- 'All true and honest Plegians may rejoice for at long last justice has prevailed! The blood of the Exalt as been shed as the whore of Ylisse chose to take her own life in fear of righteous punishment!'

The mans voice carried easily over the city square so that even those in the further reaches glanced up at the sound, those closest to the speaker passing the words on to those further back and gradually an excited murmur grew from the crowd as more people stopped to listen. Glancing down at the letters scratched into the wax tablet in his hand the speaker continued delivering the royal message.

- 'Rabid dogs that they are the infidel attempted to save their whore queen and failed! Our armies under the leadership of his grace, the most fortunate of rulers on this world, Gangrel, tore the Ylissian host asunder! The heads of their vanquished have been sent to the cities of the realm, they very same you may now admire around this cities plaza!'

The murmur turned into a cheer. The speaker paused, waiting the noise to die down before continuing.

- 'This latest of triumphs over the hated foe brings our people one step closer to our fated victory over the most hateful of the infidel! With the destruction of our ancestral enemy will our fated rise to glory begin!'

The cheers sounded again and the speaker closed his tablet before walking to the cities council, the crowds turning to discuss the latest news in excited tones as they returned to their daily lives.

Separate from the crowds a youth sat and the steps leading to a temple, looking much like a beggar. So much so in fact that actual beggars had at some point approached her, demanding to see permission for her to occupy that workplace and threatened bodily harm should she not move, a brief show of steel convinced the beggars to drop the matter. Lucina sighed wearily as she looked over the heads sat on spikes around the square before resting on the arm that seemed to dominate the scene, the severed arm of her aunt.

She had been ecstatic at the success to stop the assassination and it came as a severe blow when she heard of Emmeryn's subsequent kidnapping and execution especially as she had heard of the latter only after arriving at the scene of her death and learned in more detail of the battle fought there. She had thought to follow her fathers retreating host but dismissed the idea as she had no knowledge as to where to find them and so she stayed back, listening to reports coming in dreading to hear the speakers reporting the death of more of the Exalts bloodline.

Emmeryn's death raised questions, was it chance? Or was it because it was meant to happen and so following her intervention fate simply rewrote the story to suit its needs? If it were the latter than this entire exercise was a lesson in futility and all that was destined to pass would do so.

Slapping her thighs she stood to her feet. She could not think like that, would not. Fate could be changed and she would ensure it.

There was no other option.

- 'Shields high!'

No sooner had the order been given than the clatter of missiles hitting shields and armour sounded accompanied by the screams of pain from those whose armour had failed to save them from harm.

It had been several days since the failed attempt to save the late Exalt Emmeryn and the bloodied Ylissian and Feroxi marched north at a slow pace. While the road south had been achieved largely in secret the Plegians had now shadowed their march, bands of light horse always hovering within view occasionally riding in to loose arrows, forcing the host to stop, assume defensive positions and chase off the Plegians with a volley of their own, such attacks did little harm to the force but further slowed their march.

At first Robin had deployed his own horse to chase off the skirmishers but after nearly a day of such fighting had realized that it was a futile gesture at best and one that could lead to such a forces destruction should they chase the enemy too far from their infantry and so ordered it stopped, relying instead on the infantry to hold steady and using the cavalry only where it seemed the infantry might be overwhelmed.

The situation was taking its toll on the soldiers strength, mental as much as physical, as not only had they to contend with the constant threat but also pure exhaustion, the constant march in formation under arms sapped strength especially as Robin had ordered several night march's in the last days, hoping to put a few extra miles between them and the larger Plegian army he knew was not far behind.

With the arrows rattling off shields the infantry rose and resumed marching position without order, a blind reaction to having seen off several dozen such attacks. This time was different, rather than wheel away as they usually did the Plegians closed in, bows disappearing into quivers as an assortment of spear, blade, axe and mace appeared in their hands as they kicked their heels back to spur their mounts on.

- 'Prepare to repel cavalry!'

Somewhere an officer noticed the threat and bellowed the order, infantry turning round presenting a wall of shield and spear point but most were still reforming when the horsemen smashed into their ranks. Screams of pain human and bestial sounded as the Plegians drove through the infantry, some impaled on couched spears while others suffered as sword, axe and mace rose and fell on them. The infantry replied in kind, horses and men falling to spear thrusts and slashes at legs but for the most the infantry scattered, trying to get out of the horsemen's way and all too soon the Plegians were through and free to either strike the baggage train or move to strike at the rear of the Ylissians elsewhere in their square, instead they pulled up and tried desperately to get out of the way as a column of Ylissian horse charged them.

Though without lance or spear the Ylissians on fresh horses smashed through the Plegians most of whose momentum had been used on the infantry, some of the horses knocked to the ground under the impact.

Moral shattered the Plegians tried to retreat only to find their way barred by angry infantry who lashed out at the retreating riders, pulling more from the saddle as they charged out. The Ylissians horse would have pursued further but held as a clarion sounded and withdrew bar one who rode up to the reforming infantry.

- 'Who is in command here?'

- 'I am sir.'

One of the infantry stepped forward and snapped a quick salute. The rider rode up close till the tip of his sword rested on the infantryman's shoulder.

- 'Why did you allow your men to meet a charge in marching order?'

For a moment the officer wanted to shift the blame to his men, their weariness or some other excuse but with the noble so close he opted not to test the mounted mans patience.

- 'It will not happen again sir!'

- 'Make sure it does not.'

With that the rider left leaving the noticeably paler officer to curse, spit and snarl orders at his subordinates informing them of the punishments awaiting them should they fail in their duties again. The wounded had to be dragged to the ever fewer free spaces on the wagons tasked with transporting the seriously injured, medical parties organized for those who could still fight and the dead stripped of anything useful before the order to resume the march was issued. "Mercy duty" was also organized, the called on soldiers stalking amongst the fallen enemy and made sure none of them were alive. During the first such engagements prisoners had been taken and, amidst the screams of agony as experienced soldiers loosened their captives' tongues, they had given information concerning their numbers and what sort of orders they had received. But with the pressure building and the noose tightening the soldiers now would simply stalk amongst the fallen, stabbing them where they lay and stabbing again if they moved.

Having chided the officer Robin sheathed his sword and looked around the riders before finding whom he was looking for and rode over.

- 'Sir Frederick! If I may?'

Frederick kicked his mount into motion and approached the amnesiac.

- 'Yes?'

- 'Casualties?'

With his helm off Robin could see the frown on the other mans face deepen.

