I'm ALIIIIIIIVE! I have no excuse really. But I will say that I had this done and then all my work was deleted so that thoroughly pissed me off and kept me from working for two weeks. But now the chapter is longer due to the re-write so yaaay! Hope ya'll like it!
Chapter 9: Fell Blood
Robin and his group, now five in number, headed west towards General Mustafa's camp. They were headed away from Chrom and the Ylisseans, but meeting up with Mustafa's army would be safer since it was closer. During the trek, the Plegian Prince took time to assess his new companions. The dark mage named Odin spun a tale of great heroics without every really telling anything of his origins, but Robin decided he didn't really need to know as his friendly actions showed his intentions. That and he was pretty certain he wouldn't even want to know. Laslow was a bit more forthcoming, if only slightly. Apparently the mercenary was born in a small Ylissean village near the border of Ferox and set out to prove himself. The two mysterious strangers had joined together in search of "the noble Plegian prince" to aid him. Robin wasn't inclined to believe the story, but the two had proven themselves in combat against the pursuing wyvern riders. The enemies had been quickly cut down.
The only one who hadn't offered his story was Thomas. The Plegian assassin wouldn't reveal anything about himself, only his mission: to escort Robin to the safety of Mustafa's camp. He fought well against the wyverns, Robin would admit, but `there wasn't much else. He rarely spoke at all. However, he fought quickly and efficiently like one would expect of an assassin. There was no grace in his moves or massive strength behind his blows. He struck with minimum force and his movements could have been described as… precise. Yet he was arguably one of the best fighters in the group.
"Hey! I think I see some wyvern riders in the distance!" Odin called, interrupting Robin's thoughts.
"Are they foes?" Laslow asked to no one in particular.
Thomas' eyes squinted, attempting to inspect the riders. He noticed one was waving a golden colored flag.
"They're Mustafa's," the assassin stated. "That flag is meant to assure me they're his."
Robin sighed in relief. They were safe. At least for now.
" – and so Bro should be joining us any day now, Nya ha ha!" Henry laughed as he finished explaining what happened in the Plegian Capital.
The tent was silent. Chrom and Lissa's scrunched faces showed reluctant acceptance, trusting Robin to get their sister to safety.
Frederick and Phila were less hopeful.
"Why didn't Prince Robin just fly with you? You two made it safely!" Phila questioned.
Orton shrugged. "He thought it was too big of a risk. The two of us were lucky to have gotten here."
"We will just have to trust Robin. What we should be doing now is marching closer to Grimurbs." Chrom said. He motioned towards the tent flap with his head. "You two should get some rest. We're marching in the morning."
Henry skipped out of the tent and Orton made a low bow to the prince before exiting.
"Should I send out my Pegasus knights to search for Exalt Emmeryn, milord?" Phila asked when the Plegians had exited.
Chrom shook his head, "No, Phila. We can't afford to lose any of the few Pegasus knights. Even if they manage to find sis they may end up attracting the Plegian forces to her. They can keep to their regular scouting distance but that's it. We will just have to wait."
"If that's all, I believe we should all get some rest. It's been a long day." Frederick said.
With that, everyone in the room dispersed to their various destinations. Lissa ran off to find Henry, Frederick to find some pebbles, and Phila to do… whatever it is Phila does. Chrom decided a trip to the bathing tents was in order.
The prince didn't meet many soldiers on the way, as most had already gone to bed. The few he did he gave passing nods to, his thoughts occupied. In fact, his thoughts were so occupied he didn't even bother checking if anyone else was inside.
"PRINCE CHROM! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?" a woman's voice screamed, rousing Chrom from his thoughts.
Cordelia stood in the water basin covering herself with part of the tent.
Chrom's face turned as red as Cordelia's hair and he immediately shielded his eyes.
"Oh gods I'm so sorry, Cordelia! I'm leaving!" he yelled back. He ran out covering his eyes, tripping over several buckets of water.
Chrom didn't stop outside the wash tent. He kept running until he was back at his own tent tired and terrified of what Cordelia might do. He told a very confused Frederick not to let ANYONE in. Lying on his mat, the only thing Chrom could think of now was how he was going to survive the coming storm.
