A/N (author's note):
*IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE READING*
The geography of the lands west of the Great Chasm are altered in this story. Descriptions of where certain locations are across the continent indeed are intentional changes. There are also entirely new locations which will become evident as you proceed to read. Also there are three 'races' of humans west of the chasm as follows...
Northlanders - Those whose ancestry traces them to those that inhabit/inhabited the northern lands where Windmire, Cheve, and the Ice Clan even further north in the White mountains reside. Their skin is fair and their hair most commonly brown. Though blue and turquoise hair can be found amongst those of the Ice Clan. Blonde hair is more commonly found than the other races, as well as blue eyes.
Wanderers - Those whose ancestry traces them to those that inhabit/inhabited the Wastelands, the vast desert in the center of the western lands. They typically posses deep brown skin with their hair most commonly being black, though blonde is extremely rare. They are nomads that eek out a living from the few oasis that are sparsely scattered across the desert... hence being called Wanderers.
Southlanders - Those whose ancestry traces them to those that inhabit/inhabited the lands south of the vast desert, such as the towns of Crykensia, Zara (An original city), and Dia. Their skin is of a Mediterranean/slightly tanned tone.
To be clear these three 'races' do not correspond to nationality such as being a Nestrian or of the Chevios people. They are simply the three distinct populations that exists within the western half of the continent based on phenotypic categorization.
[Ch.2] Gift of Ganglari
Corrin and her party traveled by horse across a sparsely populated landscape. The land seemed so empty, few trees were scattered across miles of what seemed to be a blackened ash covered terrain. Everyone was surprisingly silent, even Elise who simply kept to herself as she hummed a tune that seemed so familiar to Lilith who rode atop her horse just behind Elise.
In the distance the edge of Wastelands could be seen to the south. The smoke from villages adjacent of the dense forests of the Forlorn were the only signs of people as the Nohrians continued to press on. The numerous trees of this forest covered the landscape beneath the towering White Mountains, a snow covered range that spanned across the entirety of the far north of the continent, where Flora and Felicia's people still cling on to their ancient traditions. Flora often said that the people of the Ice Clan were the ancestors of Northlanders, telling Corrin her people came from a land beyond the White Mountains, a land now forgotten time only known as 'the homeland'.
Upon the evening of the first day the sky seemed to completely become a void of darkness as thick storm clouds proceeded roar like thousands of beasts just after massive lighting strikes came down from the heavens. Elise shuttered at every sound, hugging her pony as if she believed the beast could protect her. Camilla without hesitation had a soldier ride atop her horse with her for the rest of the hour until the Nohrians made rest for the night out on an open plain devoid of any vegetation or trees, though there were few to begin with beyond the Forlorn now miles behind them.
The thunder continued throughout the night, and not a drop of rain ever fell... not one.
Upon the morning of the second day the Nohrians made haste towards Windmire, galloping with all speed. It was surprisingly bright though the sun was emitting just a fraction of its light down onto the earth. The dense cloud cover was still present, but the sun's rays seemed to cut through like blades of a sword across the sky. As the morning was coming to a close, and the faint glow of the sun behind the clouds was high in the sky, Corrin and her party at last found themselves before the massive outer walls of Windmire.
Corrin was in awe. Hundreds of people were making their way towards the eastern gates of the city. Families, merchants, and those returning from pilgrimages were all before Corrin's gaze. So many voices were heard by the Nohrian princess, her eyes, ears, and all her senses shifting across the bustling scene of numerous different faces both young and old. Before the princess could continue to take in the fantastic scene a dozen men cloaked in black robes being led by those of dark skin made their way past the royal entourage. Riding quadruped beasts Corrin understood to be camels these hooded men made their way towards the open Wastelands to the princess's surprise.
"Where do those men go?" asked Corrin pointing towards them atop her horse.
"They are going on their pilgrimage to the ruins of Shamballa." answered Xander.
"Shamballa? I don't recall that being in any of the books back in the fortress." asked Corrin as they continued towards the eastern gate at a modest pace.
"The ancient city from where Anankos was said arrive from the earth... or so is the superstition." claimed Leo as his horse approached Corrin's.
"And who are those dark skinned men? I never read of them." asked Corrin with much curiosity.
"Desert dwellers... Wanderers." answered Xander with a pause.
"I never seen someone with such a complexion." uttered an intrigued Corrin.
"To kill an infidel in battle is not murder! It is the path to heaven!" cried out a middle aged man as the Nohrians approached the open eastern gate.
As Corrin atop her horse slowly passed by the man's eyes seemed to gaze upon her without a pause.
