Hello again everyone! Today we're going to be moving into Maribelle's rescue! Then next time we get a side chapter!
Lucina: Why didn't you give me and my father any real screen time last chapter?
7: To be honest many of the fanfics I've seen really focus on Chrom and yours duel since none of the other opponents are worth mentioning. So, I thought I'd change it up a bit
Severa: I actually wanted to … to …
7: Thank me?
Severa: Yeah that!
7: Shoot dug you out there, anyway you're welcome. I tried to envision how two tacticians would really fight each other and I think it came out well.
Severa: I still don't appreciate being defeated by a leg sweep, by the way.
7: That's something you'll have to take up with your father, not me.
Lucina: Actually, I have a question for you 7.
7: Go ahead
Lucina: The Pegasus Knights with Aunt Cordelia seem much crueler than what I've heard from her stories. Why is that?
7: Jealousy, to be perfectly honest. The others know that the instructors have to be supremely nitpicky in order to give Cordelia any criticism, not to mention the amount of attention she gets from the male crowd. It's ugly, but they're starting to come around, as we'll see in a few chapters.
Lucina: Thank you. *bows*
Severa: AGAIN, Lucy! Stop bowing for god's sake!
7: Before this escalates, to the story!
Crises (Declaration)
The Shepherds left the coliseum the next morning, the only noise coming from the rumble of the wagons.
The day was bright and clear, cheery to all but the Shepherds. The wagons made all possible speed back to Ylisse, their passengers fuming.
Robin sighed as they passed through the Longfort. They'd made a six hour journey in fewer than three.
All because Plegia got impatient and decided to start something.
He sighed again as the morning's events played out in his mind.
They'd all woken up early, habit guiding them through their usual rituals despite pounding hangovers. Many were still half-asleep when they finally gathered by the wagons.
The only one missing was Chrom, but Frederick, ever the taskmaster, had the Shepherds storing their supplies before Chrom arrived.
When he did, it was in a storm of rage and anxiety.
"Shepherds! We make for Ylisstol immediately, everyone to the wagons!"
His voice brokered no argument and they scrambled into the wagons with all the haste their muddled brains could muster. Only Robin had the wherewithal to catch Chrom's arm.
"Hey, what's wrong? We aren't supposed to leave for another hour."
Chrom simply grunted and handed Robin a piece of parchment. "Read that while we ride."
He stormed away from Robin, leaping into the wagon and screaming for the Shepherds to hurry.
Robin jumped into his wagon and started reading, a pit opening in his gut after the first sentence.
Emergency Dispatch.
Prince Chrom, you are hereby ordered to return to Ylisstol with all possible haste. A national incident has occurred on the border of Ylisse and Plegia and all forces are being recalled. Details of the incident will be given upon arrival.
Godspeed,
Knight Commander Phila.
Shaking his mind free, he glanced to the others with him. All of them were solemn, but Lon'qu in particular had tried to stuff himself into the corner of the wagon.
Robin sighed. Basilio had, while drunk, spilled to everyone at the feast that Lon'qu wasn't comfortable around women. The man in question had simply scowled, but the Shepherds happily began teasing their new addition.
That is why I don't drink much. If I lose that much control after drinking, I'll either shame myself into exile or get myself killed.
Squashing the thought and sighing again, he turned his mind to Cordelia.
The dispatch said that all units are being recalled, but who knows when it'll reach them? When I asked Phila about what they could do in this kind of situation, she said there was no way for messages to reach them in the air. It still boggles the mind that most of Ylisse's forces are based on Pegasus Knights yet messages travel by land.
It meant that Cordelia and her comrades would have to reach an outpost before they received the message.
He prayed it would happen soon.
Ylisstol Castle
Their journey took another five hours; the sun was low in the sky when they thundered through the castle gates.
Chrom leapt from the wagon he'd been in, Lissa, Sumia, Frederick, and Robin chased after him.
"Everyone, go to the barracks and prepare! I'll be back with news!" Robin called over his shoulder before sprinting after Chrom.
He wouldn't catch him though. Chrom was on the warpath and even the veteran guards shook in their boots as he passed. He didn't even wait for the throne room doors to open before exploding inside.
"Emm, is it true?! Are we at war?!"
Emmeryn stood from her throne, steely gaze silencing Chrom. "At this moment, we are not. Now please, be patient. I will explain everything when Lissa has joined us."
"Explain what, Emm? I haven't had a lick of information all day! Why did we leave Ferox so soon, what's the problem?!"
Lissa had arrived by then, Frederick, Sumia, and Robin bringing up the rear.
Emmeryn's eyes lingered on Sumia. "Milady, is there a reason you have come? This involves Lissa and Chrom personally. Sir Frederick and Sir Robin are in company to fulfill their duties."
Sumia flushed. "Uh, I was thinking, uh, that I could be… a messenger! That way Frederick and Robin can continue discussing with you while I inform the Shepherds."
Emmeryn smiled. She had plenty of messengers and the poor girl was so obvious. "Very well then, but you must inform them the moment I finish. Any delay could be disastrous."
Sumia nodded and tried to get beside Chrom as subtly as possible.
Emmeryn suppressed a smile, she needed to begin.
"The incident that caused us to recall our forces occurred two days ago. Bandits raided the villages bordering the Plegian Trade Pass in the province of Themis. "The Duke's daughter — Lady Maribelle— took it upon herself to drive out the attackers."
Chrom sucked in a breath. "Is she ok?"
Emmeryn silenced him with a look. "Do not interrupt me; all will be clear in a moment."
Her eyes turned to Lissa. "When Lady Maribelle arrived at the village, all she found were burnt homes. One of her guard spotted the bandits shortly thereafter and she pursued them."