May Naga have mercy on my soul…
"The General is inside." A huge bear of a man said as he ushered Robin and Emmeryn inside. He was one of General Mustafa's elite guards, a berserker.
Two of his guards stand outside at all times, if I remember correctly.
Mustafa was leaned over a table piled with maps, troop positions, scouting reports, and other such documents. As the group entered, the general looked up from his papers. He stood taller than most men, and his muscles would make Vaike weep with jealousy. He wore the traditional bone shoulder guards of berserkers, with two leather straps crisscrossing his chest. His head was bald, with a long brown beard. A long scar went down his face across his eye. He received it trying to tame his Wyvern, Mr. Lizard.
"Ah! Exalt Emmeryn! Sit down sit down! This brute hasn't been too mean to you has he?" he asked as he clapped Robin on the back, nearly knocking the prince over.
Emmeryn cleared her throat. "No, sir. Prince Robin has been most kind to me. However, I would like to know your intentions."
Mustafa shrugged. "My intentions are pretty simple, milady." He said. "I do what's in my country's best interests. And at the moment, my opinion is that Robin is best for Plegia. And, since he believes allying with Ylisse is the best option, then I shall follow his lead. Therefore," he leaned back in his chair, reaching for something in nearby chest. "You and your people have nothing to fear from me."
He held up a piece of fruit in each hand. "Peach?"
Robin's hand shot up before Mustafa even finished asking. Apparently he was waiting for this.
After tossing one to Robin, Mustafa offered the other to Emmeryn. She took it, somewhat taken by surprise.
"Um… Er, thank you." She said.
Mustafa clapped his hands together. "Now then!" he stated, "Since you're here I've sent Tobias, one of my guards, to inform the Ylissean army of your location. He should reach them in a couple of days. In the meantime, I've instructed Thomas to keep watch over you. You will be more than safe under his watch. I look forward to discussing how our two nations can live in peace after Robin is on the throne, but for now he and I have important matters to discuss."
He motioned towards the tent flap. "Would you be so kind? Thomas should be waiting outside for you."
Emmeryn nodded with a quiet thank you and left quickly, still slightly dazed at the speed at which Mustafa went through everything.
When she had left, Robin took a bite out of his peach and sighed. "Why were so curt with her? I thought you'd be thrilled to speak with her." He asked.
"Because, as I told her, we have important matters to discuss. How do you plan on defeating Validar?" Mustafa asked. "You know your magic is not powerful enough to beat him. So what're you gonna do? Send wave after wave of soldiers to attack him in the hope that Grima's blessing on Validar will just… wear off?"
Robin stopped eating his peach and sat up straight. "I… have a sketchy plan." He said.
"Oh? Do enlighten me." Mustafa chuckled.
"Well, now that I've delivered the Exalt to safety and Ylisse is stable, it's time I made a trip to Grima's temple." Robin explained.
Mustafa laughed. It was a deep hearty laugh that shook the tent a little. He stopped after seeing Robin's blank expression.
"Oh gods you're not joking." The general realized. "Robin, you can't just walk into Grimurbs to get to the temple! And besides, what could be so important in there that you—"
Robin shook his head and waved his hands. "Not THAT temple!" He interrupted. "Not the temple Validar's followers have built. I mean the REAL temple. I suppose I should have said that first. Its location isn't known by anyone except for Validar… and me. He told me about it, saying I should make a pilgrimage there after he's dead. It's where he received Grima's blessing. I figure if I can get the same blessing, then maybe I'll stand a chance?"
Mustafa's eyebrow shifted. "And how does one acquire this blessing?" He asked.
Robin shrugged his shoulders.
"Well that's just perfect." Mustafa huffed.
"I'll admit it's not the best plan, but do we really have any other choice? I can't stand up to Validar without it!" Robin retorted.
The two sat in silence for a while, just staring at one another. Neither knew what to say. Should Robin go to the temple in the middle of a war and possibly die, with a chance he may not even find what he's looking for, or should he stay and die when they face Validar. Decisions decisions.
