I HOLD NO CLAIM TO ANY OF THE ORIGINAL SACRED STONES CHARACTERS! NOTHING! :(
Chapter One
Escape!
They continued on through the day, nightfall coming closer and closer. They had yet to receive any contact from Franz or anyone else; enemy troops included in that. Eirika was riding on Kyra's horse again, gripping to the women in front of her as she prayed for her father and brother to both be all right. Kyra, Bethany, and Seth were all in an argument over something that Eirika wasn't paying attention too so the Princess was the first to notice it.
"Seth, Bethany, look." Eirika brought all their attention to the area ahead of them. Grado men were all over the terrain, seeming to be guarding the large structure behind them.
"I see it." Seth replied.
"It looks like Grado's army has already reached Frelia." Kyra crossed her arms as Eirika slipped off her horse.
"Princess," Bethany pulled her horse to a stop. "This place is perilous. We should bypass Mulan altogether and head straight to the castle."
"But we can't just ignore this…" Eirika argued.
"I agree," Kyra joined in. "There's not that many here. We can take them."
"But it might be a better idea if we go past them." Seth agreed with his sister.
"You were there when Renais was invaded…you three saw what I saw. You saw how the people suffered at the hands on Grado's soldiers." Eirika told them. "Homes were destroyed, possessions stolen, women kidnapped…anyone who resisted were executed without question, without hesitation."
The siblings stayed quiet so Kyra spoke again. "Bethany, Seth, we can't let this happen here. Not when we can sacrifice an hour or so and stop them."
Seth closed his eyes after sharing a look with his sister. "All right, Princess," Seth sighed.
"Perhaps we can retake Mulan," Bethany added. "But you must act with caution, Princess."
"Your people need you, too." Seth told her.
"Of course." Eirika nodded, happy that they were listening to her.
"Don't worry, you two," Kyra grinned. "I'll guard her with no problem!" Bethany gave a nod before she and Seth both rode out, their weapons lifted. "Are you ready?" Kyra asked the blue-haired woman as she slid off of the horse.
"Yes, I believe that I will be fine." Eirika replied. "Just…just stay close."
Kyra gave her an assuring smile. "Will do."
~I'm miss autonomy, miss nowhere
I'm at the bottom of me
Miss androgyny, miss don't care
What I've done to me~
Franz pulled his horse to a stop as the two knights beside him paused to catch their breath for a moment.
"Sir Gilliam, Sir Michael," Franz wiped the sweat from the heat off his brow. "Is that Mulan? Have we reached Frelia's border already?"
"We sure have," The knight in the white armor nodded as he stood beside his brother in the green. "And Princess Tana should be inside the castle."
"But look-the countryside is crawling with Grado soldiers!" Franz sounded worried. "Where's the castle guard? Has Mulan fallen? Are we too late?"
"Too tough to say from here," Gilliam, in green, spoke. "Princess Tana is in no danger if they want her as a bargaining tool."
"We men of the Eastern Watch will see her to safety." Michael nodded, gripping his lance.
"Yes…" Franz took in their words. "Yes, of course. We mustn't give up. We must move. We must retake the castle. Then, we ride forth to Princess Eirika's aid."
"I don't think you need to worry about that," Michael let out a laugh. "I believe that your friends are already here, Franz." They turned to see Eirika stab her blade into a man's chest. "Hmm…not bad for a woman." The three men then watched as a Kyra on horseback gave out a savage-like yell (think of the Indians during battle in Pocahontas) before letting an arrow fly loose and hitting one of the enemy. "Wild girls in Renais, huh? I think I might move over there." He then watch as the other woman, Bethany, rode past them with a yell of her own before lopping off a man's head. "No, that's it. I'm definitely moving to Renais."
Gilliam rolled his eyes at his brother before gripping his lance harder and running forward. Michael grinned before following and Franz moved quickly to greet his companions.
"Princess Eirika, Kyra, it is good to see that you're both well." Franz greeted them.
"Of course," Kyra grinned, shooting off another arrow. "You didn't expect anything else, did you?" she was pleased that Franz was all right. If something had happened to him…she didn't like to think about what Forde would do to her.
"You made it through unscathed," The Princess sounded relieved.
"Yes, Your Highness. I met up with Sir Gilliam and his brother Sir Michael of Frelia and explained the situation in Renais. They told me that Princess Tana was in danger as well, here at Mulan." Franz told them. "We came as swiftly as we could."
"Tana is here?" Eirika sounded horrified. "Franz, we must hurry!"
"Understood!"
The seven of them slashed through the enemies, knocking the bodies aside as some ran off in fear of dying. Kyra would gladly have loved to chase after them but she had promised to keep a close eye on Eirika and that was what she was going to do. In the end, as Bethany's blade sliced through the knight that was guarding the door, Eirika hurried inside the small castle. Everyone had been informed of Tana being captured inside and so the rest of them hurried after her, leaving Kyra in the doorway as she blocked Seth from goin inside.