She sighed. "However, that is where our information ends. Plegia has claimed the Lady Maribelle invaded their territory in pursuit of the bandits, but what little we've been able to gain since then tells us they captured her."
Lissa was pale as death. "B-but surely she's ok? Right, Emm?"
Emmeryn sighed. "We… can't be sure, Lissa."
Phila, ignored and silent till then, spoke. "Trying to get any scouts close enough to find out could provoke them into hostility. Lady Maribelle's life would be forfeit."
Chrom growled. "Then we will march and take her back! She's an old friend of all of us, surely we can do that!"
Emmeryn glared. "This is why you are not Exalt, Chrom. You do not see this situation for what it is!"
Chrom recoiled and Emmeryn's face softened. "Your heart is in the right place, but this is an attempt to provoke us. Should we rush in blindly, Gangrel and his court can claim we are launching another purge. I will not see all I have worked for destroyed by an instant of irrationality."
Chrom grimaced and looked away, eyes haunted.
Robin glanced between the two curiously. They're talking about the so called 'Grand Crusade' from fifteen years ago. It was instigated by the former Exalt—Draken— after his wife died after Lissa was born. There's long been rumors that she was killed by a jealous noblewoman, but others contend it was Plegian agents.
He shook his head; there'd be time to entertain conspiracies later.
Emmeryn sighed. "I'm sorry, Chrom, that was cruel of me. In any case, there's a more practical side to why we can't rush in blindly. Phila, if you would?"
Phila stepped forward. "Despite Sir Robin's success in supplying what forces we have, we are still very weak. Plegia outnumbers our own forces by a significant margin, even with our most conservative estimates. In addition, we lost many of our most experienced warriors in the Purge so many years ago."
Frederick frowned, finally speaking. "I assume that has to do with the policy to keep a smaller and more mobile force? Our knights may be of higher quality, but we have little to counter Plegia's wyverns."
Emmeryn nodded. "Exactly. We may have the advantage in quality of troops, but our numbers are small enough that Plegia can simply drown us in bodies."
Chrom sighed, finally calm. "Then what can we do?"
Emmeryn took a deep breath. "As we have so few options, I will offer parley with King Gangrel."
Everyone save Robin began protesting the idea. Robin kept his eyes on the Exalt.
Hmph, stubborn as a bull. Lissa and Chrom aren't the only hard heads in the family.
He turned to Sumia. "The Exalt has debriefed us. Please, go tell the Shepherds. I feel we'll be leaving before long."
Sumia nodded slowly and left the throne room. She threw one last worried glance at Chrom before she disappeared.
Robin shook his head and turned back to the argument. Emmeryn was doing her best to calm everyone down.
Well, looks like I have to play peacekeeper. I hope Lissa doesn't slip me something at dinner after this. I know she's worried, but sense and worry rarely collude.
Robin took a deep breath. "Alright, that's enough!"
The argument stalled, everyone turned to face Robin.
He steeled his eyes. "The Exalt has spoken. If we must meet this King Gangrel to secure peace, then we shall do so with a smile. We are a kingdom of peace and we shall not go to war unless we must."
Emmeryn smiled at him. "Thank you, Robin. As he says, my order is absolute, but that doesn't mean I'll be going alone. I would like the Shepherds to join me and my personal guard at the meeting point."
Mollified, if still unhappy, Chrom and Lissa left to prepare. Frederick followed them, but Robin was stopped before he could.
"Robin, please stay here. I have some matters that I need to discuss with you."
He paused and turned to see they were alone. Not even the usual guards stood in the corner.
Efficiency on par with assassins. Phila trains her recruits well.
Emmeryn walked up to him. "Please, walk with me."
She turned toward a small side door and Robin followed. They entered a small hallway with a beautiful garden to their right and Emmeryn slowed until they were side by side.
Silence stretched between them as they strolled, Emmeryn contemplating and Robin starting to feel nervous.
Did I do something? Was there an accident that involves me in some way?
Emmeryn finally sighed. "I'm sorry for pulling you away, Robin. I wanted to ask you a few things before you went to prepare."
He gulped. "Ask away. I will answer anything I can."
She smiled. "Well, first I'd like to thank you. My siblings are quite stubborn when they get their mind set and your intervention kept things from turning ugly."
Then she sighed. "But, I wish to confer to you something I've discovered. Something that may help us both."
Robin raised brow. "Oh? How?"
Emmeryn gestured for him to follow. "I'll tell you in a moment, come with me."
They turned into the garden, eventually reaching an alcove with a bench. Emmeryn sat first, patting the seat beside her. "Come, sit. Don't worry, I won't bite."
Robin sat slowly. "Ok… why are we here?"
She laughed. "Well, I think I may have discovered something regarding your past. In addition, I have an offer for you."
He gasped. "What did you find?"
She tapped at the bench, eyes pensive. "Well, I heard that you'd been asking about markings and such. So, I had some of the scholars look into the marks you were asking about. I looked in my spare time too and we found something interesting."
Robin felt like his heart was in his throat. "Please, what did you find?"
Emmeryn met his eyes. "Show me the mark and I will tell you."
He was growing frustrated with her stalling but pulled off his right glove all the same.
Emmeryn stared at the back of his hand. "As I thought. You, Robin, are a member of the old Plegian nobility. Your family is Grimleal."
Robin didn't like the sound of that. "Grimleal? What are they?"
Emmeryn grew confused. "I… guess you haven't gotten to that yet. Well, the Grimleal are an age old cult that worships the fell dragon Grima. Unlike us, who worship Naga and wish for peace, the Grimleal seek to bring their god to the physical realm and destroy the world."
Robin narrowed his eyes. "Why do that? It would kill them as well."
