Seth a hug, but the paladin chose to walk away to resume his preparation. Just at the same time, Mace, the High Judge Manakete, the one who happen to be the root of all Eirika's leaving from Renais, came into the courtyard. Everyone turned to face him for a good second then went back to business. Mace looked appalled by the behavior, "What is going on up in here, may I ask?" he demanded.
"Nothing that concerns you, High Judge." Monica replied.
"Just a small recruit meeting, that's all." Orson added.
"Recruit? Well, put me in a seagull here, 'cause I smell a rat." Mace replied.
"What in heck is 'put me in a seagull?' Seriously, is that English?" Seth asked.
"Who cares what language I speak." Mace snapped, "What I know is that you're hiding something."
At that same moment, Adrion and Adam came in pair, carrying from both sides a large banner. They opened the banner and it said in party colors "Welcome Back, Princess Eirika of Renais"
"Hey, guys! Where do you think we should put this? Up the corner or right by the trees' midst." Adrion said.
Mace turned to face the others and smiled, "Oh, oh! A welcome back surprise party for Eirika!"
"Surprise 'gathering'" Seth corrected.
"Whatever." Mace smiled, "It doesn't matter now, because Eirika will not set foot here in Castle Renais again."
Adrion and Adam slipped behind Mace, carrying a hot, melted, rotten parmesan cheese on a rolling table, "Hey High Judge." Adam called him. Mace turned its head and…
BAM!
His face was creamed in smelly hot cheese, "Ew!" he screamed.
"Now!" Adrion yelled. Mace suddenly felt his feet off the ground and his body bounded by a net. The Manakete screamed at the top of his lungs.
"What are you doing!" Mace yelled.
"We're making you a piñata. If you didn't know." Seth said.
"Now, let's give him a makeover!" Monica cheered and everyone in the courtyard joined in the cheering as well as they all dragged Mace away in his net.
"Wait! What are you doing? I can change! Seriously stop!" Mace yelled.
-Carcino-
A group of mercenaries were chilling just outside a small stronghold surrounded by small huts at the top of a mountain. There was a woman with long gorgeous red hair and dressed up in exotic clothing, a red-haired kid about ten years of age, wearing a blue cape over his red mage garb and carrying a book, and Marisa; all gathered around a table right in front of the old citadel.
"I'm hungry." Marisa complained, "Hey, Tethys! What do you have for food that will fill that void on my stomach?"
The red-haired woman, Tethys, came in with two plates of strong foul-smelling stew with some hairy animal legs dipped in it. She placed the plates on the wooden table, "Here you go. My masterpiece cuisine of hot rat stew, pepper-flavored."
The red-haired boy's cheeks puffed nauseously. Marisa stared at the soup as if she saw that the rat was still alive and kicking. "No thanks. I'm full." She said.
"Seriously, sis. When are you ever going to start cooking real food around here?" the boy whined.
"This is real food, Ewan." Tethys protested, "It's good for your immune system."
"Well, tell that to my stamina, cause it's draining every second its sees this abomination." Marisa muttered.
At that moment, Gerik came inside. Ewan ran to him and hugged him, "Uncle Gerik!"
"Hey little tyke." Gerik smiled, "What's for lunch?"
"You don't wanna know." Marisa sarcastically said.
Gerik sighed in frustration, "Tethys…"
Tethys shrugged, "What? Can't we eat like decent people here?"
"We've eaten that thing for four days in a row. Can you fix up some other stews please?" Gerik said.
"I know! Why not let Erina fix up something?" Ewan said.
Gerik turned around and called, "Erina. Could you please fix us something to eat?"
Gerik received no response. He called again, "Erina?"
"I don't want to." A voice muttered.
"Come on girl, what's the matter?" Gerik asked.
Erina came into view. She was the ninja girl seen earlier in town. She had a depressing look on her face. She went to seat in front of the girls and Ewan. "I don't know…it's just that…" she sighed.
"You can remove that mask now, lady. You're with us." Marisa told Erina. Erina sighed once again and removed the scarf from her face. She also removed the black garments as well, revealing a stunning color of red and ivory blouse and ruffled skirt, including a small golden breastplate that could fit her bodice and a transparent cape matching the skirt attached to the breastplate, and gloves and boots to match the blouse. She removed the hairpin from her bun-style hair, setting free a wave of menthol lusciousness. The mysterious woman was no Erina. It was Eirika. The mercenaries gazed at her from top to bottom, especially Gerik and Ewan who looked like they got hypnotized.
Eirika flipped her hair back and sighed, "Ooh, I am beat. This whole job as a mercenary is a pain in the caboose, really."
"I never felt that." Ewan muttered.
Tethys rolled her eyes and Marisa stared coldly at Ewan, "That's because you never felt this." Marisa threw a punch on Ewan's shoulder, snapping him to reality. Ewan yelled, "HEY!"
"Anyway, what's on your mind?" Gerik asked Eirika. Eirika took a deep breath and spoke, "Well…let's say that. Okay, so here's the story: I know this girl, from this kingdom who just made the biggest decision of her life and she's afraid that people might hate her for this."
