It has been over two months since Kiri-Ryu has updated, and the characters of Fire Emblem six were bored out of their skulls. Two months is a long time to be bored, and you can only watch comedy shows for so long before they stop being funny.
Well, almost all comedy shows…
(On the TV)
Fran: Bernard, they're building next door for two weeks! There's a sign, it's outside. We can't stay here!
Bernard: Relax! I'll sort them out later.
Manny: What are you going to do?
Fran: What can you do?
Bernard: I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll write a letter to the council.
Fran: Well what are you going to say?
Bernard: I'll say "Dear Council, please don't build beside us for the next two weeks".
Manny: Yeah but what if that doesn't work?
Fran: Yeah, yeah, what are you going to do if that doesn't work?
Bernard: You want to know what I'll do?
Manny: Yeah.
Bernard: I will... drink heavily and shout at you!
Roy- No matter how many times I have to watch Black Books, I never get tired of it.
Chad- Speak for yourself. I can quote the entire first and second series word for word.
Lilina- Well, would you rather we put on the Young Ones back on again?
Chad- (Shaking head, eyes wide in horror) No…. No more…
Hugh- (In the background) Hey pipe down! I can't hear the computer!
Roy- (Shouting back) You're only playing the Sims! You Don't need to hear them speak!
Hugh- (Grumbles, then returns to playing the Sims)
Suddenly, just as is seems that our heroes are about to be consumed by their boredom, Kiri-Ryu and her Kobold muse, Ezzie, return.
Kiri- … My god, I leave for two months and this is what happens!
Roy- (Turns around as gasps in surprise) By St. Emiline! She's here!
All- (Collective gasp)
Kiri- … Nice to know that you care about me. (Sniff) Now, where's that tissue box?
Rei- Don't tell me that that cold is what's kept you away from writing?
Kiri- No, this is only recent. I've been focusing on my schoolwork and crap.
All- (Silence)
Chad- There is no way that you would stop writing just because of school.
Kiri- All-right! I admit! I also finished the Golden Sun series, Tales of Symphonia and have started playing at least four new Dungeons and Dragons games. So what?
Marcus- You had that much free time, and you chose to forsake us.
Lugh- (Teary Eyed) Don't you love us any more?
Kiri- Awwww… Isn't he adorable? Of course I love you Lugh, It's just that I love Tales of Symphonia as well. Kratos rocks. Anyway, don't mind my rambling. Everyone! Get back to the set! We have a Fanfic to write!
Everyone- Yes Ma'm!
Kiri- … That includes you too Hugh.
Hugh- Aw, come on! I'm not even in the story yet! LET ME BUY THAT SOFA!
Kiri- (Throws Hugh off her computer) No more Sims for you.
…
Kiri- Anyway… (Turns to the readers) Hi! I'm back. As mentioned before, I was busy with school, work, Tales of Symphonia and D&D. But, armed with a new MP3 player, a whole slew of new Anime songs and an entire plate full of Lamingtons, I'm here to once again write Saga of the Discarded. Alas, I can't respond to any reviews, since I'm not sure if that stupid ban has been removed yet, but know that I do read every one you send. And if you don't send me any more, I'll be upset and not post up the next chapter 'till next year! I WANT REVIEWS!
But anyway, It's good to be back, I hope that I'll be able to post up the next chapter much sooner than this one.
Disclaimer: I don't own Fire Emblem. But, as soon as I learn how to open a portal into the world of games and drag Roy and the others into this word, we will storm Japan and take all we want! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!
The Saga of the Discarded
A Fire Emblem fanfic by Kiri-Ryu
Chapter Nine: War Heroes
Lugh
I awoke in the midmorning. For a while, I though that I was back at the orphanage, and that any moment Father would walk in and greet me with a smile. But I blinked away the false reality and saw instead the cold, indifferent walls of Castle Ostia. I sighed and slowly rose, rubbing my eyes free of sleep. I looked around the room, before seeing the clean clothes that the servants had laid out on the bed for me. It looked to be a size too big for me, but on the plus side it wasn't covered in someone else's blood. I got changed and headed downstairs for some breakfast.
I climbed down the stairs and entered the dining hall. People crowded the tables: nobles, warriors and peasants alike. I looked around, searching for Chad. I found him sitting next to an old man whose hair was grey with age. They seemed to be chatting comfortably. I moved over to the serving table, picked up a plate and piled up this morning's breakfast on it. I then walked over to sit with Chad and the old man.