- 'About a dozen dead, probably double that wounded.'

Robin had followed the other mans example and pulled his helm off, letting it hang from a chain. He nodded before turning in the saddle and bellowing.

- 'Clarion! Signal the column to march!'

As the signal was heard and the force started to move again Robin leant in closer to speak in a hushed tone.

- 'Lissa? His grace?'

Fredericks frown deepened before he sighed.

- 'Lady Lissa is busy helping the other medics though the lady Maribelle has remarked that she is very quiet. His lord… his grace, is much the same he has been since that day. Withdrawn, barely speaks to anyone.'

Robin frowned at the news. When it was most important that he show leadership Chrom opted to separate himself to grieve. Still, he thought, it's not like he had his father around to teach him the necessary skills of leadership and statecraft, even the best tutors were no substitute for such an example and the late exalt, ill as it was to speak of the recently deceased in such a manner, was no proper model.

- 'We should probably snap him out of it.'

Frederick bristled at that.

- 'They are in mourning! You must understand her gra… the lady Emmeryn was not just their sister she was essentially a surrogate mother to them.'

It took most of Robins self control to not shrug at that and instead opted for a more diplomatic answer.

- 'If you insist. But I still think it would be better for us if he were seen to be in control.'

Frederick did not reply, his loyalty demanding he defend the royal while his more practical mind agreeing with the amnesiac. After a moments silence he shook his head.

- 'My lord will snap out of it eventually.'

- 'I see.'

Robin replied, leaving little doubt to his actual feelings on the matter.

The day passed with the march constantly interrupted by bands of Plegian horse and Wyvern that approached the column, loosed some missiles in their direction before retreating, it was only the odd group that attempted to charge and these usually fell back the moment they saw cavalry ready to intercept them. Attacking at maximum range as they did and while in movement meant that few casualties were inflicted on the Ylissians but each attack required the column to halt and weather the missiles coming at them delaying them further.

As evening fell and the days rations were issued Robin called a council during which he proposed another night march to put some distance between them and the Plegians. There were concerns voiced regarding the typical dangers of a night march, the problems with maintaining coherency, stragglers getting lost and even the entire force losing its way in the dark. Despite these misgivings it was ultimately decided to go ahead with the plan, it was hoped that the bright moon would minimize the primary problems.

The night dragged on. Very quickly the air grew cold and men pulled blankets close over themselves in the hopes of keeping the chill out, those on foot looking with envy at those mounted and the extra warmth offered by the animal. Though the fat moon provided decent light it was a cold light that cast black shadows through which little could be seen, shadows dancing at the edge of vision jerked men awake as they looked around them in confusion, some panicked at this shades so officers would step in with harsh words and blows to restore discipline.

Robin rode from one end of the column to the other, doing what could be done to ensure it maintained coherency. The riders, he soon discovered, had another boon over the infantry when he suddenly woke without even knowing when he had dozed off. The gradually greying of the sky heralded the dawn and it was greeted with a collective sigh of relief, as if they expected the new day to herald some change to their fortune.

Robin merely glanced over his shoulder, half expecting to see a Plegian force ready to harass them. Seeing none he felt relief give way to unease as to what his enemy was planning. Hours went by, the day broke fully and still there was no sign of pursuit. Moods noticeably improved and as the morning neared its end several people approached Robin.

- 'Seeing as we've been unharassed for several hours now some of us are wondering whether it would be alright to get some rest and a meal in?'

Stahl asked as he pulled in beside Robin. The amnesiac did not reply, turning to Frederick he asked.

- 'How many did we lose in the night?'

- 'At the moment we have eleven unaccounted for, including Kellam.'

- 'I'm over here!'

A voice came from somewhere to the edge of their vision, Frederick shrugged.

- 'Ten unaccounted for. Hopefully they will have simply been overlooked or joined the wrong banner in the dark.'

Robin frowned as he looked over the surrounding area; it was full of hills and valleys. Though the day was still bright there were dark clouds gathering to the north. With a sigh he turned back to Stahl.

- 'Issue rations. No fires and I want everyone ready to move at a moments notice.'

- 'From what we last heard the infidel were seen heading roughly in this direction.'

The gathered officers looked at the map, following the speakers' finger as he indicated a route.

- 'Chances are they'll come straight at us.'

- 'The question is which route will they follow.'

Mustafa muttered as his gaze swept over the various valleys and highlands depicted; any number of which could conceal an army's route through the area. Originally his orders had been to watch the Ferox border, constantly chasing down one Feroxi war band or another as they pillaged the borderlands, pushing ever-greater numbers of refugees deeper into Plegia.

As such he was less than impressed when the new orders came in as it meant stretching his already thinly stretched force further but once he heard more his interest was piqued as apparently the force held the last two remaining members of the Exalted bloodline. With their Exalt dead this meant that if this force could be destroyed than the war would come to an end, if not immediately than shortly after as the interregnum caused havoc in Ylisse. That, the general mused, was a good cause.

- 'Have half our force take up positions here, here and here. Those seem like the most likely routes. With patrols they can cover the rest of the area. Have the second cohort divert half of their force to us.'

- 'If the Feroxi make a push the second will be too weak to hold them long.'

One of the officers noted. Mustafa nodded.

- 'If. The hairy arses have been content to raid the border region while avoiding pitched battle and our sources do not report anything to indicate they intend to do otherwise.'

He looked up from the map at that and studied his officers for a while.

- 'The last of the Exalts' bloodline march with this force. If we take them we can end this war.'

- 'Well said general.'

All eyes turned to the speaker, a woman in dark robes flanked by two armoured men, the visors of their helmets shaped like human faces. The gathered officers fell silent, some visibly moving aside. Aversa smiled pleasantly as she tilted her head.

- 'Greetings general, I trust the day finds you well.'

- 'What is the purpose of the Grimleal here?'

Mustafa asked with all the civility he could muster, she did not reply immediately and instead approached the general and handed him a tablet, once he took it she seemed to lose interest in the matter and looked down at the map. On opening Mustafa found a parchment with the royal seal and a simple text:

"This person serves me. Obey her."

Frown deepening Mustafa examined the seal more closely before sighing in annoyance and closing the tablet, it was the real thing. Setting the instructions down as if they were venomous he turned to the Aversa.

- 'So, you're in charge. What are your orders?'

- 'Tell me what you have and what their orders are.'

He told her and she listened in silence without interrupting him once. When he finished she did not speak for a moment before nodding slowly.

