Three days after the Shepherds had received word of the attack, Chrom, Robin, and Lissa charged through the narrow gate of the palace to meet with Emmeryn. As Chrom had expected, the Exalt intended to parley with King Gangrel of Plegia. The only matter still up for debate was the time and place of such a meeting.
"King Gangrel proposed that the negotiations should take place at the mouth of the Arnrynd Pass, near the southwestern border," said Frederick with a frown, his armored foot tapping impatiently on the tiled floor. "This would play to his advantage if things were to go sour; the higher ground belongs to Plegia, and they could easily overcome us if they were to topple the boulders from the cliff. Not to mention that their wyvern riders could maneuver more easily in the cramped quarters than our pegasus knights."
"We must hold onto hope that it will not come to that," Emmeryn said sternly.
"But if it does, I'd prefer if you were guarded," replied Chrom. "I'll be there, of course, but they don't call Gangrel the Mad King for nothing. I'd expect him to bring a sizable force as an entourage, and you should do the same."
"I agree," Robin concurred, his boots clicking on the beige stone as he stepped forward. Emmeryn opened her mouth to object, but the tactician continued, "Pardon my manners, your Grace, but this is not something we can afford to debate. If Gangrel does decide to attack again, and he almost certainly will, if only you, Chrom and Lissa were there, the entire royal family would be wiped out. We cannot let that happen."
The barest hint of a frown on her face, Emmeryn replied calmly, "Taking a large armed force like the pegasus knights would likely only send King Gangrel the message that we intended to fight. He could very well claim that we provoked Plegia, as he is already claiming that Lady Maribelle illegally crossed their border."
"Prince Chrom and I have already planned for this," Robin said with a small smile. "The mouth of the Arnrynd is on the Ylissean side of the border, yes? If we can get there before Gangrel, we can station and disguise our forces and be ready to intervene should anything go amiss. It couldn't be a very large group, of course, but it could be done."
"And this group, I assume, would be the Shepherds?"
"It would be our best bet, Your Highness. The Shepherds are the only team small enough to hide effectively, and the only strike team strong enough to hold off a sizable force."
"You seem to have put a great deal of thought into this hypothetical battle, Robin," Emmeryn said softly. "Do you truly think the only possible outcome is bloodshed?"
"As a man, I'd like to hope not," sighed Robin. "But as a tactician, I must be realistic. It seems too good of an opportunity for Gangrel to resist."
"Very well," Emmeryn reluctantly conceded, and as she turned Robin could see the sadness in her eyes, though when she spoke again it was gone. "I must prepare. Chrom, ready your team and leave as soon as possible. I shall send a messenger to King Gangrel and meet you at the Arnrynd before the week is out. Let us pray that our forces needn't clash."
"As you wish, Sister," nodded the prince. He motioned for Robin to follow him and the tactician left with a respectful bow to the Exalt.
….
The Shepherds received the news of possible conflict in differing ways, but all agreed on one key point: Their duty to Ylisse had to be fulfilled. In less than a day every Shepherd's bag and tent were packed onto the wagon convoy, and by the next morning Frederick had procured enough rations for the entirety of the trip.
As Robin was checking their supplies for the third time that afternoon- something he'd taken to doing out of habit- he felt a small hand tap his shoulder. He turned to see Lissa with her usual radiant smile and returned the expression.
"Chrom and Frederick told me to come find you," she stated, turning and gesturing for him to follow. "They've got a little surprise set up."
"Surprise?" Robin asked in confusion, jogging to keep up with the sprightly girl. "Exactly what kind of surprise?"
"You'll find out when we get there!" she laughed, picking up the pace. "Come on, I'll race ya to the castle!" Robin muttered something under his breath and sped up to match her, smiling a little as he took in the bright afternoon sun on his face and the slight breeze that wafted diverse scents from the market stalls.
Unfortunately, the beautiful afternoon scene was lost on him as he broke into an all-out run to keep up with the princess.
