The Sacred Stones (Working title)
A/N: Yes, it's me again. Guess I have a bit of explaining to do.
For those who have read my Golden Sun story, 'Era of Alchemy' I'm sorry I haven't updated it after promising to do so. I've had some Internet problems, and I'll get around to updating it, soon.
For this story, I will try and update it after I get a couple reviews. Again, a comment, suggestions, flames, all accepted.
The title is nothing special, but I haven't thought of a name yet, so give me time.
With the above stated, lets try this once more.
Disclaimer: Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is owned by Nintendo and Intelligent Systems.
Prologue: Beginning of the End
Eirika stood with a defiant eye, Rapier in hand, alongside her brother, who was clutching in one hand, the Raginlief. Behind them, stood companions of old, whom assisted them a year past during the War of the Stones. Also, flanks of spear-wielding soldiers and mounted knights of Frelia, Renais, and Rausten stood behind them. All to face the ultimate enemy.
Before the army stood a sea of abominations. Skeletal warriors, Gargoyles, Centaurs, and undead knights, All gathered around five shadowed figures. One was grasping a silver-colored thorny lance. Another was tall, lean, and held a giant weapon. The third was shorter, but was grasping a deadly, gold-lined Shamshir. The next glowed with a powerful magic aura. And the last remained hidden under a white cloak, inhuman red eyes glowing from beneath.
'How did it come to this…?" Eirika thought to herself, as Ephraim readied the charge.
This was it. This was the final test to decide the fate of the world. All to save Magvel from a wretched madman…again.
But one has to ask themselves, 'How DID it come to this?'
Let's go back in time, and find out.
(Pre-rift in time: 6 months ago, Renais.)
Ephraim sat upon a throne of silver, lined with velvet cushion, one arm rested upon the armrest, another pressed to his temple. Gloved hands laced and tangled with the green colored hair, as a sigh escaped his parted lips.
"Brother, what's wrong?" Came a soft voice from his right.
Jarred, Ephraim turned and opened his eyes, to see his younger sibling staring at him through soft eyes.
"No, I'm fine, Eirika. Just thinking of a few things, is all."
"Is it about the complaints the villagers send?" Eirika said, still softly.
"Yeah. Apparently there are some bandits who still think they can push our countrymen around." The king replied.
"What are you going to do, Brother?"
"I sent Seth out with Kyle, and Forde."
Eirika took in a short breath, then said, "Do you think they'll be fine?"
Ephraim replied with a faint smile, "Those three are Renais' finest Paladins. A few bandits will be nothing to them."
Eirika returned the smile, then nodded. "It must be tough, being a king."
"It's a lot tougher than I thought…but it's not so bad." He then stood up, and walked over to the eastern wall, where an ornamented shelf held two weapons: A blade—Siegmund, and a lance—Sieglinde. The Sacred Twins of Renais. "Has it really been a year?" He spoke, turning and facing the younger sibling.
Eirika lightly cocked her head, bringing one hand to rest against the top of her golden breastplate. "Since we defeated the Demon King? Nearly a year…yes."
"Time certainly flies…doesn't it?"
"It certainly does."
The siblings stared at each other, then, for the longest time, neither one making a sound, or movement. However, before Ephraim could muster up a sentence, the large twin doors at the end of the walkway flung open, clattering against the marble walls. There stood Seth, Kyle, and Forde. Ephraim whisked back onto the throne, Eirika stepping off the small raised square marble, where the throne was stationed.
"Your Highness," Seth began, "I bring news from the field." Then started down the fairly short roll of red carpet, the other two Paladins following close behind. The knights' black, red, and green colored armor glistened in the bright sunlight that beamed through the windows on either side of the room.
"Seth, what news do you bring? Did the attack go well?" Ephraim began, now returning to sitting upon the throne.
"Yes, my king. The attack was over shortly before it began." Seth said.
"We pushed our way through the ranks, and managed to defeat the apparent captain of the group." Kyle spoke, whilst knelt, head hung forward.