"To kill an infidel in battle milady is not murder! It is the path to heaven!"cried out the man once more as Corrin was already several feet away.
"An infidel? Does he mean th-?" asked Corrin.
"Yes sister... Hoshidans." answered Camilla with a frown from behind her as they proceeded to enter the city.
"Welcome to Windmire sister." said Leo with a friendly smirk upon his face before racing ahead of Corrin.
"Make way for the children of King Garon!" shouted one of the soldiers carrying a banner bearing the royal insignia.
"Make way for Xander! Our future king! " shouted the other banner wielding soldier.
Despite the soldier's cry it was Corrin whom everyone seemed to pay attention to. A number of people simply stared at the Nohrian princess in both confusion and curiosity.
"Why are they all looking at me?" asked Corrin almost flattered.
"Well they... " uttered Camilla unsure of what to say.
"You're just new in town is all sister... isn't that right Camilla?" answered Leo trying to divert Corrin's question.
"Y-Yeah. That's it... " said Camilla with a frown on her face as people continued to point at Corrin and whisper amongst themselves.
The city was bustling with all matter sights and sounds. As Corrin seemed to revel in what was before her, Lilith simply remained silent as she tried to avoid eye contact with everyone around her. Indeed Corrin had never seen so many people of all shapes, sizes, and complexion. There was music and singing as the royals were welcomed into the city. There were markets all along the side of the road, drummers and various musicians that entertained, and children running through the streets laughing with much joy. Beggars sat against the stone structures as soldiers bearing the insignia of the Chevois rode atop their horses tossed what ever coins they could spare.
The city was not a reflection of the lands the royals have past... the city was alive.
At last Corrin and her party arrive at the citadel dismounting from their horses. Lilith and several guards took the horses to the stables as another lead Jakob, Gunter, and the royal siblings down the spiral staircase leading to Castle Krakenburg lying deep within the earth.
"Come on hurry up sister!" called out Elise waving her arms in the air as the siblings walked across the stone bridge leading to the castle at the bottom of the stairway.
"I'm coming Elise don't you worry!" called out Corrin as she was memorized by the beautiful architecture of the citadel, which according to tradition was built from the walls around what was once a volcano.
The Nohrian siblings were escorted by the castle guards to an area with a healing pool at its center. Gunter and Jakob separated from the royals once entering the room up a set of stairs. These stairs aligned all four sides of the room. Corrin was no fool, for she knew why she was brought to this room and not any other. Sets of stairs aligned all four sides of the room, and at the top of one set stood King Garon of Nohr.
King Garon was a man of few words, and was little seen by his subjects the later years of his reign. Indeed more people knew of his name and reputation than his face. Though perhaps with good reason, as Garon had grown sickly, and seemed to be growing weak for some years now to the dismay of his children, especially Elise who dearly loved her father.
Beside Garon was Iago standing ever so silently, gazing upon Corrin with much curiosity.
"I see you made it here safely my child." said Garon as his children walked up to kneel before him.
"Yes father. Long have I wished to set foot in this castle!" said Corrin with much joy as she stood up.
"So this one of his bastard children?' whispered one of the Nohrian guards.
"It would appear so. Seems our king had an affinity for Eastern women as well." uttered another guard with a crude smile.
"It is only thanks to your diligence you are here." said Garon. "I am told you are a warrior almost on par with Xander. Is this true?"
"Yes father! She is indeed a warrior worthy of serving Nohr." assured Xander who stood up along with the rest of the siblings.
"Then you finally posses the strength to be an instrument of Nohr's power." replied Garon.
"But, father, will she be alright outside the fortress?" asked Elise with much concern.
"I worry about that as well. Isn't it dangerous for her to live outside the fortresses magical barrier?" asked Camilla.
"I appreciate your concern sisters, but I have proven myself to be capable I assure you." assured Corrin as she looked back at Camilla.
"Very well. Corrin as you know Nohr is currently at war with the Eastern Kingdom of Hoshido." said Garon.
"I am well aware father." replied Corrin confidently.
"We of the royal family are descendants of the ancient gods, the First Dragons. As inheritors of that divine strength we conquer all that oppose us with ease. Xander, Camilla, and Leo have already proven that posses this strength. I expect no less from you." Garon claimed.
"I am aware of your expectation father. I have trained everyday to become more like my siblings." claimed Corrin.
"Hmm... you show promise my child. But you will need a suitable weapon in order to serve Nohr." said Garon.
Corrin thought perhaps father would have a guard bring a sword to him to bestow upon her. But the king did nothing of the sort.
Garon waved his right hand and within a mere moment a blade of black and purple appeared before her floating with the blade facing the ceiling.