Finally, Mustafa caved. "Bah! Fine!" he said. "But take Campari with you. He's a good soldier."
With a salute and a "yes sir!" Robin left the tent.
Mustafa sighed and shook his head at the young boy.
"Idgit." He muttered.
"But, Sir Robin! Surely you're not to undertake this task alone!" the mercenary named Laslow inquired.
Robin was adjusting the saddle on his wyvern just as Captain Campari worked on his. Captain Campari was an older man with short white hair and a worn face. Being one of the few "knights" of Plegia, he usually didn't participate in scouting missions due to his heavy armor. However, this time he made an exception.
Panne and Tharja were off to the side waiting. The Prince wasn't going to be getting rid of his fluffy bodyguard anytime soon, and he couldn't pry Tharja off of him even if he wanted to.
Odin pushed his way past his comrade and kneeled in front of the Plegian prince. "Sire, let Odin Dark and his compatriot assist you in your noble quest! It's dangerous to go alone! Take us!" the dark mage said.
Robin sighed. "I'm not going alone." He said as he pushed a now begging Odin off of him. "I'm taking Panne, Tharja, and Captain Campari. They're plenty protection enough. Besides, I can't take you two because… um…."
Robin scratched his head trying to think up an important job for the two that would keep them occupied.
"Because you two need to protect the Exalt in my absence!" He said quickly.
Of course Emmeryn really didn't need any more guards seeing as she was watched night and day by Mustafa's elite guards and Thomas, but a couple more wouldn't hurt…
Robin stood up tall and spoke in the most noble tone and bearing he could muster.
"This is an important job and the fate of the world hangs on whether Exalt Emmeryn is protected or not. Without her the great nation of Ylisse will fall into ruin and Chaos, and the great dragon Naga will rage at the destruction of her children, condemning the rest of the world to death. Can I trust you two with this important task?" Robin the high Prince of Plegia beseeched.
Laslow rolled his eyes, but Odin looked wide eyed at Robin. Dusting himself off, the dark mage stood proudly and answered. "Of course, sire! Odin Dark shall not let the rest of the world fall into darkness! My spell hand hungers along with my aching blood! Any would be attackers of the fair Exalt Emm –"
"Very good!" Robin interrupted. Signaling his group to hop on the Wyverns, they took to the skies hastily.
"I know I can trust you two!" he called once he was safely in the air.
Gods that was a close one… At least this'll be a short trip on Wyverns. Should arrive within a day or so. Hey, I wonder if HE is still living there. I just hope he's not still wearing that stupid pot on his head…
"Donnel! Donnel! Soldiers at the walls!" A quivering villager said as he pounded on a shack's door.
Without a second to lose, Donnel burst through the door, hastily pulling his pants up with one hand and keeping a brass pot on his head from falling with the other. As he ran another villager tossed a makeshift spear to him. The thing was poorly made from a tree branch and a knife trapped to the end.
"How many, Fen?" Donnel asked as he ran.
Fen ran alongside the village's impromptu leader and counted in his head. "Um… three or four I think. And a couple of Wyverns. Not many but they look dangerous." Fen replied.
Donnel simply nodded. They had fended off Plegian Soldiers three times now. They wanted something in the temple, but they were attempting to raze the rest of the village to the ground to get to it. Donnel's father, among many others, died defending their home during the first attack. After that, they didn't have anywhere to go. They had killed their own country's soldiers, and being so far into Plegian territory there was no way they could escape with everyone.
Then Again… We can't stay here forever either. We'll be overrun eventually… Donnel Thought morbidly.
He shook the negative thoughts from his head. They wouldn't do him any good right now.
Even so, he couldn't help but take in every detail of his village as if he'd never see it again. He took in Ma's house, the fields to the south that he could just make out over the walls, and the large stone temple in the center of town.
In what seemed like forever, Donnel finally made it to the wall where the enemy soldiers stood just outside. The walls themselves were hastily made from logs, wood, and stone from buildings destroyed in the raids, though some were actually from the forest surrounding the village.