- 'Leave a cohort to watch the north but pull the rest here. We know the enemy are moving down this route, my sister is leading a force shadowing the infidel and will send word should they change their march route. She requests you take positions here and stop them at all costs.'

She paused and tapped the point on the map as if emphasising the point.

- 'She will bring her force up and between you there should be no trouble in eliminating the infidel.'

Basic envelopment than, Mustafa mused, simple and to the point. The only real problem he saw was how to ensure the proper co-operation between the two forces. As if sensing the question the woman spoke.

- 'I shall leave some of my wyvern riders to ease communication between the forces.'

Mustafa nodded and looked to his officers if they would bring up anything but they remained silent, looking from the girl to her bodyguards with some apprehension. With another sigh the general turned back to the grimleal.

- 'Very well. Is there anything more you would have of us?'

Aversa smiled.

- 'Yes. Do not fail.'

After wolfing down a bit of hardtack and being a bit more sparing with his watered wine there were several things that he could have done, resting was appealing but not something he could afford to do which meant he could do a tour of the perimeter and if it weren't for circumstances he probably would have done so. Instead Robin moved to the centre of the camp where Chroms tent had been pitched, the only one in truth as the rest had been discarded to make room on the wagons for the wounded. Frederick was standing in front of the flap and on seeing Robin approach he raised a hand.

- 'Now is not a good time.'

In other circumstances he probably would have listened but these were not other circumstances and the man found himself pushing past the knight and bending over to walk through the tent flap.

- 'Get up Chrom! There is work to be done.'

Chrom did not move from his cot, arm over his eyes for all extents and purposes in the middle of a siesta. Robin frowned and kicked the cot.

- 'Get up.'

- 'I'm sorry my lord, he…'

Frederick started as he entered the tent only for Robin to turn on him.

- '"Your grace."'

- 'Pardon?'

Frederick paused and looked at the amnesiac with a surprised look. Robin sighed.

- 'Chrom is no longer a lord, he is his grace, the exalt and it is high time he started acting the part!'

Chrom's foot twitched as Robin continued.

- 'You've lost your sister Chrom. I won't pretend to know how that feels like but you have a duty to these soldiers, to the realm and to your remaining sister!'

Though he did not move Chrom made a sound, like a half-hearted attempt to say something. Robin paused mid sentence and looked to Frederick, who merely shrugged before looking back to Chrom.

- 'What was that?'

- 'I said get out!'

As he shouted Chrom sat up, hand resting on his swords hilt. For a moment the two stood, Frederick tensing in case he needed to intervene, relaxing only slightly when Robin turned on his heels and left. A tense silence fell before Chrom let go of Falcion and sank back down on his cot.

- 'Who the bloody hell does he think he is?'

Frederick did not answer and another silence fell broken by Chrom.

- 'I asked a question Frederick.'

Sighing the knight turned to face his lord.

- 'Your grace…'

- 'Don't call me that!'

Frederick frowned before continuing.

- 'Very well my lord. You know I never liked that man, nor approved of your decision to take him in but I find he is not currently incorrect. As much as we wish otherwise your sisters death makes you Exalt and you have duties.'

Chrom did not answer immediately and another silence settled before he sighed.

- 'Leave me Frederick.'

- 'My lord.'

Robin had done a full round of the perimeter before he calmed down. In truth he realized there were little way that discussion could go different, it needed diplomacy not his frankness. With a sigh he turned around and went to gather the watch officer and get the force ready to march. In passing he found himself near the wounded and Maribelle. The aristocrat noticed him and walked over, the man slowing to hear her.

- 'Are you injured?'

- 'No.'

- 'Good.'

She sighed and glanced back. Robin followed her gaze.

- 'How bad are we?'

- 'It could easily be worse. Most can be sent to march as soon as we patch them up but we have increasing numbers that need proper attention. Do you wish me to find the chief surgeon?'

- 'No need.'

He raised his hand as if to emphasize what he said before standing for a moment and after a moments hesitation leaning in and asking in a hushed tone.

- 'How is Lissa?'

Maribelle sighed.

- 'My poor darling is so brave, despite everything she insists on…'

Her voice trailed of as she looked at something; Robin followed her example and saw Lissa assisting one of the injured. Having finished she straightened her back and on seeing them she quickly looked away and disappeared behind the wagon. Robin looked on, a sense of guilt flooding him, not only of his failure to save the girls sister but, perhaps more importantly, because of the relief he had felt when he saw the woman fall to her death.

- 'She doesn't blame you.'

Maribelle ended the awkward silence.

- 'But I think she started thinking you were infallible, that you would somehow magic her grace away… she has to accept that nobody could have stopped what had happened.'

"Or could somebody?" He found himself thinking, the only way to know would be if somebody else had succeeded therefore such thoughts were pointless yet he could not help thinking about whether there had been something he had missed. With a sigh he turned back to Maribelle.

- 'Prepare to march.'

He turned to leave before, as if remembering something, he turned back.

- 'And keep up the good work.'

Some time in the afternoon the Plegians reappeared, immediately deploying to shower the rear guard with missiles, forcing them to halt, present shields and loose a counter volley that discouraged the Plegians from coming to close. As the day wore on the frequency with which the attacks occurred increased and though most seemed to target the rearguard the other sides of the column also faced frequent attack. They continued the march, seemingly marching straight under dark clouds that seemed to occupy ever-larger swaths of the sky.

As the day turned to evening the vanguard signalled a halt and as Robin rode to see what had happened Panne ran up, having already turned back to her humanoid shape to avoid causing too much unease amongst the horses and men.

- 'Lon'qu reports enemy infantry blocking the road ahead. He asks permission to take his force and clear a path.'

This made Robin scowl, infantry was bad news, it meant a larger force had moved in and was preparing to intercept them. Glancing back he saw another force of Plegian cavalry move in to harass the rear which led him to a simple conclusion, the noose was tightening. For a moment he weighed his options before turning back to Panne.

- 'Advance and engage, if they break than pursue no further than a thousand yards.'

She nodded and ran off. Seeing that the Plegians had charged the rearguard but had been repulsed after a moments hand to hand fighting Robin opted to summon runners to gather the remaining officers for a council.

- 'The enemy has deployed infantry against us.'

The statement was met with a mixture of frowns and nervous glances to the surrounding countryside. They all knew what this development meant and the implications were dour. Somewhere in the distance lightning flashed and a second or so later thunder rumbled. Robin continued speaking.

