Shout Outs...

X00001: Thank you kindly.

Aquatic-Idealist: Thanks. Enjoy this one too.

Maxmagnus20019: Thank you, my good man.

AccessBlade: I try, I try.

Rising Hero: Thank you.

Kalisona: Well who would expect him there, ne?

Interlude: A New Beginning

My father and I have disagreed on many a subject but one nugget of wisdom he gave that rang true is this: If the opportunity to learn a talent presents itself than learn it. Swordplay, thievery, archery, cooking, alchemy... In this growing army I accumulated a number of talents, some of which I became quite good at. Others still require work.

Tyr: The Fall of Nergal

Merlinus has not received much ink in this book and thinking of that is a true shame. He is our war's unsung hero. Whenever a sword did break he rushed to supply a new one. When gold wore thin he bargained with stores for the best deals. When things looked poor he would lift spirits. He did all his work in the background, unseen until he was needed. Some say we won because of my own efforts, but we would not have done half as well without his support.

Tyr: The Fall of Nergal

0-0

"We're nearly there." Tyr said as he looked over the army, taking a break from the march in the midday. "Another couple of hours and we'll be at the castle, we're already past Border Mulan."

"And not having to look over your shoulder every minute doesn't hurt." Eirika added, standing beside him. "Tyrland, what do you make of Myrrh?"

"Calling me by my full name, princess?" Tyr said, turning to look at her.

"Sorry, it just rolls off the tongue." She replied.

"No offence was taken, shortened or not it is my name." Tyr replied. "As for her, I've little idea. Something tells me she's going to be an asset to us. One we need to have, My Princess."

"Your Princess?" Eirika parroted, looking at him.

"...Apologies, I didn't mean to sound... possessive." Tyr replied.

"No, no, I took no offence." Eirika replied, waving her hand. "It's just no one has ever called me 'My' Princess."

"Well that seems to have changed." Tyr said as Seth began gesturing to Ross and Colm. "Be ready, seems Seth has called the march."

0-0

It wasn't long until the group had reached Castle Frelia with Ephraim in tow. They were admitted into the palace easily, with Tyr dismissing the troop, giving them some much needed time off.

Shortly there after Tyr, Eirika, Ephraim walked towards the door of the throne room, Myrrh trailing them as Tana rushed over to the three. "Eirika! Ephraim! Tyrland!" She cried out. "Welcome! The three of you returning together, it's like a dream come true. You must know, I've prayed every day for your safe return."

"I'm so happy to see you too, Tana." Eirika replied with a nod.

"You make it sound like you doubted us." Tyr added.

"I'm sorry, Tana." Ephraim said, shaking his head. "I didn't want for you to worry."

"Oh, it doesn't matter now..." The Frelian princess replied with a wave of her hand. "All that really matters is that we've been brought together again. My own brother will soon return from the field. It will be nice to sit down and discuss things again."

"And we should take a day off from marching regardless." Tyr replied. "Our people could use the rest, and the spare time will boost morale."

"Princess Tana!" The heard, turning about to see a guard saluting them. "Prince Innes has returned from the front!" He added as a man walked in, bow on his shoulder, his silver hair matching his cool gaze.

"Welcome home, dear brother!" Tana called out, rushing over to give the man a hug. "I'm so happy to see you return safe and sound!"

"You didn't expect less, did you?" Innes replied with a scoff as Tana released him. "Do you think Grado's slugs could touch me? With my bow, I'll take down every Grado soldier from here to the emperor's palace!" He called out as the twins and the tactician approached him.

"Well met, Innes." Ephraim said simply.

"...Ephraim." Innes replied coolly.

"It's good to see you, Prince Innes." Eirika said with a slight nod.

"...And you are?" Innes said, looking over the man in the green cloak.

"This is Tyr, better know as Tyrland." Eirika replied, gesturing to the man. "He serves as my tactician."

"Really now?" Innes replied looking the man over a second time. "I'd heard he was riding with you, but I thought it mere rumour."