"This is Ganglari, a sword infused with magic from another world. With this sword at your side you will crush the Hoshidan army with ease." claimed Garon.
"Wow... thank you father! Thank you for this generous gift." said Corrin marveled by the blade which hovered before her, slowly grasping the handle with her left hand.
"Generous indeed..." remarked Xander to himself as Leo nodded in agreement.
"Oh wow! It's so... it's just wow!" cried out Elise impressed by the magnificence of the magical blade.
"Oh my... " remarked Camilla. surprised by father's gift.
"Now, let us see you put that sword to its proper use... Bring out the prisoners!" commanded Garon seemingly short of breath.
"Yes! Your highness!" shouted several soldiers at attention.
"Prisoners?" asked Corrin as she turned her head to see six Hoshidans being pushed into the arena down the western staircase by Nohrian guards.
"No! They are sending us out to die!" shouted one of the Hoshidans in much fear.
"These animals can't even speak." said one of the Nohrian guards as several others laughed.
"You Nohrians are demons! By the gods we will wipe out your filth from this earth!" shouted another Hoshidan in anger as the guards continued to laugh.
Corrin, Camilla, and Xander frowned at the sight of the laughing Nohrian soldiers. For they understood every word...
"These are prisoners from our most recent skirmish with Hoshido. You and your retainers will eliminate these prisoners." commanded Garon.
"Yes father it shall be done!" said Corrin with confidence as she walked towards the healing pool.
Within moments, Gunter and Jakob came to her side.
A supply of weapons was left within the arena along the eastern side opposite from where they entered the room, which the Hoshidans quickly gathered to. There were no walls or moats surrounding the arena, instead dozens of Nohrian spearmen stood at attention heavily armored, while bowman stood on all sides a top balconies to take fire if any Hoshidan tried to leave the square arena.
"Allow me to join you my lady. My lance arm is perhaps rusty but still serviceable. Jakob if would you please?" asked Gunter.
"Naturally, I couldn't let someone of your advanced years to bear the burden alone." Jakob assured Gunter. "There is no need for you to soil your hands with this filth my lady. Please relax and leave the fighting to us, afterwords I can prepare you some tea."
"Nonsense Jakob. Father is testing me, and I will not disappoint him." replied Corrin.
"As you wish Lady Corrin." replied Jakob.
"Corrin? Could it be?" uttered one of the Hoshidans.
"Huh? Have you heard of me Hoshidan?" asked a confused Corrin.
The man did not answer, surprised that this Nohrian could understand him.
"Speak quickly Hoshidan! Your life will be forfeit regardless of your answer." Corrin proclaimed.
"I am Kaze, a ninja of Hoshido... show me what you can do... princess of Nohr." replied the Hoshidan.
Corrin's siblings surrounded father watching form atop the southern stairway, with doting Elise right be his side.
"Strike them down my child. Show me your power." commanded Garon.
There was a brief pause. Corrin was determined but her heart was racing, this was a real battle, she knew what would become of these Hoshidans, and after what seemed like an eternity Corrin heard Garon utter a single word.
"Begin... "
By the king's word two Nohrian servants blew their horns, as the sound could be heard echoing throughout the chamber. The Hoshidans froze for a few moments by the sound of the horn, but quickly they charged with great speed towards the center of the arena.
"For Queen Mikoto!" shouted one of the Hoshidans as they surrounded the healing pool.
"I will guard the east corridor while you two take the west! Move now!" shouted Gunter with much concern.
With much haste Corrin took the west corridor with Jakob close behind and came to face a Hoshidan swordsmen. Corrin clashed blades with the Hoshidan and stood her ground, kicking the Hoshidan back upon another as a ninja threw his dagger.
"Look out my lady!" shouted Jakob as he blocked the dagger with his own. The Hoshidans came once again and the pair worked togther as Corrin would defend while Jakob would deliver the killing blow.
Two Hoshidans on the western side laid dead as two more three more circled around and attack the east corridor. Gunter tried to fight them all.
"Jakob come support me!" shouted Gunter as his horse reeled back.
"You just have to try and take on everyone on at once don't you old man!? Now you come asking for my help?!" shouted Jakob rushing to the eastern side.
Corrin was now faced the Hoshidan who called himself Kaze, who rushed Corrin with a dagger in his hand only for her to gash his left shoulder with Ganglari. The Hoshidan cried out in pain as Ganglari delivered a powerful curse that inflicted unbearable pain that spread from the wound to the rest of the body quickly. Corrin moved in for the finishing blow only for the Hoshidan to raise his hands up to her as he laid on the floor.