- 'Lon'qu is clearing the road as we speak. If we fall back we'll march directly into the arms of the force already pursuing us and I think it safe to assume the force now moving into our front would soon join them.'

Nobody said anything so he continued.

- 'I say we keep pushing forward, let those behind us continue to wear themselves out trying to keep up while ahead of us, I believe, are little more than pickets. They will have, of course, sent word to their main force that will hasten to block us but if we are aggressive we should be able to push past before they can deploy in force.'

Frederick sighed before nodding.

- 'We do not have much choice now, do we.'

- 'No. I do not believe so.'

Virion nodded his agreement. With nobody raising objections Robin nodded.

- 'Prepare to march.'

As the column moved forward the first drops of rain hit the earth.

The Plegian thrust forward with the spear, Lon'qu swatting the point aside before stepping in close and bringing his blade around for an overhand blow. His opponent withdrew his spear and shifted his shield to stop the attack, too late and the keen edge cut through the mans leather vest and sank deep in flash and bone, blood spurting from the wound in reminiscence of a fountain. The Plegian dropped to his knees, mouth opening and shutting like that of a fish out of water before Lon'qu kicked the dying man off of his blade. Casting a quick look around he saw the remainder of the Plegians had been dealt with, the Feroxi finishing off the wounded and going through the dead for valuables. The rain was now falling in a steady stream causing mutterings amongst the Feroxi, one spitting before looking upwards.

- 'Bloody unseasonal weather this.'

He commented to no one in particular, the sentiment greeted with a muttered chorus of agreement.

- 'Regroup!'

Lon'qu interrupted the chatter and the warriors moved back into formation. As this was going on the Chon'sin native noticed something, a feeling as if the earth was shaking. With a sudden feeling of dread he turned to see the source.

Big horses thundered round the roads curve into view, each carrying a large man covered in mail on their back. As he watched the forest of lances waving above their heads dipped as one, steel points gleaming in the poor light.

- 'Prepare to repel cavalry!'

Someone shouted, panic tingeing the voice. Men ran to rejoin the ranks knowing that only a solid mass of men could stop the charge though this was of little comfort to those stuck in the first rank and as they watched the Plegians seemed to grow in size till they resembled giants and it seemed as if every lance point was aimed directly at him. Those in the front starting pushing back, first slowly than more desperately as a horn sounded and the Plegians kicked back their heels, moving to the charge.

- 'Hold formation! Hold Formation!'

The bellow of officers could be heard as men tried to restore order to the ranks, too little too late. With a crash the cavalry slammed into the mass of infantry, lances punching clean through two or three men at a time. The sound of metal punching through metal, leather and flesh sounded over the sounds of shattered bones and screams of pain animal and human. Those not impaled on the end of a lance still faced danger as the sheer mass of the animals sent men to the ground, dazed and iron shod hooves rose and fell, breaking bones of those unfortunate enough to be underneath. Lances spent the Plegians took to their side arms, swords, axes and maces came out and the riders swung deadly overhead blows that tore limbs from their bodies, shattered helmets and the skulls they were meant to protect and splintered shields. In a moment the horsemen had turned the block of infantry into a twisted mass of broken bodies but momentum spent could push no further and reacted to a call and pulled free of the mass, those too late in doing so pulled from their saddles and hacked apart in a frenzy as the infantry vented their hatred for the cavalry.

There was to be no respite though. No sooner had the cavalry left than the shattered Feroxi were hit by a dense column of Plegian infantry and with no formation of their own they fell back under the massed assault. The Plegian column pushed on, spears flashing out, catching those too close all while maintaining formation and the pushing on, the Feroxi pulling back.

A trumpet sounded causing Lon'qu to look over his shoulder to see a column of Ylissians moving up. Turning back he thrust his whistle to his mouth and blew a signal, the Feroxi scattering to the sides at the order leaving the two infantry columns facing each other. At some unseen order the Ylissian front ranks knelt exposing the row of crossbows behind them, with only 40 yards between the two formations the bolts struck with devastating force punching through shields and armour, Plegians crying out at their wounds or simply staggering back under the force of the blows. No sooner had the first volley struck than another line rose to their feet and released another volley. After the third volley the Plegian attack had stopped as the men started pulling back only to give way completely when the Ylissian column rose and charged them with a roar.

- 'Lon'qu! To me!'

The Chon'sin looked around and finding the voices source jogged over.

- 'Yes?'

Robin looked down from the height of his saddle.

- 'What happened up there?'

- 'We scattered the infantry but were attacked by heavy cavalry. Soon after that phalanx forced us back.'

Lon'qu reported matter of factly. He could not see the other mans face for his helm but noted a somewhat disturbed movement as he looked up and around the area before turning to the bugler at his side.

- 'Sound the recall!'

No sooner had the signal been given and arrows fell amongst the Ylissians. One thudded into the mail and padding Lon'qu wore, sending the man a staggered step forward. Another arrow deflected off of Robins helm with a ring as another punched through the mail covering his thigh and sank deep into aketon before stopping short of flesh. Elsewhere the trumpeter's horse seemed to jump in place, an arrow appearing in its hunch while a nearby Feroxi fell to the ground screaming, an arrow having punched through his leg just above his knee.

Plegian archers swarmed the high ground surrounding the road and were using their vantage point to pour missiles into the allied force beneath them. Ylissian archers wasted no time to respond to the threat but as the two sides exchanged missiles more infantry appeared, running down the small slopes slamming into the shield walls on the flanks, their momentum pushing them far as formations buckled under the strain, many falling under the attack.

- 'Lon'qu! Rally your men and reinforce the left!'

The man nodded and sprinted off, using his whistle to rally his men to him. Robin snapped off the arrow in his aketon before making to move back to the main column but stopped as the bugler gestured in front of them.

- 'Sir!'

Following his gesture Robin swore under his breath. A column of heavy horse, lances swaying above their heads, had appeared and were now moving towards them and as he watched the riders responded to some command, their lance points dropping as they picked up speed.

- 'Prepare to repel cavalry!'

Robin bellowed, the infantry he had only just recalled halting, the front ranks kneeling, presenting a bristling hedge of spear and halberd points while behind them crossbows and archers made ready to loose a volley. All the while arrows fell amongst them, several men cried out in pain while others staggered cursing as their armour held, Robin flinched as an arrow seemed to whistle directly in front of his face before cursing as another shattered on his arm, even if his armour had held it still felt as if a hammer had struck him.