"After the leader fell," Forde continued, "the remaining bandits turned and fled to the eastern mountains."
"We suspect this might be where their stronghold is. There is likely to be dozens, if not hundreds of bandits there, if this is true." Seth finished.
All was silent in the marbled hall, as Ephraim took a moment to take this information in. Finally, he rose, and the three Paladins rose, and looked upon their king. "If we should choose to storm the mountains, what chance would we have of returning with our lives?"
"Not very well, milord." Kyle spoke, "I scouted ahead after the battle, and there were bandits scattered all across the mountain pass. It looked as though they managed to throw some wood and iron together to make a Balista."
Eirika took the next pause to throw in her own comment. "Can't we just send a brigade of troops up the mountain? If possible I can lead them myself, and—" She was cut off as Seth interrupted.
"Begging your pardon, Princess. But that wouldn't be the wisest course of action…"
"Why?" Ephraim said.
Kyle and Forde quickly exchanged looks, before Kyle went on. "Reports suggests a mysterious figure wandering about the countryside." Ephraim was slightly taken aback. A stranger? In Renais? Who could it be?
"The supposed stranger wanders around Renais, disguised in a white cloak. All who approach him are slain on sight, reports say." Seth spoke.
"A stranger…even so, we cannot ignore the pleas from our countrymen. We must deal with this bandit problem first."
"But my king," Seth pleaded, "What if this stranger were to come for you? And why did he choose here, of all places? He is clearly after you…"
"I know, Seth. But if this stranger is after me, he should know exactly where to find me. I'm more concerned of the bandits returning to terrorize our people."
"What do you suggest, Your Highness?" Kyle said.
There was another short pause.
"Seth, Kyle, Forde."
"Yes?" They all said in unison.
"The four of us will march on the Bandits Mountain."
"But, King Ephraim, you must remain here in the capital. If you should fall on the mountain…" Seth said with concern. He clearly wanted Ephraim to stay, but the king wouldn't be swayed so easily.
"Seth, I'll be fine. I'm still a fighter, you know that. We've faced far worse things than bandits…we all have. No matter how many there are, I'm sure the four of us will be fine."
"But…" Seth continued to plea.
"Seth, Renais will be fine until we get back. If it's only bandits, we shouldn't be gone that long. Besides, if we let these things go unchecked, it will only worsen. We must end this, before it does."
With a sigh, Seth finally gave up. "Very well, my king. I follow your word on this."
Ephraim nodded, "Go and prepare, I'll be along shortly."
With this said, the three gave a short nod, turned, and marched out of the throne room, closing the large doors behind them.
Once all was quiet again, Eirika leaped in front of her brother, a worried look on her features, "Brother, you can't go! Not with these numbers…"
Ephraim again was taken aback. Did his own sister…doubt him, and the knights? No, that couldn't be it. Eirika finished with, "Let me go, at least!"
"No, Eirika." Ephraim immediately shot back, as if he knew she was going to say it. "You must stay here, and protect Renais Castle, until I return."
"But, brother…"
"Eirika, I'll be fine. I promise. A few bandits can never bring me down. I'm a king, remember? And we did defeat the Demon King, correct?"
Eirika nodded, slowly. "Yes…we did. But I don't feel comfortable, you dashing off into a bandit stronghold with so few men…"
"Just as I don't feel comfortable leaving the castle unchecked. But this must be done. I'll be fine, OK?"
"All right…but please…promise me you'll return safely." Eirika said softly, looking up at her brother with half teary eyes. Ephraim couldn't help but smile. "All right, I promise."
The twins then shared a brief hug, then Ephraim departed for the armory. He didn't feel it was needed to use Sacred weapons on bandits. Eirika stood before the throne, and watched her twin depart for a semi-dangerous mission.
'Brother…please stay safe."
VVV
Liked it? Hated it? Too long, too short, etc. Please R&R.