Once they'd arrived, the duo stopped to catch their breath while the guards stepped aside to let them through. "Guess I won," Lissa laughed triumphantly.
"What? I left you in the dust!" Robin replied, chuckling despite his mild exhaustion.
"No way! I beat you by a mile!"
"Perhaps you should get those eyes checked, Lissa. Anyone could see I was far ahead!"
"Yeah? Well I-"
"Having fun?" Chrom asked jokingly as he stepped into view.
"Just a little," Robin replied, standing up straight and pretending to stretch nonchalantly. "We were just discussing how badly I defeated your sister in a footrace."
"Or just how sore of a loser your tactician is, Chrom!" the princess retorted, giving Robin a playful punch to the shoulder.
"I'm not getting involved in this conflict," Chrom chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. "Either way, Robin, come with me. Frederick and I have a little something for you."
"What is it?" Robin asked curiously, following the prince into a smaller corridor on the side of the castle.
"Something we think will prove useful in the future," Chrom said enigmatically as he opened a door and beckoned the tactician inside.
Entering hesitantly, Robin's eyes were immediately fixated on a wooden training dummy on the far side of the white-walled room. Unlike ones actually used for training, this one wore thick, brown leather armor tied together with gold thread over most of its form, excepting the head. The center of the cuirass bore the same emblem that was tattooed on Chrom's arm, though this one was sewn in with the same golden-colored thread that was present on the rest of the armor.
"Is that armor a gift for a visiting noble or something?" Robin asked, admiring the craftsmanship.
"Not exactly," Chrom replied, his smile growing slightly wider. "This is that little surprise I was talking about. That armor's for you, my friend."
Robin's jaw dropped. "Are you being serious?" he asked incredulously. Chrom nodded, and the tactician found himself at a loss for words. "Thank you," was as much as he could manage.
"We thought it a fitting gift," Frederick said, his armored boots thudding on the wooden floor as he entered the small chamber. "I noticed that you are the only Shepherd besides Donnel without any armor to speak of. And since you insist on fighting on the front lines, the Prince and I decided it would be best for you to be protected." The knight crossed calmly over to the mannequin and beckoned for Robin to come closer. "I'll show you how to properly don your armor."
….
With Frederick's help, Robin finally stood tall in his new equipment. The multilayered armor fit like a glove over his body, and the tactician found that he could move just as easily as he had without it, even being able to wear his cloak over the bulk. "How do I look?" he asked Chrom.
"Like a new recruit on his first day," the shorter man laughed. "Let's just hope we don't get your suit dirty when we meet Gangrel."
"Indeed. Speaking of which, the Shepherds are ready to leave whenever necessary, Chrom. You just give the word."
"It's too late in the afternoon to leave now, if we want to make any progress before nightfall. Frederick, get down to the barracks and tell the Shepherds that we leave before dawn in the morning. I want to be at the Arnrynd by tomorrow evening."
"Of course, milord," the knight bowed, turning on his heel and leaving the room. Chrom sighed and rubbed at his forehead, sitting down on one of the many oaken barrels containing gods-knew-what.
"I know that look," Robin said as he leaned back against the wall with folded arms. "You're worried about what will happen at the pass, aren't you?"
"Of course I am," Chrom confirmed. "Gangrel's like a wild dog; he attacks everything with no concern for anyone but himself. Plegia's wanted a war with us for years, and now we're handing it to them on a silver platter."
"We don't exactly have a choice in the matter, Chrom. The way I see it, either we do nothing and let Gangrel carry on destroying villages and murdering civilians, or we stop them."
"But stopping them will mean war!" Chrom exclaimed angrily, getting to his feet and glaring up at Robin's eyes.
"And not stopping them will mean raped and murdered innocents and burned homes! Soon there won't be a damn country left to protect!" The tactician's icy gaze met Chrom's, neither breaking contact.
The contest of wills held for another two minutes before the prince finally broke away.
