Disclaimer: I don't own Fire Emblem, Nintendo does. I own the plot and the name of the tactician. A good number of Fire Emblem Blazing Sword Characters will be mentioned, and a few will make an appearance in this story. I do not own Michael he belongs to Cloud-Link-Zero who's allowed me to have him in the story. I do own the other character Alice Bianchi who is Will's sister.
A/N: This story was inspired by Kaze-Kami-Ha. The tactician appears in this story and is in a series: A Prequel: Fire Emblem 7: Lord Tactician; which tells how the tactician came to be known. Fire Emblem 8: Sacred Stones: The tactician's journey in Magvel and a paring of Tactician and Eirika. Fire Emblem 6: Binding Blade: Where the Tactician returns to Elibe to help his friends' children against Bern.
Heath, a wyvern knight is a good companion in the army since his surrender to Lord Eliwood and has been a great help. Both of us have left Bern for different reasons but Heath feared of being captured as we entered Bern because he confided in me that he is a deserter. Deserter or not he's valuable to us and I will not let his freedom be taken away.
Will's War Journal (Elibe vol. 2)
Will Bianchi is not like Sain who constantly tries to flirt with me. I'm still shy around men but when it comes to Will whom I treat as a brother I am not as shy around him. He cares about everyone and knows my comfort zone. Fiora, why am I still shy around other men but when Will is near me all my shyness leaves?
Florina talking to her sister Fiora
Chapter 7: Waterside Renvall
Will sat silently on the lead wagon next to Guy trying not to glance behind him at the next wagon which was being guarded by Eirika.
Seth and he had a falling out once the paladin had learned that Eirika explained to the tactician the reasons why Grado wanted her bracelet. She'd pleaded with Seth to listen to reason, and that she didn't want Will to be left in the dark. He needed to understand if he was to help them achieve victory. Seth hadn't listen to the explanation and continued arguing that it reached the point where Will simply stood and walked off.
It hurt that Seth didn't trust him to keep it secret, but he understood his reasons. He was a stranger to the land and reading about their history wasn't the same as growing up and learning about the history of Magvel.
Three day's had passed since the argument and it clearly was affecting the group. Silence was their constant companion as they traveled and rested for the night. Any conversation was done in a whisper and usually very short with the participants' drifting around the camp before turning in for the night. He didn't mean to be rude but he kept his distance from Eirika who was slowly becoming annoyed at Seth for watching her even more closely as if to stop her from sharing anymore secrets, though he did miss talking with her.
"Will," Seth interrupted his line of thought, "I would like to apologize for my behavior towards you. It was wrong for me to think you would take advantage about the true nature of the bracelet," he continued never noticing Eirika was watching intently a small smile growing on her face, "Can you forgive me?"
"Of course Seth, but you really don't need to apologize," Will replied, turning towards the red-haired paladin, "You were doing what your knightly vows commanded you to do as a knight of Renais."
Shaking hands with Will the group's mood improved, as Seth rode past Eirika she whispered a thanks to him. The paladin bowed his head in acknowledgement while promising never to doubt Will as he now proved he could keep secrets.
Later that day after the nightly meal, Seth, Will and Eirika sat around the campfire discussing quietly about the news they had received and the importance of the bracelets.
"Our primary concern is to keep Grado from obtaining the second bracelet," explained Will, "If the bracelet is captured the Sacred Stone of Renais will be destroyed and what evil there is will win," he paused, sighing. "Grado cannot win. That is why we need to achieve victory tomorrow."
"You are correct," Seth replied. "But remember what the shaman told us that Prince Ephraim is captured and being held at Renvall. Both bracelets are needed to unlock the stone."
"True but I doubt the prince has been captured," stated Will.
"Will, are you saying they lied?" Eirika asked, looking up from the fire.
"They could possibly have been telling the truth." he shrugged, "but from what you told me about your brother, he's an excellent tactician unlikely to be captured. We don't know if he has been apprehended or not, but we are still going to find out," he stood with a sigh, "I just fear this is another attempt to secure your bracelet like the one where Lyn and I agreed to retrieve Ninian's ring."
Eirika glanced down at her bracelet which shone in the firelight softly as she spoke, "We'll find out tomorrow if what we were told is the truth. If my brother is there, we will free him and then quickly retreat back to Frelia, but if he's not…"
"We'll continue our search for him until we do." replied Will, turning around, "No matter how long it takes, I'll help you find your brother."
Eirika's only reply was to stand and hug Will before releasing him and ordering him to rest. Will bowed and walked away without argument knowing he needed the rest because tomorrow might be a long day.
