Disclaimer: I don't own Fire Emblem, Nintendo does. I own the plot and the name of the tactician. A good number of Fire Emblem Blazing Sword Characters will be mentioned, and a few will make an appearance in this story. I do not own Michael he belongs to Cloud-Link-Zero who's allowed me to have him in the story. I do own the other character Alice Bianchi who is Will's sister.

A/N: This story was inspired by Kaze-Kami-Ha. The tactician appears in this story and is in a series: A Prequel: Fire Emblem 7: Lord Tactician; which tells how the tactician came to be known. Fire Emblem 8: Sacred Stones: The tactician's journey in Magvel and a paring of Tactician and Eirika. Fire Emblem 6: Binding Blade: Where the Tactician returns to Elibe to help his friends' children against Bern.

Thank you to my Beta Reader Frog for the improvements to the chapter.


Nomads and Thieves I have never worked with until now. Our newest nomad is Rath a mounted archer, the lower ranking of a Nomadic Trooper and the thief is called Matthew and there is a hidden agenda which I know he carries. Yet they were a valuable asset to freeing Marquess Araphen.

Will's War Journal (Elibe vol. 2)

Today I adopted Will Bianchi into my tribe…I don't know why but I have heard the stories about how his family was broken apart and I guess I did it so he could have a family. While he isn't a nomad, he acts like one, especially when he save a young nomad child from drowning. May Father Sky and Mother Earth bless him continually and give him strength to see Lyn through her trials.

Rath's Memoirs

Chapter 5x: Unbroken Heart

The group slowly pressed forward just barely exiting Serafew before the soldiers of Grado entered. Will was relieved that they were not being perused. They stopped for the night about a day's march away from Renvall. While dinner was cooking Eirika had asked Will to tell her about another battle he'd faced during the War with Nergal.

He had decided to tell her about the battle against Pascal 'The Crazed Beast' during the search for the Fire Emblem.

"Now of course I warned Hector that the information might be a false lead but I did concede to his point that any lead should be checked, so we headed south towards a marsh filled area south of the village we just had fought in hopes of finding the stolen Fire Emblem needed for the prince's ascension," Will began, producing a map of the area which he and drawn from memory.

As Eirika studied the map he pointed out where they had entered the area from the South. The map showed an area filled with trees towards the west and south west. The rest of the map was open plains and water with a few mountains towards the east. Three castles ruled each landmass with a dozen fortresses protecting the main castle where the enemy commander waited. A shop and an armory rested in the valley that the mountains formed with a village north of them.

The most noticeable feature was the presence of siege weapons.

"The terrain did limit the direction we could travel but it wasn't entirely hopeless. I had our strongest defenders upfront holding of the siege weapons while Guy and Matthew lead an attack on the fortress west of us. I managed to train Florina and Fiora as Falcoknights and sent them to defend the city. Their promotion helped them avoided the siege weapons' attacks."

"What happened next?" Eirika asked as Will smiled.

"Lord Hector was approached by Farina, Florina and Fiora's sister. Do you recall what I said about Hector's reaction when Farina told him how much she wanted for her skills?"

She nodded, "Of course, his exact words were, 'No sellsword is worth that much!'"

He grinned again, "Yet when he asked me about hiring her at that price he didn't argue. So after hiring her I sent her to help her sisters while the main group and the southern group slowly made our way towards the enemy commander while capturing two of three castles along the way, even though the Black Fang forces didn't make it easy for us."

"Still, the reports said you were outnumbered at least three to one," Eirika spoke, seeing Will pause.

"Yes, because the enemy kept bringing reinforcements while their companions delayed us. We eventually were about to cross the bridge when the commander attacked Oswin with a spear, who just happened to a recently promoted General and carrying a hand axe. Both he and a few others finished off the enemy. After we had secured the gate, the information about the Fire Emblem being there proved to be false."

"Did you yell at Hector?" Eirika asked as the tactician chuckled.

"No, but Lyn did," he replied as he rolled up the map, "She really let him know how important it was to verify the information was correct."

Eirika scanned the camp as everyone was either helping fix dinner or were passing the time. Will had been helpful in teaching her, but she was still worried for her brother. She hoped that he was safe and unharmed but she knew things could change and all she could do was hope that her brother remained safe. Despite her worry, she wondered if she only had been more proficient at tactics before Grado invaded if would things be different.

"Something on your mind Eirika?" asked Will, drawing her from her pondering.