She sighed. "They believe that Grima's followers will rule the new world after the unworthy have been cleansed. It says in their texts that doing so will lead to an earthly paradise. As you might imagine, that sounds really good to a poor soul down on their luck."
Emmeryn's eyes hardened. "But, much of what they do is horrid. Human sacrifice, genocide, kidnapping, incest, all of that and more. The Grimleal were once a much more peaceful sect, their oldest texts show as much, but the defeat of Grima by the first Exalt and the Purge fifteen years ago has turned them into what they are now."
She looked away. "I… doubt this is what you wanted to hear. I'm sorry all I've discovered is a link between you and them."
Robin was silent for a long time before he sighed. "Blood does not make the man, only action. To judge a man by his blood is to suffer the height of arrogance."
Emmeryn blinked. "You truly believe that?"
He smiled. "Well, amnesia and love of reading aside, your brother said that to me. It was his answer when I asked him why he'd welcome people like Kellam and Vaike into his personal force."
She smiled again. "That does sound like him. I'm glad you've taken the news so well."
He nodded. "And I thank you for delivering it. Now, what was the offer you had for me?"
Her smile shifted. It was sly and she looked like she was going to enjoy this next part.
"Well, I've been under increasing pressure from the nobility to do something I'd rather not. I have people coming for visits and dinner and all kinds of functions, it's quite burdensome."
Robin did not like where this was going.
"But, if you agree to my offer, all of that goes away! And, the benefit to you is that you have complete run of the castle, the library, and you'll never go hungry or grow lonely."
He really didn't like where this was going. "Um, Your G-, Emmeryn. Can you just tell me what you want?"
Her smile was almost evil. "Simple, marry me."
His face must have been hilarious. She collapsed into a fit of giggles, nearly crying as her mirth begged to escape.
Robin slowly schooled his face into an unimpressed mask. "Very funny, Emmeryn. How long have you been waiting to pull that one?"
She finally got her mirth under control, her body still shaking. "Oh, hehehe, you have no idea."
Her eyes were alive right then, just like she was when in private. Frankly, Robin much preferred this Emmeryn to the one that presented herself to the public.
She took a deep breath. "Sorry, that was too good an opportunity. Besides, I have it in good faith you have your heart elsewhere. Anyway, my actual offer is to install you as a court advisor."
His brows shot up. "A court advisor? Aren't all the positions filled?"
Emmeryn nodded. "They are, but the Hierophant is getting to be too old. He'll have to retire soon and I don't know anyone else I'd be willing to trust."
Robin shook his head. "But, why me? Surely there are others more qualified."
She giggled. "Maybe, but I don't trust them. Besides, you've already done something I and my current advisors could not. That's proof enough in my eyes."
His eyes narrowed. "The suppliers. You sneaky woman, you set that up as a test!"
She smiled coyly. "Caught me. But, you did marvelously. You also have my siblings' complete trust and have been invaluable in dealing with the Risen. It's only right that I reward you."
He still had one question. "Then, why tell me this privately?"
Her eyes became sad. "Not all of our people have been so accepting of you, Robin. You have earned the trust of the royal family, Phila, and Frederick though you came from nowhere."
The sadness was gone quickly, replaced with familiar mirth. "That and you've caught the eye and attentions of the most sought after bachelorette in the realm. And before you ask, do you really think Lissa wouldn't tell me everything?"
Robin blushed. "Uh, it's not what you think. We're just…friends."
Her face went flat. "That's the single most unconvincing lie I've heard since Chrom told me he and Sumia were just friends. I have five hundred gold riding on them."
He laughed. "Everyone's in that pool it seems! I put forty on it happening by fall, you?"
She smirked. "All on next spring. I know my brother better than anyone; it'll take that long for him to finally be brave."
They laughed again, glad for the levity after their meeting. Robin knew that Emmeryn needed these moments, it was what kept her sane.
Did he know for sure? No, but if he'd been in her shoes, he'd need them.
She finally sighed. "The night grows late. I told Phila to send a messenger for the parley, but we must move in the morning. Goodnight, Robin."
He bowed. "Goodnight, Emmeryn. I pray this will go well."
She stepped up to him and planted an affectionate kiss on his cheek. "You and me both, my friend. I'd love to keep teasing you like this."
He blushed and didn't reply.
"Well, this time for true, goodnight."
He turned on his heel and left, missing Emmeryn grimace.
Why? Grimleal have come before me in the past, but something about him makes my brand burn. First, it was just looking at his eyes, but physical contact is even worse. It feels like a burning dagger has stabbed me.
She shivered a bit. She'd been attracted to him, as were most of the maidens in the castle, but that pain had kept any thought of pursuing him at bay.
If a teasing peck is enough to give me a migraine what would a kiss do? Or, worse, what would the marriage bed have been like?
Something told her it would be deadly.
Her eyes narrowed and she turned to the heavens.
What is he? Everything he's done shows a good man that anyone would want to be friends with, but something's just… off.
She shook her head, now wasn't the time to think on it. She had plans to flesh out and a very impatient commander waiting for her with stacks of parchment.
Joy.
—Robin—
He was finally outside of the castle, his mind thinking on what Emmeryn had told him.
Hmph, if what she says is true, there'd be a revolt if I was appointed. An advisor to the Exalt who just so happens to be of Grimleal descent? I'm not so foolish as to think some jealous aspirant wouldn't spread the word and send the jackals after my head.
It would offer him nothing but trouble. Maybe after some time had passed and his name was more well established, then he'd think about it.
I need more information on the Grimleal though. They sound like a powerful faction in Plegia and as the saying goes, 'Knowing is half the battle.'
He sighed and kept walking. As he walked, he noticed the faint sound of wings beating in the air. Looking around, he smiled ruefully at where he was.