(Scene Change)
Eirika stood next to Will as he surveyed the terrain surrounding Renvall. The castle sat on an island surrounded by water. Huge Peaks dominated the area forcing any movement in the area to come from the west or east. Ridges and small defensive mountains along with the tree's and the water to cross numbers bridges to attack the fortress head on gave this area perfect terrain for a defensive army.
"Will, do you think my brother is held in that fortress?" asked Eirika.
"Renvall lies in an area perfect for defense," Will replied, turning to face Guy, "Arm everyone with as many weapons they can carry. We won't have time to move the wagon's with us," Guy nodded, quickly moving back to group as Will turned back to face the castle, "We'll have a hard time Eirika, but we can do it. If your brother is captured I believe he would be held in that castle."
Seth nodded in agreement, "What's the plan then?"
"We move as quickly as possible," replied the tactician, "hopefully they don't realize we are so near."
The three of them quickly returned to the group with Will immediately barking out orders.
"Princess Eirika! Will Bianchi!" shouted Franz, "Please allow me to fight with you. My elder brother Forde is with the Prince Ephraim, and Sirs Kyle and Orson. Let me help in liberating them from their captivity!"
"There is nothing left to discuss," added Gilliam, "Let's march!"
"The hour of your reunion is not far off," continued Moulder, "Let's free the Prince!"
"I am yours to command Your Highness, Sir Will," Vanessa put in, guiding her mount over.
"Lead us again to victory Lord Tactician," Matthew smirked, earning a smack upside the head from Guy.
Everyone else continued to voice their support to Eirika and Will as the priest, cleric and monk prayed for victory.
"I'm on my way brother," whispered Eirika as she unsheathed her blade.
"We'll need to proceed with caution. The enemy has an archer occupied a ballistae close to the castle, but I am curious why the enemy commander has deployed a second ballistae close to our position," Will then pointed northward, "By giving us the use of the second ballistae the enemy has allowed us to attack at long range also."
"Ballistae, aren't they siege weaponry?" queried Eirika.
"Yes, but they can be converted for defensive purposes," Will replied, remembering the Vortex Strategy, "Able to shoot massive long range bolts, they can rain death from above without putting the person operating them at risk. Vanessa, stay to the rear until the enemy ballistae is out of bolts," Vanessa bowed, "Seth you'll be the moving target for them."
"Will, I have a question?" Neimi spoke gaining the tactician's attention.
"I believe you're going to ask me to ask permission to use the ballistae north of here, right?"
Neimi nodded, and Will continued, "That's exactly what I was planning on ordering you to do. Ross and Colm please escort and protect Neimi to the unmanned ballistae north of here. Neimi once you're there, take out as many enemies as you can before you run out of ammunition. Once you run out of bolts, rejoin us quickly. Ross and Colm, once we've entered the castle return to the wagons and stay hidden until we return."
"Right," Ross replied as he, the thief and archer headed off.
"Everyone else, let's move as quickly as possible but stay out of range of the ballista."
"What's the formation Will?" asked Seth.
"Seth you'll be point, and try not to be injured badly attracting the attention of the ballista. Franz stay behind Seth with Gilliam and Garcia flanking you. If Seth is attacked move up to protect him. Joshua, Michael, Guy, and Alice form up behind them. Matthew, help out anywhere and especially when your nimble fingers are needed. Lute, Artur, Natasha, and Moulder form up behind Joshua's group. Eirika and Vanessa stay with me until the ballista is taken care of or someone needs to be relieved."
"Right," replied Eirika and Vanessa as the group moved into formation. Once everyone was in position Will glanced towards the castle, before turning back to the army who waited patiently for his orders.
"Everyone, I'm not going to remind you what we need to do here," he started, "but I will tell you that this battle will show Grado what can happen when people stand united. Move out!"
(Scene Change)
Will watched as the enemy forces desperately tried to hold the group back once their occupied ballistae had run out of bolts and the archer killed, but they couldn't hold as Eirika's forces slowly pushed them back.
Neimi had done a wonderful job in splintering the enemy leaving a much smaller force to deal with and had surprised Will by how quickly she joined the group once the ballistae was empty. Now she was firing rapidly alongside the magic users picking off enemies at long range and turning the tide for them.
Seth, Franz, Gilliam and Garcia were taking the brunt of the attack while their support aided them when they were pushed back. As Garcia blocked an attack from a lance wielding soldier he glanced towards the gate as the enemy commander mounted his horse and prepared to charge. Shoving with all his weight he threw the soldier off balance before crashing his ax against the man's armor turning he shouted, "Will the enemy commander is about to charge!"