"I was just wondering if things would be different if I was more skilled with tactics," she replied, smiling sadly.

"Eirika, let's not dwell on "what if" it's important that you concentrate on the present, " Will replied, "but you're improving and one day you will be where I am now."

"True," Eirika mumbled, rising from the log, "but I feel helpless not being able to fight beside my brother or help my people with their troubles…."

Will stood, setting a hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry Eirika, we will be able to help your brother and your people, but it will take time. You are not to blame for the problems that have appeared because of this conflict," he paused briefly, before continuing worriedly, "My first impression of you was that you had this inner strength to overcome your trials, but you needed someone to show you the way. I worry this conflict will cause you great pain, I've seen it before, but I'm here to help you."

"Thank you Will," she replied, smiling, "You are very thoughtful and considerate to me, but I know I'll need to endure the pain so don't worry too much," she glanced as the group gathered around the campfire for dinner, holding out her hand she helped Will stand, "Come on, we can talk more over dinner. I would like to know more about Lyn."

"I'd be glad to talk about Lyn," nodded Will, "she was always making sure I took care of myself. Once a campaign starts I start to worry about making sure everyone stays alive," Will paused before continuing, "I've noticed the tactics used by Grado forces so I'm working on a way to defeat them every time, especially since we are inside their land."

"Would you allow me to join you in the planning?" Eirika asked hopefully, "I would like to know what your plans are if we need to fight against Grado."

"You're more than welcome," the tactician replied, "Your insight might help me since I'm still learning about this land."

Eirika smiled, "Thank you, but make sure you rest when needed. I don't want you exhausting yourself."

"Of course, but you don't need to worry. Lyn made sure that I learned that lesson real well."

(Scene Change)

Prince Ephraim watched as his small army moved about their camp hidden in a small cluster of trees near Renvall, after attacking another force of Grado soldiers yesterday. The hit and run attacks against Grado had gone well until the last attack, which had severely weakened his forces.

His current force consisted of himself, three veteran soldiers, and non-combatant merchants who provided necessary supplies. The rest he had ordered to Frelia, but they had been ambushed along the way. Out of his three knights accompanying him, one had been wounded in the last skirmish. Turning he addressed the nearest knight, "Forde, how are we on supplies and equipment?"

"Not very well I'm afraid," the knight replied, "Our weapons are almost worn out and the food is running low. Also the wagon is almost ready to fall apart because we used up the last of the spare parts two days ago. It had been a boon to us, but one that is going to become a burden soon. We could restock at the nearest village, but-"

"No, that isn't an option I'm willing to take," the prince interrupted, "We're in enemy territory, and I will not see any innocents harmed if I can avoid it."

"I knew you would say that," Forde sighed, "but we need to face reality sometime. So what are we going to do?"

Ephraim sighed, pondering the question silently. When Renais had first been invaded he struck back with the intent to drive the Grado forces out, and to buy time for Renais to gather their army together. By moving so deeply into Grado it had tied up the enemy forces from attacking the other nations. Now with his supplies dwindling he wondered when Frelia or Rausten would stand against Grado.

'I wonder if my sister has escaped Renais.' He wondered.

"Word of mouth has reached us that the invasion of Renais has progressed quickly," informed the green haired knight, Kyle, as he crossed his arms, "and I've heard the capital has fallen.

"So soon?" Ephraim sighed again, withdrawing from his thoughts, and feeling like he had failed in defending his home, "but my father will not surrender easily," he paused glancing over at a brown hair man with a matching beard glance around the camp nervously, "Forde, Kyle our mission now is to give time for my father and sister to escape. Let's buy them as much time as we can. Prepare to move out!"

"As you command, my prince," replied both knights.

As both Forde and Kyle started packing, Ephraim approached the brown haired knight, "Orson, how is your wound?"

"It's healing well," he replied.

Ephraim paused in his response. Orson seemed distracted and he couldn't decide what was troubling him. Kyle and Forde approached Ephraim, so he turned to acknowledge their presence.

"Are we prepared to move out?"

"Yes we are sir, but where are we going?" asked Kyle.

Ephraim grinned, finished forming his plan in his mind, "We are going to capture Renvall and by doing so we can buy time for my father and sister."

"As you command my prince," replied all three knights.

As the small group moved towards Renvall one of them sighed silently knowing if his leader found out his plan he would be in trouble, but at least he could be with his wife again if everything went well and Grado kept their word on their promise. He knew he was committing treason but the promise of seeing his wife again would be worth it.