Chad, upon seeing me, offered a seat next to him. His eyes had dark rims around them, and his movement were sluggish. Hadn't slept well then. Well, I knew the feeling.
'Morning.' I said happily but not cheerily. I set my plate down on the table and glanced in the direction of the old man. He was wearing loose-fitting clothing, and his greyed hair was cropped short. His body was well muscled, especially for a man of his age. His eyes were light brown, and the wisdom of an age of living flowed from them. As he saw me he smiled.
'Ah, you must be Lugh.' He said.
'Mm hm.' I grinned at him. 'And you?'
'Just an old, retired knight, shocked by the betrayals in this household.' He sighed regretfully. 'I'd hate to think what Lord Hector would have done with Leygance had he been alive to deal with him. Or Lord Uther for that matter!' He chuckled.
'Lord Uther?' I looked at him questioningly.
'Lord Hector's older brother. He died over twenty years ago.' He shook his head.
I tried to imagine Hector having an older brother, but the image couldn't form in my mind. He had seemed to be the sort that was the older brother... Or a father. I instantly thought of poor Lilina. It was hard to lose a parent, and I lost three. But I hardly knew my real parents, and the hurt of loosing Father had healed already. I looked up and searched around for her, but I saw no signs of her. Or of Roy for that matter.
'Hey, where's Lord Roy and Lady Lilina?' I asked Chad. There was a momentary silence as Chad swallowed the contents in his mouth.
'They, along with a number of soldiers, have gone to retrieve something. An ancient sword of some type.' He finally responded to my question.
'Durandal.' The old knight said. 'They seek out Durandal to help them against Bern.' His face, which had been humorous before, had set into a frown.
'What's the matter sir?' I asked him.
'... Nothing.' The knight shook his head. 'I'm just sick of all these wars. I've been in enough as it is already. Sometimes, I wonder how Marcus can keep up with it all.' He snorted, and then smiled again. 'And the next generation comes and draws the weapons of the old.'
'What do you mean by that?' I asked him. He was such a strange man and he tweaked my sense of curiosity.
'When I look up and see this army,' He said, his voice taking on an old and cracked tone. 'I see the faces of many of my former comrades in arms. Eliwood, Hector, Pent and Louise. Nino.' He looked at me then. 'It's almost uncanny.'
I opened my mouth to respond to him, but a startled yell of surprise interrupted me. I swivelled my head around to look where the sound came from.
A servant was running down the stairs, arms flailing and a look of pure shock on his face. He stopped before the table, then placed his hands on his knees to catch his breath.
'Wyverns!' He finally called out. 'Bern is attacking!'
'What!' The old knight I had been talking with stood up. He stormed towards the servant, demanding details. I looked over towards Chad, then we both stood up. We ran towards the courtyard, weaving our way through the maze of corridors. When we finally reached the courtyard, we looked up and surveyed the sky.
They were but small silhouettes in the morning sky, but I was able to instantly recognise the shape. A flight of about twelve in total, and all heading in our direction. They almost looked beautiful, but then one remembered that they were coming to kill us.
I turned and ran back inside, Chad was close behind me. When we reached the dinner hall, we saw that pandemonium had erupted. People were arguing about what to do. "Go get Lord Roy!" Said some. "We have to surrender!" Said others. A number of us were trying to calm the others down so that we could gather a plan, but people were too afraid to listen to reason.
A loud crunch interrupted the noise. It sounded an awful lot like a large creature landing on the roof. A number of people, myself included, ran towards the roof. Behind me, Chad elected to stay behind. Seems like he still has that fear of heights. We reached to top of the stairs, and what we found there was not comforting.
I had never seen a Wyvern up close before, and I had to admit they are magnificent creatures. They closely resembled the dragons that I had read about in fairy tales, but I knew there were a few differences. It's great, reptilian head stared directly at us, and it hissed menacingly. I saw teeth as long as my hand resting in its mouth. Suddenly, seeing a wyvern up close seemed not to be such a good idea. The beast's rider aimed his lance towards us.
'Surrender!' He yelled.
'Ostia shall never hand itself over to Bern scum!'
We turned to face the old knight. Although he was unarmed and un-armoured, he stood defiantly at the door. Inspired by his courage, I too stood in-front of the door. It seemed as if the very gates of hell could assault Ostia, and we would withstand it.