The first volley sailed through the air and a small number of riders toppled from their saddles quickly followed by a second with much the same result and than they were on them, screams of pain sounding as lances punched through men and spears through horses as wood, leather, metal, flesh and bone parted under steel. The sheer weight of the charge seemed to bowl men over, desperately trying to crawl out of the iron shod hooves. Lances gone the Plegians lashed out with their side arms as they wheeled their mounts to pull free of the tangled mess of ruined bodies and angered infantry that closed in around them. Turning his eyes from the drama before him Robin barked at the bugler.

- 'Get reinforcements up here!'

- 'Sir!'

With that he was gone leaving Robin to pull his sword in anticipation of what was to come. The riders pulled free only to be replaced by infantry, unlike the previous wave these charged the battered Ylissians with little discipline, a mob bristling with sword and axe and spear and mace. Officers desperately rallied their men into formation only to see them pushed apart as the mass of men poured into them turning the battle into a desperate melee, a swirling maelstrom of men stabbing, hacking, punching, kicking, biting, pushing and strangling each other.

- 'It would seem, general, that the enemy is breaking.'

Mustafa nodded as he observed the battle. The Ylissian's fought in a square which was now assailed from all sides, light cavalry harassing their rear, ensuring men from their could not be drawn away to reinforce other fronts while the remaining lines were bent back under the strain of holding back the Plegians pushing at them. Unseen to the Ylissians Mustafa had further infantry and cavalry ready to move in either to reinforce faltering attacks or exploit breakthroughs.

- 'Any news of that force the grimleal said was coming up their rear?'

The general asked his staff, eyes still on the fighting. One of the officers shook his head.

- 'No master. However with the weather as is I believe it safe to assume their will be a delay in their arrival.'

- 'Bloody rain.'

Mustafa nodded, casting an eye upwards to the dark skies. Though the rain itself was not intense when combined with the darkness that had descended it reduced visibility greatly. Though the additional men would have been welcome the truth was the general was glad to not have the grimleal around. Though he never said so to anyone he had always found the faiths clergy to be unnerving.

- 'Master?'

Mustafa looked to the man interrupting his thoughts. The officer pointing to the battle and the general quickly saw what was wrong. One of the Ylissians lines had bent back far and his men had followed only to find the infidel on their flanks pushing inward while those that had been pulling back suddenly dug in their heels. Whether by chance or design the Ylissians had managed to draw in a force, squeezed them so tight they could no longer fight effectively and than swung in to threaten them with encirclement. With a frown Mustafa turned to an officer.

- 'Get the second century to deploy. Strike at the flankers and push them back. Failing that relieve the centre and allow them to pull out.'

- 'Yes master!'

Lightning flashed and after a moment the thunder boomed. In a blink of an eye the drizzle turned into a downpour so fierce that Mustafa could no longer see the fighting or even his retinue. A few minutes later it was over and the saturated men and horses looked around in shocked silence as the light rain resumed. Looking to where the fighting had been he saw that it had stopped, both sides pulling back under the rains cover and now officers were moving to restore order and rally their subordinates. For a moment the Plegian officers observed the activity below him before the general forced his mount to move, his staff following soon after.

- 'Strings are saturated and until they dry they're useless. Not that we have many more arrows left to shoot in the first place.'

Robin rested a hand on his chin as he listened to the archer captain give his report, eyes seeming to be rested on the surrounding hills now crawling with plegians. The sudden downpour had ended quickly enough shifting back to the light rain it had been before. When the archer stopped talking he nodded and looked to the assembled officers.

- 'Casualties?'

- 'Heavy. Mostly wounded though that is still men out of the front line.'

Hand still on his chin Robin nodded and glanced down before shrugging.

- 'We push on, that is all we can do.'

There were frowns a plenty but nobody argued otherwise. Robin shifted his gaze from one face to the next before nodding.

- 'To your posts, ready the men for combat.'

Salutes were snapped as the officers left, robin already turning to his runners.

- 'You get me Nowi, you get the Pegasus knights here.'

He stood in silence, seeming not to notice the rain and only looked up as the summoned individuals arrived.

- 'Nowi, can you transform again?'

The manakete, though looking tired and pale, managed a slight smile.

- 'I can a few more times.'

- 'I need you to go join the vanguard, when the signal to attack is given you transform and punch a hole in the enemy lines. After that leave the fighting to others and pull back, I'll probably need you elsewhere.

- 'Sure thing!'

Nowi nodded eagerly enough before leaving. Robin waited till she had gone some distance before turning to the Pegasus knight. Cordelia and Sumia looked a little worse for wear, their armour bearing signs of recent abuse but they both stood at a proper attention, despite Sumia having slipped on the mud on the way over.

- 'Can your mounts fly?'

It was Cordelia who answered.

- 'We kept their wings dry during the downpour so yes, they can.'

Robin nodded slowly before looking around and stepping closer to the two knights.

- 'Things are bad. I need you two to stick to exalt and his sister. Should the battle be lost you are to take them and get to safety.'

There was a moments silence as the two looked at him wide eyed, it was Sumia who found her tongue first.

- 'But… but what about the rest of you?'

- 'We will die fighting.'

Robin stated in a tone most people reserved for commenting the weather. Cordelia shook her head.

- 'You can't expect us…'

- 'What is the duty of the Pegasus knights of Ylisse?'

Cordelia looked down leaving Sumia to mutter the response.

- 'To safeguard the Exalt's life.'

Robin nodded.

- 'Chrom is your exalt and Lissa his heir and you two are the only members of your order present so that duty is yours and you will execute it. Am I clear?'

- 'Yes sir. But…'

Sumia paused as if uncertain how to continue and looked to Cordelia who sighed and asked.

- 'But what if they refuse?'

Robin looked at them for a moment before sighing.

- 'Force them. Worst case Frederick is one who will help you in this.'

The two nodded. Robin paused wondering whether to say anything more but a growing noise made him look away. A runner rushed up and without pause to get his breath reported.

- 'The exalt… the exalt has led the van at the enemy!'

Robins eyes opened wide and looked to where the vanguard was before looking back to the two knights.

- 'You have your orders! Go!'

The two ran off to their mounts while Robin moved to find out what had happened.

It was a strange feeling, as if his body was no longer his. He had felt so since he saw Emmeryn fall, he had become a spectator of his own life. When he fought he felt as if he were watching from afar. When someone pressed food into his hands he ate, when he was shoved into the saddle he rode. The sudden downpour acted much like a bucket of water dumped on his face, for the first time he looked around and truly saw what was happening. The injured being taken to the rear and the walking wounded returning to the ranks. As they passed some of them caught his eye and saluted, some muttering "your grace".