(Scene change)

Ephraim and his small group stood silently before Renvall, wondering where all the defenders were for the castle. They had approached the castle unopposed, which shouldn't have happened but they weren't going to complain about the opportunity given to them.

"Prince Ephraim," began Forde, his eyes darting around the field while shifting in his saddle, "are you sure this is a good idea? This is their stronghold after all and it's bound to be well defended not to mention the defenders will be well armed."

"Forde!" Kyle shouted, "You shouldn't question your prince's orders!"

"Kyle, Forde is just stating his opinion," Ephraim pointed out, "besides the 'Lord Tactician' led Lords Hector, Eliwood and Lady Lyndis to victory in a battle like this in the two campaigns he led."

"Very true sir," Forde remarked, "but the 'Lord Tactician' was leading a larger force than we have now."

Ephraim smirked, "So let's see if we can take Renvall with just the forces we have and if I ever meet Will Bianchi, I would like his opinion on how well I did if we survive this battle."

"He'd probably say you were foolhardy by rushing into a castle without knowing the exact number of defenders," muttered Forde, "Yet, it's probably best that we attack because they probably aren't expecting to be invaded. Shall we start the charge, my prince?"

Ephraim grinned, "Of course, luckily we packed as much as we could before having the merchants flee to safety. It's a pity that the wagon broke down as we unloaded it."

(Scene change)

"Orson behind you!" Ephraim shouted as he impaled a lance wielding soldier with his own lance, Reginleif.

Orson spun around, a dark black sphere surrounding him. The attack had progressed well. The Grado soldiers were caught off guard but had quickly rallied their forces. The soldiers had charged Ephraim and his knights, keeping them on the defensive. Mercenaries, soldiers, knights, mages, shamans, and archers all fought desperately to keep Ephraim and his group north of the throne room. Dodging the sphere Orson charged down the shaman, his blade cutting into the enemy's chest.

Kyle and Forde worked as a team, cutting down any soldiers from flanking Ephraim. The fighting slowed down until the last knight fell to the prince.

"We need to move to the throne room quickly," Ephraim breathed heavily, "before they regroup!"

All charged down the nearest corridor towards the throne room. Rounding the bend Ephraim, Kyle, Forde, and Olson charged up the stairs and slammed the door open. Inside the remaining defenders stood shocked, their leader stood and quickly unsheathed his blade.

"Capture the prince alive!" he shouted pointing his sword at the group, "And kill the rest!"

Forde, Kyle and Ephraim charged the soldiers as Orson went after the remaining magic users. Ducking under a jab from a soldier, Ephraim charged the leader while Kyle impaled the soldier on his lance.

The leader grinned and rushed at the prince with his sword raised as the knights waited for Ephraim to finish the battle. Nearing the prince, the man swung his blade at Ephraim's head, but the prince spun his body, stabbing at the man as the man's blade sliced through the air in the empty spot he'd just occupied.

Enraged, the man turned again raising the blade above his head and slashed downward. Blocking the sword with the shaft of his lance Ephraim kicked the man in the stomach. Groaning the man stumbled back as Ephraim stabbed him through the heart.

"Lord Tirado," the man whispered, his breath ragged, "Were we just pawns?"

He gasped one last time and collapsed to the floor. No one noticed as Orson disappeared down the steps and into the shadows.

(Scene change)

"The castle has been secured," Kyle reported, grinning, "You were brilliant my prince! What a plan! What a battle!"

"I estimate that half of the enemy troops are in the field," Ephraim mused, "While we did take the castle we don't have the manpower to hold it for a siege. Since there's no point in lingering here, we should continue on to Grado Keep."

As he finished speaking Forde came rushing in, face filled with panic.

"Prince Ephraim!" he gasped, "Things have taken a turn for the worse. I was checking the perimeter of the castle….We're surrounded!"

"What!" Kyle exclaimed.

"Grado sent reinforcements so soon?" Ephraim asked surprised.

"What should we do?" Kyle pondered worriedly.

"We must escape!" Ephraim barked, he rushed to Forde's side and climbed on, riding pillion with his knight, "Quickly!"

The two men guided their mounts down the hall, relived when the gate was in sight. Rushing across the bridge they slowed. All three gasped at the size of the force surrounding the castle, including shamans and wyverns. One man riding a massive wyvern landed in front of them grinning insanely.