The wyvern roared, and its tail lashed behind it. I caught a good look at the incredibly sharp teeth that lined its mouth, and suddenly this seemed not to be that much of a good idea. The wyvern's sharp talons dug deep furrows into the castle's stonework. It walked slowly towards us, until its snout was barely inches from my own. It snorted.
'Do you think you honestly stand a chance?' The rider asked us, a smirk on his face. 'I have twelve wyverns circling the city as we speak. One signal from me and, well, I can't guarantee the safety of the civilians.'
'You would involve civilians in this war!' The old knight was outraged. 'When did Bern loose its honour!'
We had no choice. We couldn't involve innocents in this dispute.
'Hold it!'
All of us turned to see Lord Roy running in the courtyard, with Lady Lilina and the rest of the group behind him. Since we were on tip of the castle, I couldn't make out the details, but it seemed as if Roy was carrying an incredibly large sword.
The wyvern's head swivelled around, and it roared in our lord's direction. It spread its wings, and we were blown back by the back-draft of its wings. It drifted in the sky, before settling before our lord. Being on the top of the castle, I couldn't make out what was being said. I was about to move back down the stairs when the old knight gripped my shoulder tightly. He shook his head, telling me to just watch what happens from here. I turned and watched.
More wyverns landed before Lord Roy, behind their commander. But despite this, Lord Roy seemed to be quite calm. The rider pointed his lance towards Lord Roy, but he did not cower or become intimidated. The wyvern rider seemed to become agitated at this, and he raised his lance as if to strike Lord Roy.
The sound of a horn bellowing sounded from the west, and we all turned towards the noise. A small army was approaching. I could not see any banners, so I wasn't able to make out who they were. I hoped that it wasn't reinforcements for Bern. As they approached, I saw that they were lead by a woman wearing elaborately decorated full plate. She had long, greenish hair and rode forward on a white horse. Behind her was a troop of at least fifty men. The Wyvern's turned, and the largest of them lifted itself off the ground, flying toward the group. The green-haired woman raised her arm, and I was temporarily blinded as a large bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, striking the Wyvern. I rubbed my eyes, trying to get the spots away from my vision. But I was soon covering my ears as the Wyvern let out an ear-splitting scream. For a few moments after that, I was oblivious to the happenings of the world. I could barely see and my ears were ringing.
After a while, my vision cleared, I saw that the Wyverns were retreating, one flying with a slight limp. Beside me, the old Knight said something.
'What did you say?' I turned and asked him, wishing that my ears weren't ringing so badly.
'I said,' He responded, just loud enough so that I could hear him over the ringing. 'That we should go down stairs and meet up with Lord Roy.'
'I think that would be a good idea' I responded, glad that the emergency was over. I moved down the stairs, to see what news our Lord had to bring us.
My hearing eventually got better, much to my relief. The green-haired woman had turned out to be the Lady Cecilia, the Mage-General of Etruria. After hearing a snippet of conversation, I also learned that she was Lord Roy's tutor whilst he was studying her a few years ago. That she had arrived at the time that she did was pure luck. Any later and there probably wouldn't be a city surrounding us.
We stayed in Ostia for another few days, helping the survivors get back on their feet and making sure that there were no more traitors lurking around the shadows. But Lord Roy needed to get back home to Pherae, to tell his father what had happened. They said something about organising a meeting of the Lycia alliance or something like that, but I wasn't really interested about that.
The old knight waved us goodbye as we left. Surprisingly, Lady Lilina had left him in charge of the castle whilst she was out on diplomatic business. That surprised me a little. Whoever the knight was, he was obviously an important and trusted figure.
We travelled for weeks. Unlike our ride to Ostia, there was a relaxed atmosphere around the camp. I enjoyed myself thoroughly, although half way through the journey Chad and I were punished because we accidentally splashed a bucket of cold water on Lord Roy. It wasn't our fault, honestly! We were aiming for Asthor. We had to wash the dishes for an entire week after that. But despite these small setbacks, we generally had a good journey. Everyone was in high spirits about our victory at Bern, and everything was looking up for us.
We arrived in Pherae two weeks and three days after we set off. The city was what I had imagined Ostia to be: lively and full of happiness. Children ran down the streets, laughing joyously while adults watched them, remembering their own youth. Brightly coloured merchant stalls lined the streets, and their owners waved their wares at us, trying to coax us into purchasing something. I was filled with the brightness of the place, as was everyone else in the Army. Lord Roy especially seemed to relax. But then again, he was coming home. I wonder what it's like, the feeling you get when you return home from a long journey. Well, that's something I'll never get to experience. All that's left of my home is an old, run down building. Without Father or the children, that's all it ever was.