The mercenaries leaned in, "And what was that exactly?" Gerik asked.
"And don't worry. We won't judge her that quick." Marisa reassured.
"Okay." Eirika said, "She walked away from her own wedding and fled her country."
"IS SHE MAD!" Marisa snapped. Eirika looked offended. Marisa kept going, "HOW CAN A PSYCHOPATH LIKE HER BE WALKING FROM HER OWN WEDDING! THAT'S TOTAL BULLMANURE! THAT'S TOTAL SIDE SHOW FREAK! THAT'S—"
"That psychopath was me, Marisa." Eirika interrupted.
Marisa's anger switched in a snap, "Bless your heart, lady." She complimented Eirika.
"Gee thanks, but you don't understand." Eirika said, "The bride…I mean, I was forced to get married before a certain period of time for the sake of my eligibility to become heir to the throne of my country."
"That's like…an arranged marriage." Ewan said.
Eirika nodded.
"Is that why you left your country?" Gerik asked. Eirika nodded again. Tethys leaned toward Eirika and spoke, "Eirika. That was a brave thing you did, walking off your own wedding like that. You weren't ready yet. But that doesn't mean you have to leave the country altogether. You still can fight for your rights."
"Tethys is right." Gerik replied, "I mean, I never been in the position you've been in, and I sure hope I will never, but I think you should go back home and give yourself another chance. For your sake and your family's."
"Darn straight." The voice of Ephraim rang from behind the mercenaries. The mercenaries and Eirika rose up to see Ephraim, Tana, Innes, and Lyon right up front.
"Ephraim?" Eirika exclaimed at the sight of her brother. Ephraim approached her, "Eirika. Pack your stuffs. We're taking you home."
"Err…actually," Gerik budged in, "her name is Erina."
"Err…actually," Ephraim replied, "I think I know the name of my own twin sister."
"You guys are twins?" Ewan exclaimed, "You don't look like it!"
Ephraim took a glare at Ewan, but said no words. He turned to face Eirika, "Eirika, what are you doing hanging out with them? They're mercenaries."
"Ephraim. Those guys maybe what you think they are, but they're my family and I will stay with them for as long as I would like." Eirika replied.
"But, we are your family." Ephraim exclaimed, "your family are waiting for you in Renais. Father, Seth, Adrion, Orson, Monica, me!"
"What about Mace?" she asked.
"Oh, forget this scrawny too-headed runt. Come on Eirika, please. We miss you."
"I dunno…let me think about it."
Tethys came in with a large bowl of rat stew and another large bowl of putrid oatmeal that looked like it had been left out for weeks, "Sorry guys. We're getting short on food, so for the time being, we'll have rat stew and slop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
Eirika turned back to Ephraim, "I'm done thinking. Let's go home."
-Castle Renais-
Ephraim, Tana, Innes, Lyon, and Eirika were finally home. They stood in front of the empty hallway leading to many directions, mostly the throne room and the courtyard. Eirika looked nervous, "I dunno about this, guys. I left the castle abruptly. You think Father and the others will welcome me with open arms, really?"
"Open or closed, they will be happy to see you safe, sound, and vigor." Innes said.
"Wow, Innes, you do have a way with words." Lyon mocked.
"Why thank you, imperial prince." Innes smiled hauntingly. He turned to face Tana who was giving him an eye stare and a head movement towards Eirika. Innes frowned. Tana frowned as well. Innes sighed, admitting defeat before facing Eirika, "Eirika."
Eirika faced the Frelian prince and smiled. "What's up?"
Innes gulped, "Just wanted to tell you. About the whole… I love you thing… let's…"
"…not talk about it. I know." Eirika responded. Innes smiled, "So, friends?"
Eirika snorted, "Friends? We're more than friends. We're family. You, Tana, Lyon, my dear brother Ephraim and I." she wrapped her arms around Tana, Innes, Lyon and Ephraim's shoulders and all formed into a group hug.
"Now that's a new memory I would never forget." Ephraim smiled.
"We are family." Tana smiled.
"And we're there for each other." Lyon smiled.
A slight calming silence ensued between the five friends until King Fado entered the hallway. His face beamed at the sight of Eirika, "Eirika…" he said emotionally.
Eirika slowly stepped forward, "Father…"
Fado ran downstairs and towards Eirika for a firm hug. "Oh, I miss you so much, my precious daughter."
"I miss you too, father…but wait you're not mad?"
Fado looked on Eirika's face. He was still smiling, "why would I be? I was afraid you would get hurt."
"I didn't get hurt, Father." Eirika replied, "I settled with a group of mercenaries, Gerik and company. They gave me food, shelter, and love while I was away…well, maybe two out of three of these things since their food were plain disgusting."
"Well, it doesn't matter." Fado said, "What matter is that you're home again, and we have so much to talk about."
The gang went toward the courtyard. Eirika sighed, "Like what, Father? Don't make me listen to your toe jam story again."
"It was tragic." Fado exclaimed, "And no, that isn't the subject."
The gang entered the courtyard.