"I suppose there's no point in arguing anyway," he muttered in a tone that reflected his smoldering anger. "Emmeryn's already sent a messenger by now." He turned away from Robin but stopped in the doorway. "I'm sorry for exploding like that," he apologized, "I just know Emm couldn't stand more bloodshed, and neither could Lissa."
"It's not easy for anyone, Chrom." The pale-haired man yawned. "We'd best get some rest; got a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
"Agreed."
"Captain! Captain!" shouted a childish voice from outside. Curiously the two men walked out and were met with a small brown-haired boy with clothes that didn't quite fit and an absurdly large blue hat. "Captain Chrom, I'm ready for duty!" the boy saluted, puffing his chest out.
"Ricken?" Chrom asked in disbelief. "What is it?"
"I'm ready to fight, sir!" When the look didn't change, Ricken added, "Y'know, at the pass tomorrow? I'm ready to go!" he motioned to the overstuffed bag on his back.
"Sorry, but you're too young for this," Chrom quickly shot him down.
"What?! You know my skill with magic! You know I can handle myself!" The young mage's expression morphed from one of eagerness to one of frustration in an instant.
"Listen, I know you want to help, but I'd feel safer with you back here, holding down the fort." Robin noted that Chrom was using the same calming tone that one would use on small children, and apparently Ricken did, too.
"Don't act like I'm a child!" he spat with as much authority as he could. "I know exactly what happens out there!"
"And that's why we need you here. To keep the barracks in order while we're out trying not to die. Okay? Good." Without waiting for an answer, Chrom walked off. Robin quickly shot the mage a sympathetic look and followed, though he could hear muttering behind him.
…Not to mention the loud crack of metal on stone and a stream of swearwords that should never be used in civilized conversation.
….
The trip to the Arnrynd was a short one, as Ylisstol wasn't far from the border. The entire mountain through which the pass cut was riddled with caves and tunnels, and it was in one such cave that the Shepherds were ordered to wait while negotiations took place. The cave wasn't exactly comfortable, and the rocky terrain was brutal and unforgiving as small avalanches were constantly happening on the mountain.
The meeting was to happen at the bottom of the mountain, in Ylissean territory, but Robin could tell that Gangrel had chosen it intentionally. Just on the other side of the border was a maintained fort, blocking one of two routes north: one on the Ylissean side, and one on the Plegian side. As Robin quickly informed Chrom and Frederick, the Plegians were likely to try to advance down the narrow route closest to the Shepherds, while soldiers in the fort would crash against them from the west. It was decided that as soon as the battle began, Kellam would begin advancing up the path, followed closely by Virion, who would attempt to shoot any mages before they could reach the knight. Behind them would be Robin and Lon'qu, who, when the path opened up onto the plateau, would quickly cut down any immediate threats and advance to the easily defendable fort located just north of where the path ended.
Recon by Sumia revealed that Maribelle was being held on the eastern edge of the plateau, and Robin concluded that Sumia would ride up with a dismounted Frederick on the back of her pegasus, and the experienced soldier would defend Sumia's retreat back down the mountain with Maribelle until one of the two teams of Shepherds also on the plateau could assist him. Finally, Chrom and Vaike, along with Stahl and Donnel, would advance to the west and obtain control over the third fort. Stahl and Donnel would remain there incase retreat was called for, while Chrom and Vaike advanced up the less-defended western path to the plateau. Finally, once all enemies on the plateau had been disposed of and the Plegian advance was halted, the Shepherds not stationed in one of the forts would press a combined assault up to the top of the mountain. If the battle was not yet won at that point, Robin stated, they would have to improvise.
….
It was a relief for all involved when the negotiations finally started. Robin remained hiding in a thick bush just outside the cave to observe while the royal family and Frederick met with Gangrel.
The Mad King stood on an outcropping of rock, clothed in black fabric with a golden cape and crown that sat upon his rat's nest of bright red hair, though Robin swore he could see the glint of armor underneath the fancy clothing. Behind him was a woman with pale white hair not unlike Robin's, in a revealing ebony outfit adorned with black plumage, a hand on her hip as she watched with an amused expression.