"No rumour, Your Highness." Tyr replied. "I came to Magvel to start anew, although entering a war so soon after my arrival is surprising, and worrisome."

"You seem wary." Innes scoffed. "Is the great tactician who never lost a man in battle, the Duke of War, a little afraid of battles in this new land?"

"Hardly." Tyr replied curtly. "We've succeeded in ever battle thus far. My confidence is tempered with the hammer of experience, forged within the flame of caution and shaped upon the anvil of study. To be too bold is to invite trouble, but not bold enough to invite death."

"...Good choice of words." Innes said with a nod. "We shall see how it truly fares however." He said before turning to the twins. "...I've heard Renais has fallen. I believe I warned you before. This happened because you provided Grado the opportunity to strike."

"Brother! Mind your tongue!" Tana cried out. "This is no occasion for such harsh words. Ephraim and Eirika have lost their father to this terrible war..." She said, Innes pausing briefly.

"I'm sorry to hear of your father's death." Innes said in a softer tone. "Hear me, Ephraim. Our most important task is to defeat Grado and end this war." He said before turning about, a guard opening the throne room door for him.

"Oh, Innes..." Tana sighed as her brother walked into the room.

"Charming fellow, that one is." Tyr said, shaking his head slightly.

"I'm sorry, Tyrland, Eirika, Ephraim." Tana replied, crossing her arms.

"It's all right." Ephraim responded. "It's comforting to see that in all of this, at least he hasn't changed. Innes has hated me for as long as I can remember."

"My brother looks upon you as a rival, Ephraim." Tana sighed. "And as you know, he wants to be the best at everything. The best king, the best general, the best fighter, the best man... He won't allow himself to be beaten at anything..."

"Tana, you talk too much..." Innes called out as he returned to the hall. "...My father would like you all to sit with him in a war council. Will you come with me to take part in you official audience?"

"Yes, of course." Ephraim replied. "There's much that I have to tell him."

"It will be our honour to attend." Eirika added.

"And our duty." Tyr put in.

"This way." Innes said with a gesture to the throne room.

0-0

"It does my heart good to see you all here safely within our castle walls." Hayden said as he greeted his guests. "...Would that we had more time for pleasantries, but... let us hear your news."

"Very well, I will begin." Innes said, crossing his arms. "I've directed the body of Frelia's army south to engage Grado directly. Our troops are proving themselves superior and the battle progresses favourably."

"Hmm..." Hayden let out. "But the riddle still needs answering. Why did Grado begin this war in the first place?"

"Your Majesty, we may well have found something relating to that..." Eirika began. "We learned something on our travels, news that weighs heavily upon us."

"Ah, yes." Hayden said with a nod. "Our messenger delivered your report to us a few days ago. Grado is trying to destroy the Sacred Stones... Is that it?"

"Indeed, Your Highness." Tyr said. "A cleric had brought word of this to us. Grado silenced her master and tried to do the same with her."

"We've strengthen the tower's defences." Hayden replied with a grim look. "Frelia's stone is safe for the time being. But we remain confused in this."

"The question of why does Grado wish to destroy the stones in the first place." Tyr sighed. "And more importantly what they hope to accomplish by doing so. I'm sorry to say, King Hayden, we simply do not possess that information or even enough to guess."

"The legends say the stones protect us all from the power of darkness." Eirika added.

"...I can't say if it relates, but I have a story about Grado." Ephraim said. "It's... been troubling me, and I would like to share it with you all."

"Any information would help, Your Highness." Tyr said as Ephraim looked to the cloaked girl.

"Myrrh. Come here, please." He said, the girl walking over next to him.

"Yes?" She said, looking up at him.

"Who's this girl?' Hayden asked as she let her cloak drop, eyes about her widening.

"On her back... Wings?" Eirika breathed, looking at the golden bat-like wings on her back, the limbs stretching out slightly.

"A... half-dragon of some kind?" Tyr asked, looking her over. "Who, or what, is she?"

"This is Myrrh." Ephraim began. "I met her while fighting in Grado territory. Myrrh, would you please tell everyone here the story you told me?" The girl shyly looked away, peeking slightly at the crowd about her.