"So, you've managed to capture Renvall, have you?" he began, the insane smile still visible, "And with such a small force! Impressive, you've earned your reputation. I must say, that I do admire your work, and I take it you're the leader of the pack. The misguided Prince Ephraim," He finished pointing towards the prince.

"I am, and who are you."

"I am General Valter, the Moonstone of the Grado Imperial Army," the man chuckled, "and catching up to you caused me no trouble. We've reduce your homeland to ruins and yet," he paused, grinning again, "You and your little band of bravos continue to be a thorn in our side. It's ends here."

"We'll see…" retorted Ephraim, "You claim that you've taken the capital of Renais…So, how did you know I would attack Renvall?"

"Ha ha…" Valter laughed, "Patience, you'll have an answer soon enough. Now be reasonable good lads and drop your weapons."

"Prince Ephraim, let us attack!" Kyle shouted readying his lance, as Ephraim glared at Valter.

"Listen to me Ephraim," Valter snarled, "You're a smart man, and you know it's futile to fight me. You cannot win, and you have no escape. Accept the reality of your situation and surrender."

"Surrender?" Ephraim echoed.

"Heh heh heh, that's right. If you do I'll let you live," Valter smirked, "I hold all your lives in the palm of my hand….so don't test my good humor. Now come over here, bend your knee and beg for your life. Show me how Renais dogs grovel."

"I think not." Ephraim stated.

"What?" Valter sputtered, disbelief on his face.

"You said your name was Valter," Ephraim continued, "Well I'm sorry Valter, but I don't have time to waste playing game with you. So we're going to knock your louts about and then make our way from here."

"Foo….are you mad? Valter questioned, "Do you believe that you can fight your way past my wyvern knights?"

"Watch and see," Ephraim exclaimed, "I don't pick fights that I can't win. Kyle, Forde, are you both ready?"

"My life has been yours since the moment I took my chivalric vows," replied Kyle.

"It's moments like these that keep me by your side, my prince," Forde concluded unsheathing his sword.

"What idiotic wretches you are…" Valter growled raising his lance, his steed shifting at the shout, "Prepare yourselves, you're to be utterly destroyed."

"We break to the east," Ephraim whispered loudly to his men, "Go!"

(Scene Change)

"Where is he?!" Hector shouted, pacing the throne room.

"He'll be here soon Hector, he always arrives when he means to," replied Lyn, "And quit shouting you'll wake our daughter."

Hector sighed and slumped into the seat next to his wife who held their daughter Lilian. He loved his wife and daughter very much but where was her godfather Will? He was supposed to make his yearly visit.

He grunted and stood up again, waking Lilian who started to cry. He flinched as Lyn glared at him, before trying to calm Lilian down.

"Sounds like someone's not to happy," called Will, drawing Lyn and Hector's attention.

"Will!" Lyn shouted, standing, she quickly walked over and hugged Will with one arm, the infant in the other, "It's so good to see you again."

"It has been a long time," sighed Will after releasing his adoptive sister, "and I seem to have done it again."

All three glanced down at a now quiet and sleeping Lilian. Hector grinned whispering, "Now that's why you are such a great godfather…she calms down for you. Of course I'm still learning to not make her upset."

All three smiled and began chatting about what had happened since his previous visit. Slowly the scene darkened and yellow eyes stared out him from the shadows. He stared back grinning, "I've defeated a dragon so I'm not afraid of you….I will beat you…I'll show you the courage a human heart holds!"

(Scene change)

Will arose shortly before the sun started rising smiling softly, 'That was an interesting dream.'

Glancing around the tent he donned his cloak and exited the tent stepping into the cool morning air. Outside stood Matthew and Guy on watch, Neimi and Colm were with them as well, starting a fire for the morning meal. He watched as the sun started chasing away the shadows, looking ahead he shivered as he noticed the fog.

Out of the corner of his eye he watched as Eirika emerged from her tent, smiling as she walked towards him.

"Good morning Will," Eirika yawned, "did you sleep well?"

"I did," Will replied, "Did you?"

"As much as I could," Eirika answered, "but I was a bit nervous being so close to rescuing my brother."

Will nodded as the pair sat down near the fire, talking as everyone else awoke and as Neimi cooked breakfast.


Ok, so the next chapter is finished so please read and review. If anyone would like to do a cover image for the story please PM since I can't draw that well but I do have some ideas for the cover image.