Disclaimer: I don't own Fire Emblem or any of the characters. Well technically Shadow is mine but I used the character creator in the remake of New Mystery of the Emblem for that sooo… on to the story!

"Move. Move!" A voice rang out over the sound of clashing blades and the screams of the wounded. A blue-haired youth, no older than 19, could be seen standing in the middle of the bloody carnage. "Fall back! Defend the gate!" he yelled to his fighting companions. A bloody swordsman appeared at his side, panting and letting his bloody silver sword hang at his side.

"Milord," he said breathlessly, "We need you to defend the throne room. I'll stay here and help the retreat."

"Alright Shadow but be careful. I can't afford to lose you. You are a brilliant fighter and a master tactician but most importantly, you're my friend." The swordsman flashed a rare smile.

"Of course Lord Marth. I don't plan to leave you unguarded anytime soon. Luck be with you sire." With that he raised his blade and leapt once more into the fray. Marth turned and called out to the leader of his Altean Knights.

"Cain! We're going to fall back and defend the throne room!"

"We're going to fight these dastards in our own halls?!" Cain was visibly shocked, despite the blood coating his face.

"We have no choice. Let's hurry." With a nod Cain rode over and allowed Marth to swing up onto his horse. The paladin rode through the battle, collecting a guard as he went, and rode into the palace. Marth's wife Caeda met them in the throne room, her pegasus nowhere to be seen.

"Marth!" She embraced him as he swung off Cain's horse. "You're alright!"

Smiling despite the dire consequences, Marth said, "Of course, my sweet. I'm not going to leave you, especially only a year and a half into our marriage." Releasing her, he looked around at the warriors that had followed him into the throne room. Among them was the former mercenary Ogma and his comrades Bord, Cord, and Barst. All three of them had moved to Altea at Caeda's request. The paladin Cain was there, as well as his best friend and rival Abel. The two had been great assets in the War of Shadows and the Dragon's War. The wind sage Merric was also there, covered in the blood of their foes. He had been visiting the palace when the war broke out. The members of the legendary seventh platoon, which had gained recognition during the Dragon's War as the some of the youngest and most talented knights, were there as well, minus their commander Shadow. Luke had been reinstated as a knight when the call went out. Rody and Cecile had welcomed their fellow paladin with welcoming arms. The sage Katarina and the archer Ryan were helping Ryan's brother, Gordin, in through the large palace doors. The sniper had fought at Marth's side since the War of Shadows and had become one of his most trusted allies. Now, though, he was barely conscious as two clerics ran over with their healing staves.

"So many injuries…" Caeda whispered, stunned.

"And many more dead." Marth answered. "Why would Macedon attack now? It doesn't make sense. We've been allies for years!"

"Could something have happened to Minerva and Maria?" Caeda asked.

Cain, who had walked over after overseeing the defenses, spoke up. "All due respect, sire, but these things can wait. We still have a battle to fight."

Marth nodded. Macedon had invaded a little over three months ago. Caught off-guard and still in the middle of reconstruction, Altea had mounted little resistance. "Of course Cain. Has Shadow made it here yet?"

"Not yet, milord. Hopefully he will appear soon." The sounds of battle could now be heard right outside the doors to the throne room. "Quickly, milord! Take your position! Seventh Platoon, front and center! All others take your positions! We fight for not only our lives, but our King's and that of our homeland!" A loud cheer went up and the large doors burst open. Cheers turned to war cries as the two sides met in battle once more. Marth drew his rapier and Caeda raised her lance and, together, they fought to defend the throne. Blood and limbs filled the air as blade clashed against blade and the lives of young knights were cut short. The battle was vicious but at least the feared Macedonian dracoknights were unable to get into the palace. As the fighting wore on, concern grew in Marth's heart for his trusted friend who still had not been seen. Slowly, Altea's finest were pushed back until they were just a ragged circle around the royal throne.

"Dammit! I guess this is it." Cain said. "My apologies, sire." Before Marth could answer, most of the enemies in the room were killed by an unseen force. Unseen, that is, until a bloody swordsman appeared in front of them.

"Milord, hurry! You have to escape here, now!"

"Shadow! What's happened?! Are the-"

"The knights have fallen." His voice was low and weary. "You must escape. Elice is already waiting for you."

Marth was speechless for a long moment. Finally he said, "Had anyone else told me this I would have refused to give up. But I trust you…as hard as it is to flee once more. Let's go." Turning to the few survivors of the vicious onslaught, Marth looked at them and gave the hardest order he had ever given. "My knights, my friends…we must retreat." With that, the wounded knights split up into groups and made for the secret passages that would get them safely out of the castle. The only warriors to escape the carnage were Caeda, Ogma and his men, Cain and Abel, Merric, the members of the seventh platoon, the wounded archer Gordin, Marth's older sister Elice, and Malicia; a cleric who had been visiting the castle. All told, Altea's knights were decimated and the region was taken over by Macedon. A lonely boat sailed down a river towards the ocean as the broken and beaten soldiers set out for Talys, a small kingdom which had offered Marth asylum before. Caeda had been the region's princess before she was wed to Marth and it was Ogma and his mens' homeland. Marth and Shadow stood at the prow as the boat sailed on into the night.

"Sire. I'm sorry. I failed you when you needed me the most. I'm…I'm sorry."

Marth looked at him. "None of this was your fault. You did all any man could do and then some. Your strength and loyalty are what allowed us to make it out safely. You saved my daughter from a certain death. And I thank you for all of that." Shadow just nodded. Marth continued speaking, "You are a legend among men. You're deeds would live on in songs for generations if you would allow them to become common knowledge. So I say this once more, this is not your fault. And rest assured; we will take back Altea. I swear it."

"And I will be by your side, milord," Shadow said grimly. "I swear it."

A/N

Well that was fun! This may become the start of a full story if anyone wants it to. This is my first story so if I messed anything up just let me know. So yeah, please review and all that.