Why am I not surprised? When the mind is troubled, the feet carry it where it will be soothed.
But, that meant the wings he could only mean one thing.
As the Pegasus settled to the earth, Robin smiled.
"Cordelia."
The woman leapt from her seat and rushed up to him, just restraining herself from jumping into his arms. "Robin!"
He smiled. "Hey, I don't get a hug?"
She smiled back. "You actually know how to hug? I'm shocked."
He rolled his eyes. "Yes, make fun of the amnesiac, it's never been done."
She laughed. "Ah, but you know more. Not quite able to play that card so easily."
Robin took a step forward, his arms crossed and eyes locked on Cordelia's own. "Touché."
Cordelia stepped forward, the distance shortening to a bare foot. "Now, how'd the mission go?"
They were right in front of each other, Cordelia having to tilt her head back a bit to look at him. Robin reached around her shoulders and pulled her close, but not as close as she secretly wished.
"It went well. We did it without any hiccups and were going to start back this morning."
She wrapped her arms around his back. "I see. Then, you got the dispatch too?"
He nodded, enjoying the hint of cinnamon she wore, even in uniform. "Yes. I… have little doubt you'll find out all the details soon, but I'd like your input."
Her eyes widened and she pulled away. "Oh, what can I help with that the great tactician can't solve?"
He sighed. "Don't call me that. If you do, I'll start calling you Corny Cordy again."
She smacked his shoulder. "You promised to never make fun of my reading preferences!"
He rubbed the shoulder. "First, ow. Second, I reserve the right to give you silly nicknames when we're alone."
She huffed. "Fine, have it your way. And here I was, thinking of treating you to your favorite place for dinner."
He didn't laugh or backpedal like she expected. If anything, he grew solemn.
"I… can't take you up on that. It has to do with what I'm going to tell you."
She nodded slowly. "Ok, but… can we sit down? I've been riding most of the day."
He nodded and they took a seat on a worn bench on the field's edge. Silence stretched between them, the usual feeling of comfort replaced by anxiety.
Since she was waiting for him, Robin began. "So, what happened to get us here was a raid. Bandits attacked villages bordering the Plegian Trade Pass in Themis. Lady Maribelle, the Duke's daughter, pursued them to the Plegian border."
He sighed. "That's where things get complicated. See, Plegia has taken Maribelle hostage, accusing her of invading them. But, from what the Exalt and her sources have found, it looks like the Plegians took Maribelle and dragged her over the border."
Cordelia shook her head. "That's a direct act of war. Kidnapping the heiress of a duchy like Themis is bound to make the others demand blood."
Robin sighed. "That's the problem. The Exalt's sources aren't completely sure that's the case and if we go to war over something that's actually a mistake, it could lead to another purge."
Cordelia looked sick. "That's… you make a good point."
He put a hand on her shoulder. "That's why I'd like your input. It's always a good idea to see what others are thinking, if only because they may be too scared to share something."
She smiled at him. "I thank you for having such a high opinion of me. But, I've no head for strategy. I can fight, I can organize, and I can cook, and so on. But, the one thing I could never grasp was strategy."
Robin laughed. "Look at that, she admits it! You're always so competitive when we spar, I never thought you'd admit to being bad at anything!"
She punched his arm. "I'm being serious!"
He rubbed his arm. "Again, ow. But, you should have asked about it. I'm quite good at chess and Virion's great sparring when it comes to strategy."
Cordelia looked away. "I… didn't want to impose."
He clapped her shoulder, Cordelia tensing form the impact. "Hey, no need to feel bad. I'll gladly teach you."
She shook her head. "That sounds great, but I don't think we have the time. It's been wonderful talking with you again, but I need to leave."
She stood but he caught her arm. "Wait, I need to tell you one more thing."
She glanced back at him and sat.
"Ok, so, the Exalt has decided to parley with the Plegian King. We'll set out for the pass tomorrow, but I want you to come with us."
She jumped from her seat. "What?! You want me to join the Exalt's guard?!"
Robin held up his hands. "Only for this mission. If things go south, we need the best. The Shepherds are already going, but I'd feel beyond relieved to have you there."
Cordelia held her tongue, hands clenched at her sides. She wanted to go with him, she really did, but there was no way. She had a duty to uphold and… and if that meant refusing his offer, then so be it.
"I can't. I…I have to stay with my unit. We go back on patrol tomorrow, I can't just leave them!"
Robin stood. "You've told me how they treat you! Why would you go with them when you have friends that want you, need you?!"
She sucked in a breath. "I have a duty to my Flight Sisters! I may not be on the best of terms with them, but I know my place is beside them!"
Robin growled. "You have a duty to yourself as well! Quit being so stubborn about this, duty isn't everything!"
Her eyes were fire. "Of course you'd say that! I'd expect nothing less from an empty minded dreamer that's gotten by on nothing but luck!"
That stung. "Fine have it your way! Go with your unit and be miserable!"
He turned and stormed away, not bothering to look back. Cordelia did the same, mounting her Pegasus and taking off to her barracks. It wasn't until she was in her room that what she'd said fully sunk in.
She pounded the wall and sunk to the floor.
Naga damn it. I just went and blew up my friendship because I was embarrassed. He hates me now, I just know it, but I couldn't just abandon my unit!
She gripped at her arms, digging small furrows in the leather belts.
Why did I lose my head? I could have just explained to him that I needed to stay, that those were my orders. But, then he started to… insult my duty! My duty is my pride, everyone knows that!
Except him, it seemed. She'd answered her own question, but now she had to figure out how to make amends. If the situation was as serious as he said then…
I… I need some time. Maybe, the patrol will help me out a bit.
It was funny, in retrospect. Just two days ago she was dying to see him.