"Seth!" shouted Will above the den of battle.
Seth turned facing the tactician as he pointed at the enemy commander, "Charge him first before he does!" Seth nodded and readied his lance, as Will continued to shout orders, "Joshua, take your group and finish the remaining enemies as Seth charges the enemy commander. Eirika and Vanessa move up and support our archer and magic users."
As everyone acknowledged Will's orders, Seth spurred his horse into a gallop past the few remaining enemies before him who only tried to charge the support units but were overwhelmed as Joshua's group ran into them.
(Scene Change)
"Blast it all, how did they manage to get past the ballistae?" muttered Murray as he surveyed the field, "Tirado undermanned us, we didn't have the men to man both."
He had been safely out of range but he'd watched helplessly as his men were slowly dispatched one by one. Growing tired of watching his men die before him Murray had decided to charge the enemy lines, hoping to take out some of their experienced fighters and capture their leaders. He never heard one of them shout out and ruining his plans.
Mounting he spurred his horse holding his lance in one hand and reins in the other. He lowered the lance with a grin aiming for the armored knight he blocked an attack with his shield. Murray was so focused on his task he failed to notice the enemy paladin charging towards him until he felt a piercing pain in his side and the ground rushing up to meet him.
Everyone moved quickly to the castle as Seth secured the gate, the remaining soldiers had fallen after Seth had defeated the cavalier with his lance. The army paused at the front gate, taking in deep breaths and tired and sore from the fight.
Will waited till everyone was ready before Garcia and Gilliam slowly opened the gate and he began whispering orders, "Keep your weapons ready and keep a look out for any enemies. We've no time to lose if the enemy is here and decided to move up the prince's execution."
Cautiously the army entered the fortress as he glanced around the empty gate house with a feeling of concern growing in his heart. Something wasn't right…
(Scene Change)
"Is my brother somewhere in the castle?" Eirika asked as she, Will and Seth walked in front of the group as still no foes had appeared, "Seth! Will! We need to look around and find the dungeons."
"Agreed, but we must be cautious and not let the enemy divide us into small groups," Will replied.
"Princess Eirika, Will hold," hissed Seth as he moved in front of the pair, "There's a figure in the shadows…."
"Who is it" the princess whispered drawing her sword as the sound of boots walking across the floor reached their ears and an armored man appeared out of the shadows.
"Princess Eirika…" the man started, the crest of Renais on his shoulders, "and….is that you Seth?"
"Sir Orson why are you here?" Seth questioned, "Shouldn't you be with Prince Ephraim?"
"Are you well Sir Orson?" asked Eirika as she and Will moved next to Seth, "If you are here my brother must be with you right?"
"Yes…" whispered the man nodding slowly, "Prince Ephraim, myself and two other knights were captured by Grado. They've been holding us prisoners here….and I've just escaped my cell. A chance escape….it's what I had prayed for…."
'Liar.' thought Will. 'I've worked with shifty characters before. Even Matthew can be more sincere than this when he's up to something. I don't see any injuries so I'm still going to say he's a liar. Now how do I convince Eirika?'
"Orson are you well?" Eirika repeated softly, "Your face is so pale. Are you hurt?"
"No…." Orson responded quickly, "I'm fine but I can't say the same for Prince Ephraim."
"What!?" Eirika cried, "Where is my brother?"
'He's probably not here Eirika, because if he was no true loyal knight would leave their lord behind unless ordered,' Will sighed to himself.
"If he is still alive he will be in one of the deeper cells where I was being held," Orson answered, "Head down the corridor to the dungeons, but be quick before reinforcements arrive."
"Thank you," responded Eirika as Seth motioned to Will.
Will nodded slightly as Orson led them down the hallways the army following, but maintaining their guard.
"I don't believe Prince Ephraim is here." Will whispered to Seth, "and I've had this growing concern since entering the castle."
"Agreed," replied Seth, just as quiet.
"I don't like this….," continued Will after glancing at Orson, "I can't prove anything right now, but if Orson asks for the princess to follow him alone make sure you vehemently refuse his request."
"I plan to Will, ever since he stumbled through his 'chance escape' explanation on why he was alone. Like you I can't prove he's a traitor until I have more information."
Will's reply was a quick nod, his mind racing to put a plan together as his eyes took in the structure of the castle. If it was a trap he would see to it that the trap failed and bring victory to Eirika's forces just as he'd led Eliwood and Hector's forces against Erik.
Thank you to my beta Frog for the corrections to the chapters. Please read and review. Poll is now closed, winner is Daughter as a tactician/sword, Son as a tactician/magic.