"Your Grace".

"The exalt is dead, long live the exalt!" And having no children of her own the title now went to Emmeryns siblings, to him. He could feel anger welling inside of him, fists clenching till his gauntlets creaked in protest. Emm should still be Exalt. She should still be alive.

- 'Ylissians! You have fought well!'

Chrom lifted his head and looked to the source of the voice, as did most others around him. A group of Plegians stood not far away, their leader shouting.

- 'You're Exalt would not wish you to throw away your lives! Surrender and save your lives! I guarantee on my honour that you will be spared!'

- 'Don't you speak her name.'

Chrom snarled, those closest to him turning with raised eyebrows. Ignoring them he kicked back his heels and rode to the front, men turning at his approach.

- 'Ylissians! Your Exalt is dead! Murdered! Her killers stand in front of you, would you have them go unpunished?'

- 'No!'

A number of those closest shouted their answer, others pushing forward to hear what was being said.

- 'The men who have been burning you homeland and enslaving those of your kin they did not murder offer you slavery, do you accept it?'

This time the answer was a roar, a hundred fists raised. Pulling Falchion free Chrom waved it above his head.

- 'Than follow me! Follow me!'

With that he kicked back his heels, spurring his horse on and, still roaring, his men followed.

- 'Damn him!'

- 'I thought you wished his grace to start acting the part?'

Robin's head turned sharply to Frederick who made himself busy pulling his helm onto his head and securing the strap.

- 'Stop being smart and keep him alive! Virion, you take command of the right flank, Lon'qu the left and follow the centre. I'll organize the rearguard.'

Nodding the called on men went to do as requested, Robin one last glance to the front where Nowi's draconic form came into view briefly, no doubt punching a hole in the enemies ranks as he had requested, of the rest of Chroms shepherds he saw nothing, no doubt following their captain, their prince, their Exalt into battle.

Sighing one last time Robin pulled his helm on his head and moved to organize the rear guard.

The mans eyes opened wide as the blade sank into his gut, mouth opening wide in a silent scream before Chrom twisted the blade and pulled it free. Twisting in the saddle he deflected an axe meant for his back before thrusting with Falchion, the ancient blade punching through the Plegians mail as if it were wool.

All around him Ylissians and Plegians fought with renewed savagery, one sensing victory was near and pushing to ensure it did not slip past. The others surrounded in a hostile land and knowing that their only salvation lay in martial bravery. The resulting struggle saw men go at each other with spear, axe, sword and mace. Should ones weapon break there was plenty laying on the ground or the dagger to go for but if those were unavailable than men resorted to fists and teeth as a primeval bloodlust settled on the men.

Chrom swatted aside a spear trust towards his face and delivered an overhand blow that sent the plegian to the ground as if thunderstruck before he twisted in the saddle and lashed out, another plegian falling back screaming as he desperately tried to stem the blood pouring from his severed arm. Free of the press the prince looked around before seeing his target, the Plegian officer that had sullied his sister's memory with his mouth.

- 'With me! With me!'

And he pushed on, without waiting to see if anybody followed. The riders around the general looked up and two quickly rode out to meet him. Chrom did not slow and lashed out at the first, mail shattering under the force of the blow and the Plegian was thrown back in his saddle, his hands going up instinctively to his ruined face. The other swerved in the saddle, deflecting the princes attack before lashing out with his counter, the blade failing to penetrate the armour but knocking Chrom off balance, open for the next blow that never came. An axe appeared seemingly from nowhere and buried itself into the Plegians neck, when Frederick pulled it free the head rolled off held by what seemed a few strands of muscle and sinew before the body slid from the saddle.

Nearby Sully deflected a Plegian riders blade, leaving him open for Stahl who stood in the saddle and delivered a blow that sent the man to the ground. Another sought to bring his halberd down on Stahls back only to be knocked flat as Vaike kicked him and as the Plegian attempted to rise Vaike brought his axe round in a two handed grip, shattered the mans spine. The acreams of agony cut short as the axe fell on the back of his skull.

Regaining his seat Chrom looked around to see his initial thrust reinforced, pointing Falchion in the enemies direction he bellowed.

- 'With me! With me!'

Before he kicked the spurs back again and drove into the sea of dark faces once more. A flurry of attacks sent most of those in his way back, clutching wounds or simply terrified of the unstoppable force barrelling through their ranks until Chrom found himself free of the press of bodies and his way barred.

Mustafa lashed out, the fire emblem stopping the axe though Chroms arm screamed in protest at the strain of the blow. With a snarl the prince stabbed low, the general barely quick enough to stop the attack. The two broke off and circled each other till a half second later they clashed again in a flurry of blows. The duel was decided not by the men but their horses, as the Plegian's mount shied away when bit by Chroms, the sudden movement making the general lose his balance for a crucial moment that enabled a fast strike to pass his defence and sink deep into his torso.

Pain shooting through his body Mustafa sank in the saddle, black spots appearing in his vision. The pain seemed to grow only worse and he momentarily lost vision when Chrom pulled the blade free. Looking up the general saw the prince stand in his stirrups, sword rising high overhead. Lifting a hand he managed to speak.

- 'Wait! Please spare…'

Chrom did not wait. Falchion fell and bit deep into the back of the general's skull, blood and brain spattering the area as the helmet shattered under the blow. Yanking the blade free Chrom delivered another blow much in the same place knocking Mustafa to the ground, his horse bolting as soon as it felt the weight disappear.

It almost seemed as if the combatants had made room for the duel to take place but now Plegians surged forward with a roar, intent to avenge their general, the Ylissians roaring their own war cry as they met them and the bloodshed resumed. For how long is difficult to say, for those taking part it seemed to take forever and no time whatsoever all at once and when it ended it ended suddenly as, at first slowly than with increasing speed, the Plegians pulled away from the Ylissians, many casting glances over their shoulders and before long they were running, the cause of the sudden flight becoming apparent soon enough as columns of horsemen appeared in the gloom, it was too dark for Chrom to see their banners but as they charged the Plegians it was clear they were no friends of the grimleal.

Breathing hard from his exertions, body beginning to ache from the dozens of injuries and bruises received he watched in silence as the horsemen rode amongst their enemy and soon enough a group left the main force and rode towards him did he recognize the banner.

- 'Chrom! You're looking a mess.'

Khan Basilio of West Ferox looked over the exalt with his single eye before looking around, taking in the field of dead and dying with the handful still standing.