Now, she didn't want to be in the same city.
—Robin—
"Damn and blast it!"
Robin kicked over a stool, not caring that it sent a pile of books tumbling.
"Stubborn, bull headed, zeal clouded woman!"
He sat heavily on his thin bed, head in his hands as he seethed.
She couldn't see that I was trying to get her away from the fighting. I know that Emmeryn will always believe peace is possible, but bloodshed is inevitable. Damn it, I wish they'd give me access to the information network.
He snarled and glanced around.
I need something to get her off my mind. I'll think about this again when I'm calm and Phila's not so busy.
He'd already read most of the books in his rooms so he set out to find one that he hadn't read. But, before he could really dig, he needed to remove his guests.
"Lissa, you either leave to prepare with everyone else, or so help me I will make you do all my paperwork!"
A commotion sounded behind the door as his 'guests' left. Finally alone, he began searching for a new book.
We'll be going against the Grimleal at some point. I wonder if I have anything on their practices?
After a few minutes of searching, he came across a book that he didn't remember buying.
It was bound in black with silver thread spelling out its title of Blood Magic: A History of Forbidden Thaumaturgy.
Well, that's convenient. I don't remember buying this particular volume. Anyway, it'll do. Grimleal are supposed to use blood magic after all.
He sighed and brought the book to a low table that could generously be called a desk. He took a deep breath and popped open the first page.
As he read, the descriptions became incredibly grisly and the illustrations demonstrating some of the rituals became increasingly extreme. One part, though, caught his attention.
Hm, dragons were the originators of blood magic? According to this, they used their blood in long lost rituals to contact or summon the ancient gods, or High Gods as the Church knows them. The rituals were lost when the dragons more or less disappeared, but it says a book called Comaoineach na Gods, whatever that means, holds the ability to contact them.
It contradicted the idea of the Astral Realm that Lissa had told him about, but then again, the book may have been out of date.
Oh well, it was informative if sickening. I'll make this mandatory reading for the others when we get back.
He shut the book and blew out the candle he'd set up when the room had grown dark. So much had happened today, but the moon had only just reached its zenith.
Tomorrow will determine everything. I can only hope Emmeryn has a miracle hidden away somewhere.
—Afternoon, Plegian Trade Pass—
Their journey had been silent. They'd left in the wee hours of the morning, Royal Guard and Shepherds intermixed around their lieges. Robin had to leave his book behind, but he'd wandered into a confrontation between a young man in mage robes and Chrom.
The mage had been told he was too young to come and was supposed to keep an eye on the barracks.
Except, now he was following them.
-Earlier that day-
They had stopped for a short break. Robin had volunteered to walk the perimeter until they were ready to go and kept his senses trained on every detail.
A rustle in the brush caught his attention. It was subtle enough that most would have missed it completely, but Robin hadn't been listening for nothing.
He had his sword pointed at the brush and his tome glowing a moment later. "Show yourself!"
The brush didn't move.
"Either surrender or I set the brush ablaze!"
The brush rustled hard. "Wait, wait! It's me, Ricken! The guy from this morning!"
Robin lowered his weapon as the young man came out. "Why are you here? I thought Chrom ordered you to stay behind."
Ricken sighed. "I know, but I can help dammit! I may be small but I'm sixteen, Lissa's only a year older than me!"
Robin stared at him. "Yes and she's the only healer the Shepherds have on hand. What can you do?"
Ricken pulled out a light green tome. "I'm a wind mage! Well, I can use thunder and fire too, but wind's my specialty."
Robin nodded slowly. "I heard that wind magic's effective against flying units like pegasi and wyverns. Why is that?"
Ricken blinked. "You don't know?"
Robin sighed. "No, I don't. I've only heard it in passing from Miriel."
Ricken nodded, his excitement clear. "Well, when you send wind at them it messes up how their wings catch the air. Since their wings are useless they plummet to the ground. More powerful spells can rip their wings to shreds and even pierce heavy armor!"
Robin cupped his chin. "Small wonder you wanted to come. We may be up against wyverns and wind will be invaluable."
He crossed his arms. "But why are you the first person I've seen use it? Are wind tomes hard to make?"
Ricken shrugged. "Yeah, kinda. Lightning and fire are easier to enchant since they're controllable. Wind goes wherever it so pleases. Makes it a lot harder to enchant."
Robin grinned, an idea coming to mind. "Ok, Ricken, I need you to listen."
Ricken gave him his full concentration. "Ok, what? Don't tell me to go back, I'll just find somewhere else to hide."
Robin smirked. "That's actually what I want you to do. See, we're going to rescue Lady Maribelle and I need someone up on the cliffs. Chrom doesn't know you're here and neither do the Plegians, so you'll be our secret weapon."
Ricken started smiling. "I'll do my best!"
Robin held up a finger. "But, you need to move on my signal. When you see a lightning bolt fly into the sky, grab Maribelle and run for us. Once you're both behind our force, you'll need to provide support."
Robin turned around. "Now, head back into the brush. I'll take the heat from Chrom after this, you just do what you can."
Ricken nodded and clambered back in but returned a moment later. "Uh, do you have a snack or something? I haven't eaten since breakfast."
Robin rolled his eyes and passed him a strip of jerky.
Ricken nodded his thanks before going back into the brush and Robin moved on.
Now, he was still following them and Robin was impressed by his stealth. No one had noticed him, not even Frederick, by the time they arrived at the pass.
Robin glanced around at the peaks, noting the shadows above them.
Soldiers, they have to be. Looks like Plegia will have their war one way or another.
His eyes widened. If that was the case, they'd just delivered the entire royal family into their clutches.
He marched over to Virion. "Virion," he whispered. "Head to the right of the column, we have an ambush forming around us."
