Fire Emblem: To Each His Own
Eliwood's Tale
EDITOR'S NOTES: I probably won't get every detail correct in this story, it's been a long time since I've palyed FE as it is. Also, this story is between the end of Fire Emblem 8, and the beginning of Fire Emblem 7. Also, this is my first shot at this, so I hope you enjoy it! Beta-ed by BlackFlame.
Prelude: Untwining Fates
"You must strike harder!"
In the courtyard of Castle Pherae, Marcus, the head of the Knights of Pherae commanded a new recruit, as he parried the sword of the trainee into the ground.
"Yes, sir!"
The recruit grunted back, withdrew, and struck again. The blow was again, parried, but this time, it grazed Marcus's arm. There was no actual wound, as the swords were wooden, as this was training. This continued for awhile, mostly with misses and grazes. Marcus moved from recruit to recruit at around 10-minute intervals. After about an hour and a half, though, there was a bit of a change. One of the newer recruits, Antonio, had struck him in the arm, which was unusual for recruits. Marcus congratulated him, and moved on. After about two-and-a-half hours of this, Marcus paired the recruits up, and had them spar each other. About that time, Lowen showed up.
"Marcus, you are being summoned by Lord Eliwood. He says it's urgent." Lowen proclaimed.
"I see. I shall see him immedeatley. Please, make sure everything goes on correctly out here."
"Yes, sir."
A few minutes later, Marcus had discarded his armor and training equipment within his chambers, and went off to the Throne Room. As soon as he arrived, however, he was a bit surprised. He saw Hector, Marqurss of Ostia, standing within, facing away from the door, off to the side, sitting opposite Eliwood, Marquess of Pherae. They had what appeared to be a map of the region, and some red and blue place markers. The blue ones were located at Castle Pherae, Castle Ostia, and in an unknown mountain range. There were also some blue markers off to the side, off the map. The red markers were in what appeared to be in a large village in the middle of the plains.
The Sacae plains.
Marcus stood at the door for a minute, looking on as Eliwood and Marcus traded expressions and thoughts, but a moment later, Eliwood said "Ah, Marcus! Please, join us.". Hesitantly, Marcus walked up, and sat in a chair between Eliwood and Hector.
"Allow me to explain the situation." Hector stated. "We send a batallion to the Sacae plains after hearing rumors about an organized group in Sacae causing trouble. Knowing that they would probably be fine, with Guy, Rath, and Lady Lyndis, the one batallion was sent to make sure they were fine. We never heard from that batallion again. So, we sent a second batallion, and they wait in the mountains now, waiting for orders. That's why we need you. I myself am taking some troops around that mountain range, and in from around back to see what's going on. You will..."
At that moment, Harken appeared in the doorway, expressionless.
"Ah, Harken! Good to see you! How are you? Please, sit." Eliwood exclaimed.
"Eliwood, I bear bad news. There are what appear to be rogue troops surrounding the castle. Lowen, about half the trainees, some of the Veteran knights, a group of about 100 or so untrained Villagers, Rebecca and Wil, the Archers, Dorcas, the Axeman, and Nino, the Mage, await orders outside, in the Banquet hall." Harken explained.
"Await orders? They do not serve me anymore, why would they await orders?" Eliwood questioned.
"Eliwood, they want to protect Caelin. Can you deny them protection of their own homeland? I'm afraid the Eliwood I know would never do that. Please, meet us in the Banquet hall." With that, Harken departed.
Everyone within the room stood silent. After about a minute or so, Hector said, "Eliwood, let's go." And with that, Eliwood, Hector, and Marcus departed from the room, toward the banquet hall.