Taking a deep breath in, the village leader walked up to the small slat in the wall to look at the possible attackers. He slid the flap open, and studied them.
There stood four people, with two wyverns behind them. One man was clad in Plegian robes, probably some sort of mage. One woman was definitely a sorceress, another older man seemed to be wearing a form of light armor. He was probably a true fighter. In addition… some lady clad in purple leather armor was also with them.
"We don't want to fight! Just go away and no one will get hurt!" Donnel called through the hole in the wall.
"We don't either!" The robed one yelled back. "We just want to have a look in your temple, and then we'll be on our way!"
What's so special about that gosh-darn temple! Donnel thought.
This time Fen spoke. "We've heard that line before, and the answer is NO." He yelled, holding his own makeshift spear above the wall for emphasis.
"Now see here, PEASANT!" The older man started, "You are in the presence of Plegian royalty! You will show the proper respect that is deser-"
The rest of his words died in his throat as he was pelted in the forehead with a rock.
"Take that you Plegian dog!" a random villager yelled.
This… is not goin' well.
Donnel held his breath as he watched the soldiers huddle together and talk. After a minute, they all nodded, and the robed one walked up to the gates. He put his hands against the wall, and the temperature rose instantly.
Uh oh.
"Everyone get back!" Donnel yelled as he himself scurried away from the wall.
With a yell from the robed mage, the gates and much of the surrounding wall were blown away, along with many of the soldiers close to the wall. Donnel among them.
The pot boy was knocked to the ground, but his kitchen headwear kept his skull from slamming against the ground and knocking him unconscious. He was up quickly, spear in hand.
The first intruder inside was the warrior. Donnel didn't waste any time.
In a flash the village boy was upon the seasoned warrior. He jabbed at the invader with his shoddy spear. The rider parried the blow with his own spear, and swung it vertically in retaliation.
Donnel sidestepped and tried to swing the blunt end towards his opponent's head. The Plegian soldier ducked and jabbed. The duel continued like this. A flurry of jabs, swings, and skillful dodges.
"You fight well, for a farm boy." The soldier managed to get out between strikes. "You'd make a good soldier! You should join us and fight for the glory of Plegia!"
With a roar, Donnel swung the spear into is opponent's side, shattering the branch. The man stumbled back with a grunt, dazed. Donnel's weapon now shattered, he grabbed his enemy's lance.
"Your 'glorious Plegia' took my Pa!" the farm boy yelled back in anger.
The two wrestled for it, eventually ending up on the ground rolling in the dirt.
"Filthy cur!" the soldier insulted as Donnel wretched the weapon from his grasp. The lance was now pointed at the soldier's throat.
Donnel hesitated for a moment, before steeling himself. He rose the lance for the killing blow.
"Donnel! Is that you!?" an unfamiliar voice called.
The farm boy's spear halted, and he turned to the voice.
It was the robed mage, though now that his hood was down the man's mop of white hair shone brightly in the sun.
"… Robin?"
"But Daaad! You said I could go into the temple with you!" a seven year old Robin whined.
"Silence, child!" Validar snapped back. "You will wait here while I go in. If you get hungry go into the forest and find you something to eat."
Robin's father motioned to the thick forest behind them. It was one of only two in Plegia.
The prince pouted and sat in the dirt as his father entered the village.
Well… If I'm going to be stuck here, I might as well practice.
He reached into his coat and pulled out a spellbook, flipping through the pages. After finding a simpler one and studying over the spell he closed it.
Robin dusted himself off and took a deep breath. Extending his hands, he focused on one of the trees nearby and channeled mana into hands.
"Thunder!" Robin yelled as he released the spell, sending a bolt that shattered the tree in half.
He leaned over, hands on his knees as he tried to catch his breath.
Okay, good form and execution. Channeled too much into it though.
Robin stood there for a few minutes, admiring his handiwork. He took note of how the tree snapped and how much scorching there was.
Soon his stomach growled.
I guess using that much mana at once kind of drained me… dad said to find food in the forest. Are there lizards or snakes in there like in the desert?