SURPRISE!
Eirika saw a multitude of people, filling the courtyard. There were foods and drinks and everything. At the far end of the courtyard was the banner that welcomed Eirika back. Eirika's jaws dropped.
"Oh my gosh! You guys did all of this?" Eirika exclaimed, "How did you know I was coming?"
"Gut instinct." Seth replied.
"Welcome back, Princess Eirika." Nicole said, "And to make things even better, we made you something that you're gonna love."
Eirika gasped, "You bought me a horse?"
"No."
"Jewelries?"
"No."
"A hot star from 'Serenity Harmony'?"
"Okay, stop guessing."
Eirika looked up and saw the wrapped up Mace in the melted cheese-dipped trap net descending from above. Eirika gasped.
"A PINATA?" She yowled, "WITH A JUDGE DIPPED IN CHEESE IN THERE?"
"Not just any cheese. A rotten one." Orson said.
"That was my idea." Adam proclaimed. Adrion cleared his throat. Adam changed mouth, "Did I say my idea? I meant our ideas."
"THIS IS BETTER THAN SOAP OPERAS!" Eirika squealed.
"What in Magvel are you doing!" Mace screamed at the top of his lungs as everyone began to cheer in joy. He saw Eirika and frowned, "Well, if it isn't Eirika."
Eirika crossed her arms, "If it isn't the High Judge. Do you feel high enough now? Judge?"
"This isn't your home you know?" Mace shouted, "We made a pact! Either you get married before your 20th or you don't set foot in Renais. But look at that. You're 20 and you're still single."
Eirika came close to Mace's face and pointed, "You don't tell me how I should run my own life, High Judge."
Cheer followed her statement. Mace rolled his eyes. Eirika went on, "Me walking out on that wedding was the best thing that's ever happened to me. And I have never regretted it, even if I had some downfall in the aftermath."
More cheering followed. Eirika wasn't finished, "I'm going to make this suggestion clear to you now, Mace… That's right, I called you Mace. Either you banish this Law of injustice or by my forefather; I will strip you from your title as Judge of this kingdom."
"Oh really?" Mace made a mocking face, "And how are you going to do that? You don't even have the guts, like you don't have any guts to shave your legs."
Gasps shot from the crowd. Eirika's face turned grim and offended.
"Oh no he didn't." Ephraim shook his head.
"Yes he did." Seth said.
"I think she'll lose it." Orson said.
"You think she will?" Monica said.
"She better." Fado said.
The princess snapped her fingers and an armor knight came into the scene, carrying a Hammer on a velvet pillow: Fado's Hammer. Eirika picked up the hammer and held it firmly, ready to swing like she would make a homerun. Mace shook his head horrifically. "Oh no. Ohhh, no."
Eirika measured her swinging distance. Mace kept shaking his head in disbelief, "I don't think you will do that. I mean come on. Seriously. That was a joke! You do shave your leg! And you're good at it."
"Shut up. Shut up. Shut up." Ephraim mumbled.
Mace's eyes went wide as Eirika swung her Hammer and…PONG!
The judge was knocked off the courtyard and into the dark sky. His agonizing scream was heard at a distance. The crowd went wild, went to pick Eirika up, and paraded her around like she was some sport champion.
Long Live Princess Eirika!
Huzzah, Princess! Huzzah!
Long Live Princess Eirika!
Huzzah, Princess! Huzzah!
Eirika smiled haughtily at the loud cheering. The celebration went on all night.
-Renais Parliament-
Sitting at the High Seat—where Mace used to seat—was Fado. A week had passed since Mace got out of the picture and the Parliament had decided to look for a new Prime Judge. Fado favorably volunteered to take Mace's place so that he could settle things right around the country. Gathered around the court were the seven Prime Judges, including four more: Tana, promoted as the Prime Judge of Love; Innes, promoted as the Prime Judge of Respect; Lyon, promoted as the Prime Judge of Honor and the Prime Judge of Equality was given to Ephraim. This establishment was all Eirika's idea. A public decree was taking place at the Parliament and Eirika sat behind the counter next to her father. Fado spoke.
"Gentlemen. By order of Her Royal Highness, Princess Eirika of Renais, I declare that the banishment of the law requiring that all female of the Renais bloodline must be married before their 20th birthdays and coronations has been approved."
Cheer and applause roared in the room. Eirika descended from her stand and saw a young maiden about nineteen years old approaching her.
"Princess Eirika of Renais." She spoke.
"Yes?"
"You're my hero. I mean, my heroine. I mean my—"
"I know. I'm the best."
The maiden laughed nervously, "I gotta tell you. You just saved my life."
Eirika blinked, "I did?"
"Yes." She replied, "I may not be a princess but I am of Renais birth. I was to marry this guy before next week, my birthday, and I was having second thoughts…thank you."
"Oh, sure." Eirika smiled.
"You know. You're going to make a fine queen someday. You and Prince Ephraim. I guarantee it."
The
maiden left after saying these words. Eirika let out a sigh, "She's
right." She thought, "I'm going to be queen. Someday."
END
OF CHAPTER