I snapped out of my sorrowful interlude as we approached the castle gates. Bright banners featuring the insignia of Pherae snapped in the wind. People stopped what they were doing to come and look and marvel at us, the triumphant army that took back Ostia from Bern. I could not help but smile widely, I felt like a war hero. Beside me, Chad was also strutting, trying to look as noble and heroic as possible.
'You look like a rutting pigeon.' I told him with a grin.
'And you like a strangled chicken.' He responded to me, his chest deflating slightly.
We entered the castle to be cheerfully greeted by servants. They moved up to us and fussed over the state of our clothes and other such trivial things. We were about to be shown to our rooms when a large booming noise echoed through the halls. I paused, suddenly on edge. A fire spell wormed its way into my memory, ready to be cast in an instant. I heard the sound of claws scraping on floor and deep, heavy breathing. Suddenly, a huge, grey haired beast ran through the hallway and leapt upon Lord Roy. I was about to unleash fiery doom upon the thing when I had a closer look. What I had though to be a large, grey monster was instead a great big hunting dog with shaggy grey fur. Its tail swung from side to side as it proceeded to erase Lord Roy's face with its tongue. I looked around to see that I wasn't the only one that had been ready to attack the "Monster". Several people sheathed their weapons, then helped to drag the overly friendly dog off the heir of Pherae.
I turned to look at Chad, then suddenly we both burst into laughter. It just seemed so stupid. The man who has stood up to the Bern army and won had been felled by a simple dog. It felt good, just to be able to laugh after all that had happened, that we could be silly and enjoy ourselves. A number of people joined in out merriment, and it healed us like no priest of Emiline could.
Shortly after, we were escorted to our separate rooms. Mine had a study desk, crammed full of books, and a lage bed with a feather pillow. It was a comfortable looking room, but I had the desire to explore around the castle. I unpacked, putting my things in their temporary homes, and set off to look around the castle. Although not as big as castle Ostia, castle Pherae had a more homely feel to it. Also, there were no bloodstains, and the feeling of death did not loom over me, threatening to devour me into the depths of sorrow.
I shook my head, clearing my mind of those dark thought. Now was not the time to lament over the past. I continued down the corridors, smiling and greeting everyone I came across. The walls were decorated with various paintings, of former Marquesses and Marchionesses, battle scenes and landscapes. Vases filled with brightly coloured flowers were placed around also, and their sweet fragrances wafted through my senses. I was considering heading to the kitchen to grab something to eat, aside form dry military rations that is, when a painting caught my eye.
It was much larger than any other that I had seen in the castle; this one almost took up a wall by itself. On it was painted a daytime scene that instantly grabbed my attention. In the background was an old, crumbling ruin, being slowly taken over by moss and vines. Grasses grew wild around, and half-destroyed statues guarded what may have been an entrance. In the foreground there was a large tree, and underneath its outstretched branches were two people, obviously a couple. In the light, they were barely more than silhouettes, but they somehow seemed to exude emotion. The man leaned his back on the tree, his arms enfolded around the woman, both looking upwards into the sky above the far away ruins. In that sky was what caught my eye. Two great, winged dragons circled around. Every single scale has seemed to be painted on them, and they shimmered a brilliant silver-blue colour. Their large, membranous wings were outstretched and painted silvery green. Their red eyes seemed to stare into my own, asking me "Who do you think you are, to gaze upon our magnificence?"
I do not know how long I stood there, staring at the magnificent painting. I could not seem to drag my eyes away from its brilliance. I was eventually disturbed by a voice behind me.
'It's good isn't it?' The man behind me asked.
'I have never seen such a magnificent painting.' I responded, continuing to stare up at the left-most dragon's red eyes.
'I have to admit, the artist did fuddle up the dragons. He painted them how he thought they would look like, not what I said that they looked like. They look more like enlarged wyverns than true dragons.'
I turned around to ask how he knew what real dragons looked like, considering that no-one had seen them for over a thousand years. Then, as I saw who it was, I stopped, my eyes widening in amazement.
'Still, despite the mistake with the dragons, I have to admit that it is a magnificent-' he was cut off by a violent fit of coughing. I moved over to assist him, and he gripped my shoulder to support himself. He stoped, then took a deep breath and straightened himself.