Deciding it was worth a shot, the prince ventured into the woods cautiously. It was so dense compared to the open desert and any creature or bandit could be hiding behind a tree or a bush.
He was so distracted by watching the foliage that he completely missed the rope on the ground he stepped through. With a twang and a jerk Robin was quickly raised into the air upside down hanging by his ankle, a rope stuck around it.
"… Well crap." Was all the prince could think to say.
This is just fantastic. "Robin, prince and heir to the Plegian throne, son of arcane masters and magic prodigy, trapped in a lowly hunter's trap." Dad will kill me if he finds out.
He tried to reach up to undo the rope, but it was too tight and he couldn't break it. What he wouldn't give for a knife right now…
Okay, think, Robin. How can you get down? Examine your surroundings.
Taking a look around, he noticed that the trap was a simple pulley system as he suspected, but he couldn't find where it started. Only that he was hanging from a rope draped across a tree branch. The tree itself was really large and he doubted he could swing to it by rocking back and forth since the branch jutted out so far.
Not to mention I'd get sick before if grabbed hold of anything…
"How would father get out of this?" Robin asked himself.
"Oh yeah... he'd probably just burn the whole forest down. I don't think that's the best idea though."
Well fire might be the way to go though. What if it was more… Precise?
"Aha!" Robin shouted. He focused on the rope holding him up and cast small fire spell. But he missed.
"Crap."
He tried again. And again. And again…
"Oh come one! This shouldn't be that hard!" Robin complained.
"Golly! I'm so sorry, sir! Let me just cut ya down real quick!" An unknown voice called from the forest.
"Wait, what?" Robin asked confused.
He was abruptly dropped to the ground with a thud.
"Whoa there! I'm so sorry about all this!" A boy said as he came out of the trees. He was roughly Robin's age, but with brown hair and with a brass pot on his head. His tattered blue tunic gave the prince the impression that he was a villager. Probably from the town his dad was visiting.
"I never thought I'd catch me a real live human bein'!"
"Yeah, well I never thought I'd be caught in a hunter's trap either." The prince replied.
"Sorry about that. How about I cook ya up some rabbit I caught in my other traps as an apology." The boy offered.
Robin's growling stomach answered for him.
"I'll take that as a yes! I'm Donnel, by the way." The boy, Donnel, said as he offered his hand.
Robin shook it eagerly, interested to meet a commoner that didn't know his status.
"My name's Robin!" the prince said.
With the introductions out of the way, the two started a fire and cooked their feast. They spent a few hours just talking about the differences of the land where they lived, Donnel living by a forest and Robin living in the desert.
They also talked about Robin's study of magic and Donnel's traps, among other things.
They talked until the sun set. At which point, Donnel sprang up not realizing how late it had gotten.
"Oh geez I stayed out too late! Ma's gonna tan ma hide!" The village boy exlaimed. "It was nice meeting ya, Robin! I hope yer dad finds what he's looking for!"
And just like that Robin was alone again.
Huh… I made a friend. Not just some suck up or nice adult but a friend. Mom always said that the ties that bind friends are strong. I hope I see you again, Donnel.
Robin shook the thoughts from his head and started walking back to where his father left him.
"Again… We're sorry for blowing a hole in your town wall, but as I've said we need into that temple." Robin said.
"Aw shoot! Max will have that fixed up in a jiffy! He's real good with hard wood!" Donnel reassured.
Tharja stifled a laugh.
After the reuniting of Robin and Donnel, the two sides called a hesitant cease fire. After some explaining and much apologizing, the village decided to let the prince and his group access the temple.
As long as Donnel watched them to make sure they didn't raze the town.
As the group of five walked through town, the townsfolk gave them a wide berth. Especially for Panne.
"These man-spawn are afraid of me…" The taguel realized. "Good. They should be."
"And they call ME edgy…" Tharja muttered.