- 'Is this everyone?'

Chrom shook his head but found he couldn't speak so he coughed and spat before trying again.

- 'There are more.'

He managed to croak, the Khan nodding. Others had joined their exalt, all of them more resembling wraiths than the living, spattered as they were liberally with mud and gore.

- 'I would have made it sooner but the rain delayed us…'

The khans words were interrupted as a rider, disregarding proper protocol, rode up to those talking and blurted out.

- 'Your grace! The rear! The rearguard has been overrun!'

- 'Sir!'

Robin saw it. The horse archers that had been harassing the columns rear had, much like the Ylissians, found their bowstrings soaked beyond use in the sudden downpour and on seeing their enemy march off leaving only the rearguard they drew their arms and moved to charge. Glancing down Robin saw the infantry pulling back, nervous at the prospect of facing a cavalry charge without missile support. With sigh he decided what to do.

- 'Get your men to that hill and form ranks, not one step further!'

- 'Aye sir!'

The called on officer saluted before turning and bellowing the orders at his men who followed leaving Robin to turn to the horsemen with him. Less than he would have hoped to lead but he had no way to change that now.

- 'Brothers! Prepare to charge!'

The riders formed up on him and he swept his blade down and they moved at the walk, slowly picking up speed as they closed the distance with the Plegians. The mud meant that neither side could pick up speed quickly and only a handful of men on either side had spears couched but the Ylissians on the whole wore heavier armour and that gave them the edge when the two lines clashed. A short savage exchanged followed with several men dropping before the Plegians broke away, Robin blowing a command on his whistle to stop the Ylissians from following.

The immediate threat dealt with the horsemen pulled back reforming behind the infantry on the hill, though that was being generous as it rose little more than a mans height and the slope was gentle.

- 'Sir?'

- 'What is it?'

The officer pointed from the direction the horsemen had only just come and following his gesture Robin saw what it was.

A column of heavy horsemen, lances held upright was coming down the road behind them and though in the gloom it was difficult to see it seemed a larger force was following that. Around him men began backing away, many noticeably paler at the sight. Robin coughed and spoke, theoretically to the officer but in such a manner that everyone could hear.

- 'We'll hold off their charge here. The hill isn't much but with the mud it will slow them to a crawl.'

- 'Yes sir.'

Pursing his lips Robin considered his situation, the only way to survive was to hold formation and pull back in formation something that the nervous looking footmen might have trouble doing. With nothing else coming to mind he said the only thing that he could think might improve their chances.

- 'How about a song?'

Several eyes focused on him, including the officers his face shifting to a grin, as he understood. Taking a deep breath the man looked to the approaching Plegians and sang.

'The bold man at arms marched down the streets of Ylisstol,

fresh from the wars in the foreign countries.

He had a job to find a merchant cheat and force him to make right all he had wronged .

When he found the house he beat the door and got quite the sight for it was opened by the merchants wife in nothing but her tights!

Oh good soldier, she said, help me if you could for I've got an awful itch, between my biggest toes!'

At first surprised gradually the faces broke into grins and a number of men joined in the song as the Plegians deployed into a line and charged up the hill, the slope and mud making their ascent slower than normal so that they had to thrust with their lances rather than charge with them couched under arm. Despite this they drove into the waiting infantry, several being knocked flat, one with a lance thrust overhand into his face. The infantry gave back, punching horses with their shields, stabbing into mounts and riders, one managed to catch a hold of a rider with the hook of his bill and pulled him from the saddle, the unfortunate man literally hacked apart under a flurry of blows.

Robin looked over the situation before turning around to find the senior amongst his horsemen.

- 'Take every second man and wheel round their left. The rest with me!'

Classic pincer, the two mounted units drove into the flanks of the Plegians driving them back as they sought to regroup. The riders moved with them, hacking at them with their weapons sending men from their saddle dead or injured. Judging they had gone far enough Robin let his sword dangle from the strap and put the whistle to his mouth blowing a signal, the Ylissians pulling back and than things went wrong.

The withdrawing Plegians stopped and turned back to the fight, now following the Ylissians and hacking at them as the withdrew, the reason for the sudden reversal became apparent. Fresh horsemen had joined the fray, pushing their allies back into the fight at the point of their lances. Even as Robin tried to wheel round a lance drove through his mounts flank, sending man and animal to the ground. Though quick enough to pull his leg free from the stirrup and roll free, the fall still knocked the air out of him.

Hissing he stood, the horse that had carried him trying to do likewise and failing as the severity of its wound dawned on it. No sooner had Robin stood than a rider appeared, thrusting his lance over arm in a blow that Robin barely deflected and was staggered under the force. No sooner had that passed than another rode by, swinging at his head with an axe. The amnesiac ducked, shield high while his sword hand lashed out, the blade just connecting with the horses leg. The animal screamed in pain as it collapsed the rider falling from the saddle and landing hard, as he tried to stand Robin ran up and delivered an overhead blow to the back of the riders head quickly followed by another in textbook execution.

His attempt to reach the hill he last saw his allies on was interrupted as a footmen charged him, Robin lifted his shield high to ward off the blow but the much abused leather of his straps had had enough and broke, sending both men off balance. Slipping on the mud Robin reached out and fortuitously caught hold of the plegains arm and pulled, both men colliding in a bear hug where they wrestled, trying to throw their opponent down. This time it was the Plegian who slipped, his grip shifting to Robins waist allowing the man to pull his arm free and bring his swords pommel onto his opponents head repeatedly till the Plegian slid to the ground.

The area was now no longer infested just by Plegian cavalry but increasing numbers of infantry as well, Robin finding himself having to swat aside a spear thrust to his groin, knock aside an axe aimed for his head and risk the sword that hit him across the back, making him grit his teeth in pain as even if the armour held the strength of the blow still carried through. He managed to catch hold of the spear as it came round again and pulled, the Plegian sliding towards him and onto the blades point. Yanking the blade free he shoved the dying man under the feet of the axe men, tripping him and turned to catch the incoming sword with his own, shifting his weight to lock the blades he stepped in and smashed his helmed head into the Plegians nose, shattering it with a satisfying crunch. Shoving the swordsmen aside he turned in expectation of the axe man and was barely in time to bloke the overhead blow, knocking him off balance and he slipped in the mud to his knees even as the Plegian pulled his axe back for another strike.