'I apologise,' He straightened himself, and turned to look at me. 'I must look pathetic. I can't even take a walk around the castle without falling to my illness.'
'You don't have to apologise.' I responded. 'I mean, everyone gets sick, wether they are nobles or farmers. All you can do is get better. Father always told me that it was silly to try and act well when your sick, instead you should rest and get better so that you can be well.'
'... Your father was a wise man.' He looked at me with bemusement, mirth and curiosity in his blue eyes.
'He wasn't my real father.' I responded. 'He was a priest of St. Emiline, and he ran the orphanage where I lived. I can barely remember my real parents, but he was always a father to me and Rei.'
'Ah, I see.' He said sadly. 'So, those two still met their demise, even after all I did to try and protect them...' He shook his head. 'Please, tell me your name.'
'Lugh.' I told the sickly Marquess.
'Well then Lugh. It was a pleasure talking to you. There are few people who are willing to just have a decent conversation with me. Everyone just seems to think that all I say is right, and they grovel at my feet to try and gain my favour.' He sighed, and then coughed.
'... It must be lonely.' I said suddenly.
'Hm?' He stoped coughing and looked at me.
'People are always trying to gain power, but once you get it, everyone starts looking up to you as their superior. It may be nice for a while, but I think that eventually, you'd just want to be like everyone else again. But once you achieve power, it's incredibly hard to get rid of it.' I stopped, then smiled sheepishly. 'There I go again, rambling about thinks that just pop into my mind.'
'No...' He looked thoughtful, and did I see sadness? 'You have a talent for seeing things in a different perspective.' He sighed again, then smiled. 'Well, I'm sorry to cut our conversation short, but I'm afraid that I have other things that need my attention. Please, if you have the time, I would like to talk to you again. Visit me in my study sometime, I'd enjoy the company.'
'I'd be honoured.' I nodded. He nodded in return, then walked off. I watched him go, then turned my eyes back to the painting for one last look. I then walked down the corridor to return to my room, and to meet Chad along the way.
There was no way that Chad would believe that I had just talked with Lord Eliwood.
The remaining members of the Lycia Alliance were to gather in Pherae for an emergency council. We were going to remain in the castle for a few months whilst everything was being sorted out. It was good to know that we had a few months break, but I needed to do something other than wait around and be bored.
After the first week, the entirety of the Lycia Alliance Army was called in to the Council chambers. There were representatives from each providence. Lady Lilina sat in the Seat of Ostia, and Lord Roy stood beside his father, who stared down at us in bemusement. The representative from Laus stood up and cleared his throat.
'This is the small advanced force of the Lycia Alliance Army that was led by Lord Roy. Through their actions, many conspiracy theories were revealed and plots against the Alliance were thwarted. It is because of them, that Laus was released from the tyrannical rule of Lord Erik. They have shown courage in the face of impossible odds, and have survived all that has been thrown at them.'
Murmuring moved through the representatives. I felt myself flush red with embarrassment. I didn't do that much... A chair slid across the floor, and I looked up t see Lord Eliwood standing, looking at us.
'As the representative of the Lycia Alliance, until the Lady Lilina comes of age is eligible to take the title of Marchioness, I give thanks to the advanced force of the Lycia Alliance Army. Whilst you may not think of yourselves as such, you are now heroes. Without your assistance-' there was a pause as he coughed. Roy moved over to lend assistance to his sickly father, but Lord Eliwood waved him off. He took a deep breath and continued. 'If not for you, the alliance would have surely fallen by now. We give you our fullest gratitude.' He smiled weakly. 'I look down, and I see the descendants of so many old friends. Just as we once moved around Elibe, saving the world from doom, so do you. Do your parents proud.' He nodded to us, then sat down.' Each of us was given a small medal. The words had been enough for me, but the medal... I smiled and pocketed it. Although I had been called a hero, I did not feel like one. I may have saved hundreds, but I killed hundreds as well. I would rather be an unknown innocent then a bloodstained hero. I could not wear the medal.
Not yet, anyway.
Another chapter done.A lot happier than the previous ones, butthat's to be expected.But, alas, don't expect another for a month. I'm going on holiday, and immediately after that I'm back at school. I'll try to get it written, but don't expect any miracles.
Chapter Ten: A Chance Meeting (?'s POV)
That's right! A surprise POV! A lamington to whoever can guess who it is!
R&R please!