The wounded man's face was starting to grow a horrid pale so she was going to fix him up here and now, whether or not she had to force him into submission.
"Now Seth," Kyra turned to the redheaded man. "It's gonna take Eirika and Tana a little while to leave this place. They'll talk for a little while."
"What is that supposed to mean?" the man asked her.
Kyra grinned. "Take off your armor." She told him.
Seth stared at her for a moment before sitting down on the steps of the castle and began to pull of his armor and clothes as they both ignored the dead bodies around them. Kyra felt heat pass over her face as she tried to keep her gaze off of the man's body. She had had a little crush on this red-haired man since she had met him. This was the first man that made her feel so strange and yet she was too embarrassed to say anything. What would one of the Generals of Renais see in her? Being friends with this man was all that she needed.
For now, anyway.
~I am misused, I don't wanna do
Be not your slave
Misguided, I mind it, I'm missing the train.~
"Princess!" Michael cried and ran forward, surprisingly since he was in the heavy armor.
"Sir Michael." The blue hair princess cried out in relief as the two Knight brothers came forward to her. "I'm sorry. I never meant to cause you such trouble."
"It was no trouble," Gilliam told her. "We live to serve, Princess."
"The hell it wasn't any trouble!" Michael argued as he ripped his helmet off his head. "I swear! The next time you want to go out at least tell me! I'll come with you and keep you safe my damn self!"
Bethany stared at the white knight in silence for a moment. She didn't know anyone that would talk to a Princess like that. But it seemed that Tana was used to his actions, seeming as how she didn't say anything.
Michael was tall, about 6'2' with short, light brown hair and blazing blue eyes of relief and annoyance. It seemed that Tana had gotten into a lot of trouble that Michael had to keep rescuing her from.
"Tana!" The other Princess cried as she entered the room.
"Eirika!" Tana was surprised herself. "Is that really you?"
"Tana, what are you doing, so far from Castle Frelia?" Eirika demanded of her friend.
"I heard that Renais had fallen, and I was so worried…" Tana answered her. "But I'm glad to see that you're safe…" She glanced at the group again. "Wait! Where is Ephraim? Is he well?"
"I wish I knew," Eirika hung her head.
"You haven't heard from him? Oh, I hope he's not been harmed." Tana then lifted her head. "Come, we must go to Castle Frelia. My lord father may know something."
"Thank you, Tana." Eirika nodded.
"Wait just a moment longer, Princesses," Bethany stood in front of the door, blocking the way.
"What is it, Bethany?" Franz sounded worried.
"Nothing is wrong," The Great Knight shook her head as she pulled her own helmet off. She ignored Michael as he let out a whistle. "Just let Kyra take care of Seth's wound. I fear that if we wait any longer…" She didn't need to finish as the others all agreed.
"All right, then let's introduce everyone." Tana grinned at Bethany. "It is good to see you again, Lady Bethany. I'm glad to see that you and your brother are safe."
"The same to you," Bethany replied. "How are Innes and Richard?"
"The last I heard, the two of them were fine as they went off to meet the Empire's forces." Tana answered her. They could all tell that the young lady was tense and worried.
"Don't worry," Michael assured his princess. "You're brothers will be just fine. Both of them are too much of a pain in the ass to be killed so easily."
Tana and Eirika both gave a laugh, agreeing with what the man had said. "Yes, they are, aren't they?"
~And I don't know where I've been
And I don't know what I'm into
And I don't know what I've done to me~
Eirika and her companions have liberated the border castle. Alongside Princess Tana of Frelia, they ride to the Frelian capital.
"Oh, Tana…I'm grateful to see that you're safe and home again!" King Hayden wrapped his arms around his daughter. "You've no idea how I worried when I heard you were under attack at Border Mulan. You are not to leave again without my permission. Do you understand?"
"Don't be mad, Father. Look, I come bearing good news." Tana turned. "Eirika, you can come out now."
Eirika entered the room with Bethany and the others behind her.
"King Hayden, I am pleased to see you again, even in these sad times." Eirika greeted the King.
"Ah, Eirika! It does my heart good to see you safe." Hayden told the young lady.
"Thank you. I was able to escape the castle before Renais fell. But I'm not sure if my father…"
Hayden pulled a stone face. "Yes. I…have received word of your father." He replied.
Eirika lifted her head. "Your Highness? Please tell me. Is my father well?"
"…My friend King Fado…did not survive the fall of Renais Castle."
"…No, it cannot be…" Eirika gasped slowly.
Seth and Bethany shared a look as Kyra wrapped her arms around Eirika's shoulders and let the young Princess bury her face into her shoulder. Kyra's eyes were wide as she thought about the man, the King that they all adored. To hear that he was gone…and at the hands of the man that he trusted so much…it was heartbreaking.