"Please... have mercy." cried out Kaze.
Corrin paused for a moment. Confused as to what she was doing, almost doubting that she would have to kill this man begging for his life.
"Milady look out!" shouted Gunter as he rushed towards her.
Gunter without a second thought killed a Hoshidan attempting to attack Corrin.
"Remain focused, milady. This is no mock battle - a mistake here could cost you your life!" Gunter shouted to Corrin a top his steed short of breath.
"I'm sorry Gunter. I just-" uttered Corrin breathing heavily.
"Do not let your guard down again. Quick support Jakob on the east side!" commanded Gunter a top his steed.
Corrin regained herself and rushed to defend Jakob and have him do the finishing blow as Gunter turned towards Kaze and prepared to finish him off as he laid helpless on the floor.
"At ease Gunter!" shouted Garon as Gunter turned toward him with confusion.
"My lord?" asked Gunter.
Quickly looking across the room Corrin now saw five dead bodies scattered around her, with Kaze laying on floor in excruciating pain from Ganglari's otherworldly curse. His screams echoed across the entire chamber as his flesh was slowly being peeled back from an intense burning sensation from where Ganglari had slashed him.
Elise turned away from the horrid sight, having Corrin believe the battle to be over, only for a familiar voice to utter her name.
"Corrin... One more Hoshidan remains." said Garon with a stern tone.
"F-Father? But he is defeated." replied Corrin breathing heavily.
"My lady, please take the honor of killing the last Hoshidan today." said Gunter with a frown.
"I. I-I don't." uttered Corrin.
"What are you waiting for!?" shouted Gunter with much concern.
"Oh no... " uttered Jakob.
"Why do you hesitate? Finish him!" commanded Garon.
"Father, I just- " uttered an unsure Corrin still breathing heavily.
"If this situation was reversed my child these Hoshidans would show you no mercy. Finish him!" shouted Garon in anger.
Xander watched with much concern. He saw the scared expression seen on her face two days before. He knew that despite all of Corrin's combat training she still has never killed another person.
"Why is sister not using her sword!?" cried out Elise in confusion.
Garon began to raise his right arm as Corrin could her the sound of a bowman readying to kill Kaze.
"Wait!" shouted Corrin.
There was a pause of motion. Nothing seemed to be happening as Corrin slowly gazed across the room upon her siblings watching with much concern.
"I'll do it... " said Corrin.
Corrin turned towards the Hoshidan and glanced at her blade stained with blood from the wound she caused. She raised her blade preparing to strike the final blow when suddenly the Hoshidan smiled.
"I knew you were alive Kamui." Kaze said.
Corrin's eyes widened in shock. She was petrified in knowing what needed to be done.
With one powerful strike she stab the Hoshidan right through the chest with all her strength after her moment of hesitation. Corrin looked at the young man's eyes as the life in them disappeared. With one last breath she pulled the sword from his chest to find it covered in more blood than she has ever seen. She was unsure of how to feel, this sensation was new and frightening.
Corrin now shaking and on her knees at last turned to Garon, who was standing diligently observing what she had just done.
"Corrin my dear are you alright!?" asked Camilla running up to Corrin.
"I fine... " uttered Corrin.
"Your hands sister. Your hands!" cried out Camilla with much concern as Corrin's hands would not stop shaking.
"I-I'm fine. I just need some space... " uttered Corrin still on her knees.
"You did well, Corrin." Garon calmly assured.
Corrin turned her head slowly towards the man she knew as father. Her heart still racing faster than she has ever felt before.
"He was to dangerous to be left alive." claimed Garon.
"Father is right. Had we let him live today he may have escaped another day. Then we would have one more Hoshidan to worry about." claimed Leo as he walked down the stairs.
"Well that's one way of putting it brother." said Camilla.
"One less Hoshidan I say... actually six less. And now our kingdom is that much safer." assured Leo.
"Y-You are right brother. Had I been captured by them they would surely have executed me without a second thought." said a conflicted Corrin as she wiped the blood off her sword.
"An eye for an eye I say." said Leo.
"You would make us all blind to keep our kingdom safe?" asked Corrin.
"T-That's not what I mean sister." responded Leo.
"That's enough you two. The battle is over. Mark my words Corrin if you ever hesitate in battle like that ill surely be the death of you." said Xander as Elise joined him.
"I apologize brother. I will not falter next time." Corrin assured Xander as she began to regain her composer.
"Well said... " Xander replied.
"Are you sure you're alright sister?" asked Camilla with much concern.
"Yes Camilla I am fine." Corrin reassured her.
"The enemy is defeated Corrin you should be happy!" cried out Elise joyfully.