Virion's eyes widened. "Are you qui-"
Robin silenced him with a hand. "Yes, I'm quite sure. Do it."
Virion nodded and walked to the right, his training as a noble helping his composure.
As they walked ever forward, Robin moved all the Shepherds into positions he felt were most advantageous. He couldn't command the Royal Guard directly, but a word with Phila had them preparing when the King of Plegia came into view.
"Well, well, weeeell. We are in the presence of radiance herself! I fear I must shield my eyes!"
The king's voice was manic, Robin noted. It fit well with his gaunt face and pale skin. Oh, he tried to hide it under a luxurious white shirt and black vest with a voluminous yellow cloak and matching collar. But his dark pants lead into boots with a crooked turn in them, almost like a jester.
Actually, the entire outfit made him look something like a high-end jester. Only the gold necklace and the spiky gold crown around his mahogany hair made him out as the king.
Emmeryn stepped forward, her voice serenity incarnate. "King Gangrel, I have come to parley with you. We seek the truth of this incident."
The king sneered. "Yes, your messenger said as much."
Another voice spoke. "Do not trouble yourself, my liege. I'll tell them the truth."
A woman stepped forward, entering the Shepherd's sight.
Sultry and sensuous. Those words described her black corset and short skirt perfectly. She wore a black crown and collar of feathers surrounding her bleached white hair. Black pauldrons and shields adorned her hips, signs of an experienced fighter. But, all that was lost in the whisper of her voice, the way her clothing drew the eye to her plump breasts, long stocking-clad legs and beautiful face.
Robin did his best to ignore it, instead recognizing the purple marks on her figure.
Grimleal. I can't see the entirety of the marks but they look like some of the ones in that book.
She smiled, likely noting all the gazes locked on her breasts. "You see, one of our patrols was marching along the border like agreed when they stumbled upon a lost woman. However, when they tried to escort her she attacked them. One of our soldiers is dead thanks to her."
"You lying little skank, I did no such thing!"
Robin glanced to his right. Blonde hair? Check. Pink and white outfit? Check. Holier than thou attitude? Triple check.
That was Maribelle alright. Bound and held by a Plegian soldier, but Maribelle none the less.
He almost smirked. Her positioning put Ricken right behind them, but they needed to wait.
Gangrel shook his head. "Such a mouth on that girl, so disrespectful. Now then, what can I get for her?"
He pretended to think while Emmeryn spoke. "King Gangrel, surely there's no need for hostages? We can discuss this, like we have for the past decade! Surely you don't wish a war?"
Gangrel's face morphed into a vicious snarl. "I want what every Plegian wants! Every last Ylissean dead! But, I will be willing to release… what was her name again? Mary Contrary or some such high society name?"
He laughed at his own joke.
Emmeryn sighed. "Your terms, King Gangrel. The sooner we hear them the sooner we can settle this."
He laughed again. "My, my, so impatient! Remember, I can have her head this moment and make it home for dinner! Now then, what I want is… the Fire Emblem."
Emmeryn gasped. "What could you possibly want with Ylisse's greatest treasure?! Its purpose is greater than either of us!"
Gangrel sighed. "Ah, but I've always desired the Emblem. But, my birthday and the holidays go by every year and yet nothing from Ylisse. It makes me quite sad."
Robin had to praise the man's acting, he looked genuinely sad.
Emmeryn had steel in her eyes. "No, King Gangrel, I cannot give you the Fire Emblem. Its purpose and value are greater than any mortal."
She refused to look behind her, no doubt reluctant to see her siblings' horrified faces.
Gangrel snarled, face contorting in rage. "You don't have a choice. Men, kill them all and bring me the Emblem. But, do not kill the Exalt or her siblings, I want to do so myself!"
He turned with a flourish and disappeared behind the cliff. Some of the hidden soldiers charged Emmeryn but a blue blur shot forward and cut them open.
"Stand back! All who try will meet the same fate!"
It seemed to work as the soldiers stopped at the sight of Falchion's silver blade. But, they soon continued their charge.
Robin launched his signal and joined the fray. Phila grabbed Emmeryn and escaped the immediate area, but Virion had to put an arrow into one particularly daring Plegian.
Robin's lightning and swordplay took down its fair share of Plegians, but Lon'qu and Chrom were demons. Chrom had anger fueling his strikes and he cut down every Plegian to stand before him, leaping clean over a diving wyvern and beheading its rider.
Lon'qu was speed itself. He went from one opponent to the next in the blink of an eye, his strikes fast and precise but strong enough to lop off arms. His most impressive feat was outracing three Plegians and making mincemeat of their torsos.
Robin glanced up after he tackled another Plegian to the floor and cut open his throat. The blood splattered on his face, but he was more concerned with the whooshing sounds just above him.
A moment later, two Plegians flew over the edge and crumpled on the rocks next to him. He winced at the sickening cracks, but sprinted up the cliff to find the source.
He smiled when he got there. "Ricken, you devilish boy!"
Ricken held his glowing tome in hand, wind screeching from his palms whenever a Plegian grew close. Maribelle rode behind him, astride a horse that screamed thoroughbred.
She was unharmed, thankfully, but had an elaborate staff in hand that Robin recognized as a Mend.
She's a healer? A good one, too? Where did she find such a thing, or the horse for that matter?
Robin shook his head of questions and ran past Ricken, racing the other Shepherds to the top of the cliff. A white blur shot past him, a tinge of blue in it.
Chrom and Sumia. Damn, if they kill the captain we'll be short an information source!
He raced up the slope but found his path blocked by three Plegians with axes.
They charged him, but he ducked away from the first swing. The second and third blows were more coordinated, but he leapt away from them. They charged him again, but one of them anticipated his swing and Robin put his sword through the man's chest.