"...Please, Ephraim, you tell them." She said softly.

"She's a bit shy." Ephraim sighed. "Very well. Tyr was somewhat correct; Myrrh tells me that she belongs to an ancient race of dragon folk. They're mentioned in a few legends. They're call the tribe of Manakete."

"Manakete?" Eirika parroted.

"I can't say I've heard of them." Tyr replied. "But I am from Elibe, and such a thing would be seen by many as either a horror from the Scouring or a blessing from the days before."

"Well, in Magvel their name appears several times in the tale of the Sacred Stones." Hayden replied. "It says they were neither human nor demon but a separate, aloof race."

"Please, Myrrh." Ephraim said, encouraging the girl, who turned to look at the floor before her.

"We live in the east... in Darkling Woods." She began softly. "One day..." She paused, looking away slightly.

"Yes?" Eirika said, smiling softly to help ease the girl's timidity.

"We felt something." Myrrh explained. "An ominous energy to the south."

"From the direction of Grado." Ephraim supplied. "They felt a... force flowing out of the Grado Empire."

"Saleh and I..." Myrrh continued. "We went to investigate this energy. But on our way, we came across a battle and were drawn into the conflict..."

"Myrrh got lost and was wandering aimlessly in an isolated region near Grado's border." Ephraim added.

"I met some wicked folk there." Myrrh said, shivering slightly. "They deceiver me and enchained me. They stole my dragonstone. They were preparing me for transport. It was in that moment when Ephraim appeared and rescued me." She said, as Eirika and Tyr traded glances.

"I stumbled across Myrrh by chance when Grado's men had ambushed us." Ephraim said. "Everything she told me seemed beyond belief, and yet... And yet, when I saw her wings, what could I do but believe?"

"This dark wave of energy still flows from the southlands." Myrrh continued. "Its current is strong and runs deep. It has awakened the evil ones. I want to stop it."

"Hmmm..." Hayden let out as he lowered his head in thought.

'By the sounds of Myrrh's tale it sounds as if someone has tampered with something best left alone.' Tyr thought to himself. 'And the evil ones must be these monsters that have appeared... But who or what drives this dark evil? The emperor? Another person, lusting after power like it is a nude woman... Or worse yet...'

"Your Majesty!" A guard cried out, rushing in as he shoved the doors open. "I bring word!"

"What is so urgent you would interrupt a private council?" Hayden barked out at the man as Seth followed him in.

"The tower holding the Sacred Stone of Frelia..." The man panted. "It's been destroyed by the Grado army!"

"What? That's impossible!" Hayden cried out. "What of the soldiers on watch? There were supposed to be many..."

"The enemy forces..." The man began. "They were led by Caellach the Tiger Eye and Selena Fluorspar! Our soldiers fell before even half a day had past!"

"Selena Fluorspar..." Seth said softly. "Only General Duessel is higher in Emperor Vigarde's esteem... She's the one."

"She came personally..." Hayden gasped. "So they really do wish to see the Sacred Stones destroyed. Blast..."

0-0

"Hah!" Caellach chuckled as he looked down upon the Sacred Stone of Frelia, it's guardians scattered about on the ground, Grado assailants watching on. "So this hunk of rock is a Sacred Stone, eh?" He chuckled before lifting his axe up, bringing it down on the stone, the impact shattering it apart, almost half of it turning to shards. "So much fuss over something as fragile as this. Watch." He said sliding his axe into a belt loop at his waist before picking up a larger piece in his hand, squeezing it. "It crumbles so easily." He added as the stone shard broke apart, dust and fragments falling to the floor. "Do we gain anything by this? Not that I care, but..." He began as a knight began to lift himself from the ground.

"Black-hearted... fool..." The knight let out, panting as he walked over to the general. "What have... you... done?" He let out as he retrieved his spear from the floor. "Without the stone's... protection... the horrors... will spread..."