"Welp! Here it is! Grima's Temple." Donnel announced as they came up upon a small stone church. Compared to most of Grima's temples it seemed… humble. It didn't have any additional floors and the roof wasn't high. Looking at it from the outside one would assume only ten people could fit inside comfortably. There were no discernable windows outside to allow light in. It was really just a stone tomb.
"Don't know what's so special about it. A couple of fellas from here go in every Sunday and pray n' stuff, but inside isn't much fancier. It's just as small as me and Ma's house." Donnel explained as he scratched his head under the pot.
"Nothing special at all." Robin quietly chuckled as if laughing at an inside joke.
The five halted at the door.
"Well, this is it. I've got your back, milord." Captain Campari assured as he gripped his axe.
Robin put his hand on the man's weapon and lowered it.
"That will not be necessary." The prince said.
"I need to go in alone. Grima may not speak to me if there are outsiders."
The knight looked like he wanted to protest, but kept silent.
With a deep breath, Robin opened the doors.
Donnel was right. The inside wasn't much fancier.
Three rows of pews on each side lined the back of the church, with a pulpit like thing towards the far front. No paintings or Tapestry lined the bare rock walls. The church did have some lighting provided by a hole on the ceiling which couldn't be seen from the outside. The light shined directly in the center of the temple where a small circular pool of water sat. One had to walk around it to get to the pulpit from the entrance. The water was shallow, only about two feet deep, and it was crystal clear.
As Robin walked further into the church he examined the pool closer. Taking up the whole bottom was the six eyed symbol of Grima, indented into the floor.
In addition, a small mat was placed in front of the pool to kneel for prayer.
Looks like a good a place as any… So what do I do? Just… talk to Grima? Produce some kind of spell or proof of my lineage?
Robin knelt down onto the floor and cusped his hands together in prayer.
Oh… um… Great Grima? It is I, Robin. Son of Validar and heir to the Plegian throne. I seek your blessing so I may better lead my people and bring an end to my father's corrupt rule. Grant me strength.
His prayer said, Robin sat in silence for several minutes. He waited for a reply, but none came.
He repeated his plea over and over again. The prince did so for hours, completely lost into the chant, ignoring the setting of the sun or the darkness of the temple.
"THE HEART STILL SLEEPS, BUT THE BLOOD FLOWS THROUGH IT. AND THE BLOOD IS STRONG…" a loud, deep guttural voice boomed inside the prince's head.
Robin was startled out of his prayer and fell over, quickly righting himself.
"Grima? Is that you?" He asked out loud.
"YOU SEEK POWER, BUT POWER DEMANDS SACRIFICE OF BLOOD." The voice stated.
Well that's comforting…
"What do you mean? Must I kill someone? Do you want my blood?" Robin asked again.
This time no reply came.
Blood sacrifice… perhaps he needs proof of my blood?
Robin's eyes rested on the pool and the mark of Grima on the bottom.
Suddenly he had an idea. Unsheathing his sword he leaned his hand over the pool and lightly cut his hand, letting his blood drop into the pool.
The red liquid swirled in the water for a minute. As some of it swirled to the bottom, the mark of Grima immediately started to glow a bright purple.
The shifting of stone could be heard and Robin stood up, sheathing his sword but preparing himself for whatever was about to happen.
Looking behind him, Robin noticed that there was no longer a door out. It must have been covered with a stone slab.
No going back now…
As his gaze returned to the pool it started to change, the water draining out and the floor moving and clicking. Soon the pool was now a circular staircase down lower into the temple. An eerie purple light was being emitted from the stairway.
"ENTER, YE OF FELL BLOOD."
Okay, so a lot of plot movement but not much character interaction, I know. I'll work on it. Eventually… But hey, longest chapter yet! And got some awkwardness with Chrom and Cordelia. Sure it's mostly just a mimicking of Chrom and Female Robin but ya gotta start somewhere with no in-game supports XD. Also, I was originally going to have RobinxEmmeryn but now I'm not so sure. Either Robin with Emmeryn, Panne, Or Tharja I think. Tell me ya'lls opinions please! And I'll TRY To update sooner than last time but with how busy I am this summer I can't make any promises. Anywhoozles, Review and tell me what you think!