As blood splashed Robin's arm, the others attacked again.
Let's try what Miriel was helping me with.
Robin pointed his palm at them, hand still on his sword. Runes bloomed over his hand before lightning spat from his palm and slammed into the Plegians. It didn't kill them, but a few strokes from his blade remedied that.
Ok, so I can cast magic without having to grab the tome.
He pulled out the book but sighed at the dwindling pages.
Problem is it drains three pages for one spell. Along with that, it's not as powerful. Looks like I'll need to work on this more, but maybe adding Ricken to the practice will help.
Shouts drew him back to the battle. He was almost at the top of the cliffs now, but when he crested the slope, he growled.
Most of the Shepherds were there, but a single heavily armored wyvern rider was giving them hell. He'd already injured Stahl, Frederick, and Kellam while dodging around the others. As he watched, Virion sent an arrow towards him and it bounced off the wyvern's armor.
Spotting Sully, Robin had an idea. "Hey, Sully! Want revenge for that catapult trick?"
Sully grunted as she deflected a strike from the rider. "Love to, but not now!"
Robin ran up to her, driving the wyvern away with lightning. "Yes, now! Get me on the horse, I'll be doing it!"
She stared at him. "Are you insane? It'll kill you if I'm off by even an inch!"
Robin shrugged. "You have a better idea? Vaike just got raked by wyvern talons and Miriel's fire is doing jack all. By the time Ricken gets here, we'll be paste."
Sully groaned. "Fine, get up! This either works or we die!"
Robin smirked and pulled himself behind the horse. "More inspiring words have never been said! Charge!"
Sully spurred her horse forward, both riders roaring their challenge. It was enough to draw the Plegian's attention and he charged toward them. Seeing the charge, Robin took a deep breath.
"Now!"
Sully pulled hard on the reins, making her horse skid and buck. Robin used the buck to fly from the horse, doing his best to stay feet first.
The rider kept charging, deciding that Robin wasn't a threat. Sully wasn't vulnerable by any stretch of the imagination, but she realized what was happening for Robin.
"Shit, he's short!"
Robin crested and began to fall, legs extended. It wasn't until he finally saw the ground that he realized the same thing.
This is gonna hurt.
He fell like a rock. His original target had been the rider: kicking him off when he landed then electrocuting the wyvern. But now, he dove feet first into the wyvern's neck.
He felt one of his legs crack, blinding pain rushing to his brain. He kept just enough of his mind to smirk as his fall forced the wyvern's head into the ground. It flipped over and sent its rider flying. Unfortunately, this led to Robin being crushed under the dead weight of a wyvern with a snapped neck.
He heard metal rip flesh and someone's voice before his consciousness fled.
It wasn't until what felt like an eternity later that he finally opened his eyes.
Medical tent, must be in camp. I've been here enough times to know what it looks like. Damn Chrom and his version of sparring.
He glanced to his left. It looked like Vaike and Stahl were with him, but Kellam and Frederick were absent.
Must not have been that badly injured. Actually, where's Lissa? There's blonde on my right, but it's too light to be hers.
"You're awake. Tell me, what was that stunt? Are you so eager to die that you hatch such insanity regularly?"
Robin sighed, that explained the hair. "Hello, Maribelle, glad to see you alive too."
She huffed. "Alive is relative. You had a compound fracture in your leg and had your ribcage crack when that wyvern landed on you. If I didn't have my staff with me, you'd still be in a sling."
He rolled his eyes. "Thanks you for your help, but I need to see Chrom. I assume we're at war?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Yes, we are. And I will likely be known as the fool that got it started. I should have known those gutter rats wouldn't listen to reason."
Robin narrowed his eyes in turn. "You tried to parley with them? When they've been poking at our borders? Milady, you have no right to call me insane if you act so rashly."
She growled. "I've endured this lecture already, you needn't remind me."
Robin sighed. "Then I have no more to say on the matter. But, I will commend your work. My leg feels good as new."
She tried to hide it but Robin could see a trace of pink on her cheeks. "Hmph, it's my job! I will treat you, even if you are deplorable."
Her face became contrite, nearly giving Vaike a heart attack if the gasp Robin heard was any indication.
"I… must apologize for my curtness. Ricken has told me of how your silence ensured his rescue of me, and for that, you have my thanks. I fear that I'm distrustful of men approaching my dear Lissa and it makes me…curt."
Robin shook his head. "And here I thought you hated me on principle of being a commoner. Then again, you wouldn't be friends with Lissa if you did."
Maribelle sighed. "No, I suppose not. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must inform Lord Chrom that you've awoken."
She stood and left the tent, leaving Robin with Vaike and Stahl.
"So," Robin began. "What're you two in for?"
Stahl laughed. "Took an axe to my shoulder. It's not too bad, but Lissa's keeping me in the medical wagon until we return."
Vaike pointed to his back, a proud smirk on his face. "I got raked by a wyvern! Got me some cool scars!"
He had three dark lines running the length of his back, another, thinner line across his shoulder.
Vaike laughed. "Though, gotta say, never seen little Miss Prissy actually apologize to anyone. Maybe she's got something soft in her after all!"
He grimaced. "Doubt I'll live to see it myself though."
Stahl smirked. "Same. Maribelle acting contrite is rarer than diamonds, so savor it while you can, Robin."
"I'll do that," Robin laughed. "So, tell me, where are we?"
"We are half way to Ylisstol. Good to see you up, Robin."
Chrom pushed aside the tent's flap, Phila and Emmeryn behind him.
Robin saw Stahl and Vaike bow out of the corner of his eye. "Chrom, Phila, Your Grace. Are we at war?"