A spray of crimson erupted from his neck as a rider raced by, opening it with skill that made such an act seem easy, the Plegain standing for a moment more before falling to his knees. Robin stood, slipped and regained his balance before delivering a two handed strike at another mans back, shattering his ribs despite failing to smash through the mail and sending the plegian to the ground screaming. Turning again he found himself on the receiving end of a spear thrust that hit him in the stomach, the brigandine bending under the force of the blow and winding the man. The Plegian pulled his weapon back to strike again only to be struck in turn, an Ylissian men at arms punching him in the side of the head with his shield before bringing his mace around on the dazed man, sending him to the ground with a shattered skull.

More Ylissians arrived pushing into the plegians and, having caught his breath, Robin joined them, lashing out at the nearest with a quick stab that sent his opponent staggering back, he followed closely, grabbing hold of the mans tunic and punching him before punching him again and again before pushing the dazed man to the ground and stabbing downward. Something hit him in the back and Robin turned, one hand moving up to grab a hold of whatever it was, the other lifting the sword ready to thrust down as he yanked his attacker forward and to the ground.

The Ylissian was pale, his eyes wide open seemingly frozen to the spot and it was with the great difficulty that Robin managed to shift the attack from skewering the youth to hitting the mud next to him. Leaving the blade there Robin gripped the man with both hands and yanked him upwards with a snarl.

- 'On your feet. Fight!'

The Ylissian nodded and did as told, staying close to Robin as did an ever increasing number of Ylissians men at arms becoming a defensive circle beset on all sides by Plegians.

- 'Keep pushing to the main force! Stay together!'

He barked and the group made their way, fighting off every successive wave of Plegians before taking a few steps before stopping to fight off another. Those who fell were left behind, the injured exposing their necks in a desperate plea for that final mercy from the comrades and so the circle continued pushing on. An axe seemed to fly in from nowhere, striking Robin in the helm and sending him a few staggering steps back. Spitting out blood he snarled and resumed his place in formation, punching one of the Plegians that had tried to push into the gap as others of his race were hacked apart by the Ylissians around them restoring the defensive line. With a short lull in the fighting they took another step in the direction of where the van had gone before the Plegians threw themselves at their ranks again.

An Ylissian laughed as he brought his axe down two handed, nearly cutting his opponent in half and Robin felt a grin spreading across his face. His blood was singing and with every blow he struck and every blow he received as the bodies piled upon one another he felt the blood song turn to a roar, battle madness and it was a damned fine feeling. He barely felt the sword punch through the splint defence of his thigh, he merely returned the favour and punched his sword through his attackers throat before pulling the blade from the wound.

- 'Sir! Sir!'

Robin turned to find himself face to face with the singer who pointed at some point behind them. Following his gesture he looked and in the ever-growing gloom he saw columns of riders pouring from the ridge and his heart sank as he reached what he believed to be the logical conclusion, The main force had been wiped out and now the Plegians were finishing off the stragglers.

The Plegians likewise reacted to the wave of horsemen, with barked orders and by redeploying to face them. With a crash the cavalry slammed into the infantry and as the men around him started to cheer the realization sank in, those horsemen were their salvation. Turning Robin barked out.

- 'Stay together! It would be a pissing shame to survive all this and get cut down by an overzealous horsemen who mistook you for a darkie!'

They laughed, the laugh of a man who had rediscovered the joy of life and Robin couldn't help a grin.

The world turned upside down. One moment he was standing the next he was in the air, sky and earth shifting through his sight before with bone jarring force he landed, his vision going black before slowly returning as his body screamed in protest to the pain.

It was all so frustrating. Had it not been for the weather she would have been able to march quickly enough to catch the Ylissians in the envelopment she had planned, but she had been delayed and she only caught a minor part of the enemy.

And now she had learned that the fool Mustafa had gotten himself killed and his men put to flight as Feroxi reinforcements arrived. The realization sank in, the realization she would not be able to fulfil her task of killing the last of the exalted bloodline and pluck the fire emblem from their prince's corpse so she would have to be satisfied with a different victory. Careful so as to not slip in the mud, robes closed around her and hood up Reflet moved to the circle of Ylissians desperately fending off her men, her silver masked bodyguard around her.

Stopping she extended a small hand and gathered energy in it before, picking out where her brother stood in the ring she released the energy. Water hissed and evaporated at its touch and when it hit the ground it exploded, sending men off their feet dazed. They should not die from that she knew and with the earth as soft as it was there was little chance of the fall causing any damage that could not be mended.

- 'Take that one alive, kill the rest.'

She instructed, her men moving in to do as told, one stopping to push a Ylissian to the ground with his foot before stabbing down, punching his blade through the mans throat. Reflet turned to regard the rest of the battle field, thinking of a plan to safely extract herself and her captive from the mess when she heard a scream close by followed by alarmed shouts. She turned to see her brother stand, one of her men near him grasping his shattered leg in both hands. The other grimleal moved in, the first staggering back as the traitiors sword struck his shield, the next tried to punch the man with his shield only to be sidestepped, her brother cutting the mans tendons in passing. She briefly admired the skill and tenacity of her brother before scowling.

With an annoyed sigh Reflet collected power, this time planning a more direct attack to remove the mans ability to resist only to be frustrated as, whether by chance or design, her brother moved behind the remaining soldier as the power left her hand, the magical energy ripped through her servants nervous system all but paralysing him and making him easy prey for her brother who kicked the grimleal in her direction.

She moved to avoid the slow missile and would have done so with ease but was betrayed by the ground, her feet slipping in the mud and she fell to her knees. Trying to push herself upright she caught sight of her brother, he had somehow managed to close the distance between them in that short moment and had already brought his blade round in a two handed blow straight at her.

She found she could not look away from the sword and a ghost of a smile appeared on her lips, this man had taken the destiny that by all rights should have been hers. He had stolen their mother's love and their father's attention and now it seemed, he was destined to steal her life. As if time had slowed the blade seemed to inch closer and she found another thought enter her mind.

What if things had been different? What if she had been chosen? What if their mother never betrayed them? And, perhaps the most ridiculous thought of them all, what if neither of them had been born as the chosen?

She closed her eyes and smiled in derision of the foolishness of such thoughts as her brother's blade made contact with her neck.

And I make more significant(?) changes to the original story. I always found the Plegians sudden loss of will surprising, definitely not the reaction I would expect from a nation that just witnessed the personification of their hated enemy commit suicide, an act in western society generally seen as an act of the weak and defeated.

I have tried to modify it therefore while still making it a significant event; I hope I was successful. I also apologise for the attempt at a bawdy song.