"What's this, then?" Gangrel cried, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as the royal family approached. "The Exalt herself, in all her radiance? I fear I must shield my eyes!" He made a performance of doing so, as an actor would on a stage, and burst into a fit of laughter.
"King Gangrel," Emmeryn replied in an even tone, face expressionless, "I've come for the truth of this unfortunate incident between us."
"The truth?" The black-clothed woman asked. "I can give you the truth."
"Perhaps milady might first share her name?"
"You may call me Aversa."
"Very well, Aversa. Is Lady Maribelle unharmed?"
"Who?" Gangrel pretended to mutter under his breath. "Oh yes, the little blonde brat."
A familiar voice shouted from the plateau, "Unhand me, you gutter-born troglodyte!" Robin didn't need to look to tell who that voice belonged to.
"Maribelle!" Lissa shouted.
"Lissa? Darling, is that you?" Aversa interrupted before anything else could be said.
"This girl crossed the Plegian border without our consent," she said with disdain. "And what's more, she wounded the brave Plegian soldiers who sought only to escort her safely home." She spoke as if to a child, in a mocking tone with a cruel smile.
"Lies!" screamed Maribelle in rage. "You speak nothing but lies, hag! Did they not teach the meaning of the word 'truth' in wretched-crone school?" she asked, mimicking the woman's tone. Robin turned his head just in time to see a Plegian soldier throw a punch into Maribelle's midsection, and bit his lip to keep from shouting out.
"See? No manners at all," Aversa tutted.
"Such a violent temper speaks to her guilt," Gangrel agreed. "This will call for a weighty punishment." The last word rolled off his tongue as though he relished the very thought. The Mad King's smile widened as he feigned shock. "And if she were to later confess to being an Ylissean spy? Goodness! Why, it would take an act of considerable good faith to repair relations."
"I have done nothing wrong!" screeched Maribelle. "It is they who should confess! They razed an entire village, and when I intervened, they dragged me across the border." Her expression darkened. "Let the charred homes and plundered shops of that town serve as proof!"
"That would only prove Ylisse has a bandit problem," Gangrel said as he dismissed it with a wave. "In fact, it's something I hear oft of late." He once again took on a theatrical expression and a mocking tone. "Oh, but indeed, tonight I shall weep salty tears into my pillow for your dead villagers." Maribelle began to protest, but Emmeryn held up her hand.
"Peace, Maribelle, I believe you." She lifted her head, still without expression, to the King. "King Gangrel, I request you release her at once. Surely we can sort out these affairs without need for hostages."
"Pah! Without so much as an apology? Why even bother with parley? I'm within my rights to have her head this instant and be home in time for supper!" He licked his lips as if savoring the moment.
"You black-hearted devil!" Chrom roared, his voice echoing through the pass.
"Oh, do control your dog, my dear, before he gets someone hurt." Gangrel chuckled at the implied threat. The prince growled, but held his tongue. "Now, where were we? Oh yes, the deal. You give me the Fire Emblem, and I return Mari Contrary in one piece."
"Why would you ask for this treasure?"
"Because I know the legend!" he spat. "The Emblem is the key to having my wishes realized. I've desired it for years! YEARS!" he screamed, practically shaking with excitement now.
"Its power is meant only to save the world and its people at their most desperate hour of need. Would you claim a more noble wish?"
"I want only what every Plegian wants- a grisly end for every last Ylissean! What could be more noble?" He burst into psychotic laughter again, a sound that sent shivers down Robin's spine. "Your father named us heathens, and his 'crusade' butchered countless of my subjects and kin!"
"I have never denied my country's wrongdoings," Emmeryn conceded, her facade failing. "But ours is now a realm of peace!"
"Yours is a haven of hypocrisy!" Gangrel screamed. "Give me the Emblem!"
"No!" cried Maribelle. Gangrel sighed.