Emmeryn sighed. "Much to my regret, yes. We'll need to send out what forces we have to the forts and prepare the capital for battle. I'll make a formal call to arms when we return, but Gangrel's impatience has given us an advantage, small though it is."
Chrom nodded. "My blade started this bloodshed. But, Gangrel attacked us first and we are now in the right to defend ourselves. I may have doomed people to die, but they will not do so unwillingly. It's… small comfort."
Phila shook her head. "As I've said, Prince Chrom, had you not done it I would have. War was inevitable the moment he sent his soldiers forward."
She turned to Robin. "Sir Robin, Lady Emmeryn has granted permission for you to access our intelligence sources and full inventory. Your tactical acumen is well known, if unconventional, and that may be just what we need."
Emmeryn nodded. "Yes, but that is for when we return. For now, we will begin packing and resume our journey. Chrom, come with me. Phila, make sure this tent and all of its supplies are stored before we leave."
Phila bowed and Emmeryn swept out of the tent. Chrom spoke one last time before he left. "Don't worry about the others, Robin. Everyone's fine and we were able to recover your weapons. They'll be waiting in the usual place when we get back."
Robin nodded and Chrom was gone. Phila walked to his bedside and sat down.
"I already know what you're going to ask. But first, what did you do to make Cordelia so upset?"
Robin broke out in a cold sweat. "I… don't know what you're talking about."
Phila glared at him. "Don't get cute. Her captain told me that she took off the moment they were dismissed. Then, less then half-an-hour later, she comes back with rage in her eyes and locked herself in the barracks. Then, in the morning she was sulking."
Her glare could have killed a man at a hundred yards. "What. Did. You. Do?"
Robin sighed. "Phila, I'll be honest in a moment, but you act like Chrom when Cordelia's involved. In the 'get away from my sister you dirty pig' kind of way."
Phila folded her hands in her lap. "I certainly have no idea of what you speak. I'm concerned for all my juniors, not just her."
Robin almost chuckled but her glare stopped him. "Ok, look, I wanted to keep her close. I was asking her to join us in the mission rather than go off on another patrol."
Phila's silence told him to keep going. "Then, she told me how it was her duty to stay with her unit. I kind of threw back that her unit hadn't been very kind to her. And I told her duty wasn't everything... it didn't go well."
Phila sighed. "Congratulations, Sir Robin, you've officially made me angry."
Robin raised his hands. "Hey, hey, let me finish!"
Phila's face gave him his answer. One chance.
"Ok, I know it was stupid, but I was annoyed and I just spat it out. I know she takes great pride in what she does, she wouldn't have stuck it out if she hadn't."
He sighed. "But, I lit a fire in her and she called me an 'empty headed dreamer who doesn't know duty' or something to that effect."
Phila's anger drained away. "Did… did she really say that?"
Robin nodded. Everyone he knew was aware that Robin had amnesia and it was a sore point for him. To be called empty headed and a dreamer that didn't understand allegiance was a grave insult.
He'd worked hard for his knowledge and fulfilled the duty thrust upon him admirably. Calling him such a thing was the same as saying he didn't exist.
Phila sighed. "I see… then you're both at fault. You said what you said out of concern and frustration, but her words are arguably the greater slight. Looks like you have some issues to work through."
Robin sighed. "Yeah. Actually, if we didn't have a peanut gallery, I'd feel better about sharing."
Phila leveled a glare at Vaike and Stahl, the two swiftly fleeing the tent.
"Alright, please continue."
He sighed, pink rising in his cheeks. "Phila, would you explain to this poor amnesiac why I seem so happy around her? Why it hurt so much for her to get angry at me? Why I feel just a little hollow when we don't see each other?"
Phila blinked, surprised. "Really? The first two, I'd say you just had a crush on her. But, the third…"
She slowly began to smirk. "Naga in heaven, you're in love. Not just puppy love either, you're head over heels in love."
Robin's blush deepened. "But what does it mean? Amnesiac that literally woke up with nothing a few months ago, remember?"
Phila looked contrite. "Right, sorry. Well… as I said, you're in love. It means different things to different people, but yours seems to be in the 'I want to spend my life with this woman' camp. It's pretty rare all things told."
Her gaze was curious. "Actually, can you tell me when this hit you?"
Robin scratched his cheek. "I'd say… three days before I left for Ferox. I started coming up with excuses to keep her nearby."
Phila nodded. "Ok, well, that's something the two of you need to have a long conversation about. But, I'd save doing that until this little fight is resolved."
She stood. "That's all the advice I can give. I need to get this tent organized and you need to head to the medical wagon. Shall we?"
Robin nodded and stood, but couldn't help himself. "Where is she?"
Phila sighed, regret coloring her tone. "She was sent to the border fort in western Superius. It's closer to Plegia than all but one fort."
Robin's hand went limp as Phila continued.
"She'll be there when the Plegians storm the border. I… don't know if she'll make it.
Her eyes didn't meet Robin's as he slowly sunk into the cot.
"I'm sorry."
Ch 10 End
Man this chapter fought with me the entire way through so I can only hope it lives up to expectations!
Also as of the time of this writing we have 5,100 views, 19 Reviews, 16 Favorites, and 20 Follows!
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Severa: I'm actually surprised the stories done this well to be honest
Lucina: Yeah it seems like a dream to be honest *pinch* Ow!
Severa: Did you really just pinch yourself?!
Lucina: Aren't you supposed too?
Severa: No! You only do that when something really weird happens! Like if Inigo doesn't flirt with a girl for two straight days!
7: That would be very strange… That's probably how we can tell it's an imposter though no?
Severa & Lucina: *Nod simultaneously*
7: Well than let's wrap it up for the nice people shall we?
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