"Elise that's not-" Xander tried to say.
"Yes, Elise has the right attitude. These Hoshidans are enemy combatants. They fully understand that they are liable to be killed. We simply make their jobs easier." claimed Leo snarlingly.
"Leo watch your tongue!" shouted Xander in anger.
"Yes Leo, That is not the best thing to be saying right now." agreed a frowning Camilla.
Leo realizing his ill timed remarked felt a sudden guilt fall upon him.
"I- I sincerely apologize." said Leo genuinely.
"Worry not brother, what's done is done." claimed Xander.
"He is right Corrin. These Hoshidans were not the first people I killed... and it won't be the last for either of us. That's just how things are milady." explained Jakob calmly as he approached Xander while cleaning his daggers of blood.
"Wise words soldier." uttered Leo.
"Guards! Bring their remains! We will give these warriors the proper cremation they deserve. We shall guide their souls to next life." commanded Xander as Leo and Jakob engaged in conversation.
"It will be done my lord!" shouted the Nohrian guards as Garon followed by Iago left the chamber together without a word.
Later the same evening within the outer citadel two figures stood side by side as a four Nohrian guards stood adjacent to their position. It was Iago and Leo who watched silently as several Nohrian cultists dressed in black cloaks surrounded a large mound of wood. Six Hoshidan men laid with their arms crossed atop the wooden mound... or what was left of them. Their eyes all closed as if they were simply sleeping, resting until they would awaken. But this would never com to pass. Their bodies were lifeless, but still quite warm, as if their was still a small spark still within them.
As Iago and Leo turned their heads a Nohrian cultists began to make his way towards the wooden mound. He held a metal torch with a mighty fire that lite up the obsidian night. The wielder of the flaming torch remained still for a few moments before a gentle melody began to come from his voice. All others around the flame wielder remained silent. Their faces without much emotion, as if awaiting their cue. Soon the flame wielder began to sing louder, his head swaying gently as he looked towards the sky raising his arms. As if by some spell others slowly began to join him, singing with their hearts a soothing tune.
Leo shut his eyes. His voice joining the emerging harmony with confidence while Iago remained silent. Soon all but one surrounding the mound sang together, in a harmonic convergence of voices... the voices of Nohr.
With a momentous climb the song grew into a powerful ballad, with the flame wielder at last throwing the torch into the mound. Within a matter of seconds the six men laying upon the mound were covered in flames that glowed with a power like that of the sun. The six men remained still as the flames engulfed them, remaining in their eternal slumber as the flames began to take them to the next world.
"May Anankos lead them to the kingdom of heaven!" shouted the flame wielder.
"To Valla their souls will be carried!" answered all surrounding the towering flames... except Iago.
As the flames continued to burn, Leo looked towards Iago with a conflicted expression.
"You did not answer his call." Leo said.
Iago did not respond, his eyes intensely focused upon the burning Hoshidan corpses.
"Kaze? What an interesting name. " uttered Leo as he watched the Hoshidan's body engulf in flames.
"We all have names my student. Even Hoshidans... " answered Iago in a calm tone.
Leo did not respond. His mind drifting with an ocean of thoughts.
"I worry about Corrin, she still seems unsure of herself." uttered Leo with concern.
"She is not of Garon's blood. I still don't approve of him treating her as if she deserves to be considered royalty." answered Iago.
"Iago don't come up with any ideas, my father will have your head if he suspects you ever did anything to harm Corrin." replied Leo.
"I would do nothing of the sort lord Leo. I just don't see what is so special about her. She is the enemy for all I care. A Hoshidan princess at that which is pretending to be of Garon's own." said Iago with a displeased expression.
"Well... she is still my sister." uttered a conflicted Leo to himself.
"Well for her sake she better watch herself. There will be those out for her head. I'm surprised nothing became of her when she arrived in Windmire." Iago said with much intent.
"Iago! If you even lay a finger on her I swear." Leo declared.
Iago's clawed right hand clenched. A sense of dread and tension fell upon the teacher and student.
"I won't hurt her Leo... but I have no responsibility to protect her." claimed Iago.
"I see." replied Leo as he looked up towards the rising sparks from the flaming mound.
"It is getting late my prince." uttered Iago.
"Then... good night Iago." said Leo.
"Goodnight my prince." said Iago eyeing Leo as he walked passed him.
"Oh... and I wish Lyra a happy birthday." said Leo with a genuine smile as he turned back towards Iago.
"Thank you. She would have appreciated that my prince." said Iago trying not to frown.
"I know... " answered Leo as the fire continued to burn.
End of Chapter