"Rest assured," Hayden then said. "Grado will be punished for its cowardly act. This is Frelia's promise. Eirika, please stay here and rest. I cannot imagine how exhausted you must be."
Eirika turned back to the King as Seth took a step forward. "King Hayden. You know of Prince Ephraim's disappearance, do you not?"
"Yes," Hayden closed his eyes and nodded. "We hear the prince and his men hound Grado at every turn. It's said that he's led his forces into the empire itself. Reports suggest he's crossed the border and now fights in Renvall."
"My cousin should be fine then as well," Kyra gave a sigh of relief.
"My brother…" Eirika began. "He fights on? Even now?"
"Yes," Hayden nodded again. "My Pegasus knights brought this information at a great price. Even though Renais has fallen, he charges into the enemy's heart. He is truly Fado's son…What a valiant youth. I wish that I knew whether he remains unharmed, but I do not."
"Thank you," Bethany told the King. "Your news lifts our hearts on Ephraim and his men."
"Of course," Hayden nodded. "Now, as for your rooms-"
"King Hayden," Eirika stood tall now. "I thank you for your offer, but I cannot stay. I intend to ride to my brother's side with reinforcements."
Bethany and Seth stayed silent, their faces plain as stone as Kyra pulled a surprised look with Franz. Eirika was going to continue fighting back, huh?
"I cannot allow it." Hayden refused, standing from his throne. "I know how you feel, but this plan is suicide. I would be betraying Fado's memory if I allowed any harm to befall you. Stay here. Rest and mourn. Leave this war to the warriors."
"I know you mean well, Your Majesty," Eirika argued. "However, I have lost my father, and my twin brother is in peril. My brother, he is a part of me…I cannot rest here in peace while he risks life."
"No," Hayden continued. "Renais has no more army. Grado's forces decimated it. I wish that Frelia could provide you with support, with soldiers, but…my sons, Innes and Richard, are on their way to meet the empire's forces. We cannot spare a single brigade. Your own retinue of knights cannot possibly face Grado alone. Are you so determined to go?"
"Yes." Eirika said firmly. "With apologies," She added.
"As resolute as your father, eh?" Hayden sighed. "What am I to do in the face of such foolhardy determination? Vanessa." He called out.
"Here, your Highness!"
"Moulder."
"You called, my King?"
"Gilliam."
"Yes, sire?"
"Michael."
"My Lord?"
Vanessa was a young woman with short green hair and dressed in white armor. Moulder was a middle aged man with short brown hair, a mustache, and dressed like a priest. Gilliam, one of the knights from before, had black hair and was in his green armor. Michael stood beside his brother.
"You are to accompany Princess Eirika of Renais into Grado territory. I expect each of you to provide aid and support for her brother." Hayden told his men.
"Hmm. Quite a grave responsibility you've given us," Commented Moulder.
"Please," Michael grinned. "This'll be a piece of cake."
"No matter the obstacles, we will perform our duty." Vanessa nodded.
"Our lives are yours." Gilliam told their King.
"These are some of my most trusted and stalwart vassals." Hayden told her. "They will, no doubt, prove themselves quite valuable on your journey. Remember, you are venturing behind enemy lines. You will need supplies. I will have a supply convoy readied to carry your weapons and provisions. It will remain at your side, no matter how far afield you venture."
"King Hayden, I…Thank you." Eirika closed her eyes.
"No, save your thanks for you return…with your brother, Prince Ephraim."
"Yes, Your highness!"
~And as I watch you disappear into the ground
My one mistake was that I never let you down
So I'll waste my time, and I'll burn my mind
On miss nothing, miss everything~
"Eirika, you don't really intend to go through with this, do you?" Tana cried, grabbing her friend's arms. "I can't guess how you must feel, but it's just too dangerous. What would happen if you were captured by Grado's men?"
Bethany back up from the two girls, dropping her conversation with the young Princess. Seth and the others were getting ready to leave outside, grabbing more supplies and whatnot.
"Thank you for your concern, Tana," Eirika replied. "But I have no choice. Don't you see, Tana? I have to go."
"Eirika…Oh, why is this happening? What's gone wrong with the world?" Tana demanded.
"Tana…"
"Why would Grado invade?" Tana continued. "Emperor Vigarde is a man of peace. His people adore him. And you and Ephraim are friends with his children Prince Lyon and Princess Lyra, are you not? What could be behind this madness? Why is this happening…"
"I have no answers for you, Tana." Eirika sighed. "I don't want to believe it, but the reality is that we are at war. If I do nothing, I may lose my brother as well as my father. This is why I have to fight. It's the only answer I have." She glanced at Bethany for a moment before turning back to her friend. "Don't worry; Ephraim and I both will return without harm. Both of us will be fine."
Tana stayed silent as she locked her arms around her friend' neck.
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