"Taaaaaaaalk talk-talk-talk-talk. It's time for action. This negotiation is over, Your Luminosity!" Gangrel mocked. "I'll just have to pry the Emblem from your shiny dead hands!"
Two men rushed Emmeryn, but one fell to Chrom's blade and another to Frederick's lance. "Back!" Chrom's voice boomed. "Or you'll all suffer the same fate!"
"Now that's a declaration of war if I ever heard one. Attack!" The Mad King rushed back to a higher cliff as wyverns screeched and their riders howled and waved their axes. "Now, do your best- at doing your worst!" He laughed again and ran from the battlefield as the Shepherds charged out from their hiding places.
Robin drew his blade, but his attention was caught by a loud howling of wind, and a Plegian fell screaming from the cliff above to land with a backbreaking crash next to Robin. 'A mage,' he thought. 'And apparently on our side.' He raised his sword and screamed, "Shepherds, charge!"
Kellam took the lead, impaling a barbarian on the end of his lance and flinging away the corpse as he ran as fast as his armor would allow. Virion shouted flowery insults as he launched arrow after arrow onto the defending Plegians, turning their attention to the sky as Kellam's lance plunged into another man's gut. Lon'qu took his place at Robin's side, and the swordsmen stayed close behind as Kellam cleared the path ahead. From the corner of his eye Robin saw Sumia leading her pegasus to the plateau, and in another blink she was gone.
The path widened as the Shepherds reached the flat level, and Kellam took a step to the side to allow Robin and Lon'qu through. They caught the Plegians by surprise, and two wickedly fast swipes nearly cut a mage in half. The two men stood back to back for half a second before striking again and bringing down two more.
A third charged, but Robin's blade took his leg and sent him to the ground just as Lon'qu's sword impaled him. "West!" the tactician roared over the clashing steel and iron. His partner understood immediately, and they charged, stabbing two more men through the back while they were preoccupied with Frederick. Armed with lance and shield, the great knight embedded his lance in the last's stomach and hurled him from the cliff.
A sharp voice shouted, "Duck!" Conditioned by their training, all three men did so, but the five Plegians about to decapitate them were not so lucky as hellishly fast winds ripped at their faces, slicing one man's throat instantly and knocking the remainder to the ground. Each soldier killed one of the men on the cold rock, and an arrow pierced the last's heart. Moving as one unit, the Shepherds pushed east again and formed a wall of swords and steel with Kellam. The three remaining Plegians were overwhelmed without trouble, and Chrom and Vaike, both drenched in Plegian blood, rendezvoused with them before the final push.
Once again Kellam took the lead, and the others formed a protective circle around Virion as the archer fired relentlessly at the wyvern riders overhead. Kellam was able to shout, "Set four!" loud enough for Robin to hear, and the verbal cue immediately spurred the tactician to act, muscle memory carrying him forward as Kellam raised his shield high enough for the tactician to squeeze through.
Once again, the element of surprise won out, and the Plegian who had been about to put a hammer into Kellam's shield now lay bleeding in the dust, and the mage behind him was aware of being pinned down for only a second before he was stabbed.
A man riding a massive wyvern and wearing crimson armor entered Robin's vision, as did the split-second image of a raised axe. Suddenly pain exploded in his chest and he fell to the ground with a loud cry. His eyes half-open, he saw a gust of wind blow the man from his perch, scarring his face in the process, and Vaike leapt onto the incapacitated rider, bringing his axe down in one fatal, practiced swing.
Robin was vaguely aware of being lifted onto some kind of mount- a horse? A pegasus maybe?- before the pain faded to a dull numbness and his vision darkened.
….
I'm back! Well, for now, at least. No more excuses, I just didn't get this out nearly quick enough. Anyway, I hope this is one of my better chapters.
So as of now, the only pairings set in stone are Robin with Cordelia, and Chrom with Olivia. Everything else is still being debated. Thanks for reading, and see ya next time!