"Huh? What's this?" Caellach said, strutting slightly as he stepped over to look at the panting knight, a deep gash on the right side of his green armour. "Still breathing, are you? Come. If you've any last words, I'll hear them, fool of Frelia."

"You... monster..."

"You waste your last words on insults?" Caellach scoffed. "And feeble ones, at that..." Hardly the right note to enter the eternal on, wouldn't you say? Well then, die." He called out, drawing his axe and slamming it into the man in one swift move, the battered knight unable to mount a defence.

"Hold!" Selena called out as the knight fell over once more. "What are you doing, Calleach? Our job was to destroy the Sacred Stone."

"I know that." The man replied with a wave. "And I crushed it, did I not? But if we don't clean up these Frelian curs, they might-"

"You do not raise you blade to anyone who is powerless to resist you!" Selena bellowed out. "The emperor does not desire us to kill without cause! That would be murder!"

"Right, the emperor..." Caellach chuckled lightly. "Your name's Selena, ain't it? Tell me, Selena. What makes that pasty-faced old fool's word so important?"

"Wretch... Do you dare insult His Imperial Majesty!"

"Hey, hey, I'm joking." Caellach replied with a grin as he put away his weapon. "Don't get so worked up. I get it now. You're a true and loyal soldier. I'm leaving before Frelia sends reinforcements. Coming?"

0-0

"How could this happen..." Hayden let out, walking to his throne; Innes helping the man sit down as he looked to the end of the room, his mind seeing beyond it. "How could I have allowed our Sacred Stone to be destroyed? Dark energies from the empire's capital... Evil monstrosities roaming our lands... Vigarde's mad invasion... And now this, the destruction of our sacred talisman. And we have no idea of Grado's goals. We are in dark times once again. But even so, we cannot sit here, wringing our hands. "First, we must warn the nations that house the remaining Sacred Stones. If Vigarde seeks to destroy the Stones, they are all in grave danger. Jehanna and Rausten must be warned. The nations must join together to fight our common foe."

"Do you think they will believe us?" Eirika asked the king.

"Hm..." Hayden mused. "It is a difficult tale to believe, I must agree."

"I will go, Father." Innes said simply.

"Innes?" Hayden said.

"A direct visit from the Prince of Frelia is not something they can ignore." Innes explained. "I will travel to Jehanna, where I will forge an alliance with her queen. If our Sacred Stone has been destroyed, then Frelia could be in greater danger. Father, I cannot let you leave the nation in such a time of crisis. It is imperative that I be the one to go."

"Hmm..." Hayden let out as he thought.

"And I will head for Rausten." Eirika added.

"Eirika?" Ephraim began. "You know I can't let you put yourself in such danger."

"Rest easy, dear brother." Eirika replied. "I will journey to Rausten by ship across the North Sea. There will be no danger. And I have made a vow. I will fight as you have until the day Renais is liberated."

"...I understand." Ephraim sighed before turning to the castle's lord. "King Hayden, I will take troops and march on the imperial capital from the west."

"The west?" Hayden cried out. "Are you saying you will begin an assault on Grado from here?"

"If we can take Grado Keep, the war will be over." Ephraim explained. "The Sacred Stones will be safe."

"Bold." Tyr said. "It will be a harsh path, but he is right. Striking the emperor down, or at least accosting him may well be our best shot and ending this madness."

"It will mean starting right here and pressing forwards with all our might..." Ephraim continued.

"And once you reach the capital?" Hayden asked. "Vigarde's generals will be there waiting for you."

"If they oppose us, we will fight." Ephraim replied.

"And I suspect most of their forces will be directed to seizing the last stones." Tyr added. "With luck their defences will be lax enough to penetrate."

"...He has his father's foolhardy courage, but what do you have?" Hayden asked the tactician.

"Experience." The man said simply.

"Then I pray Ephraim will benefit from it." Hayden sighed.

"I am afraid I shall not be travelling with him." Tyr replied. "I ride with the princess."

"Wouldn't it make more sense to send you with Ephraim?" Innes added. "He's the one charging into the fray directly. Should you not help guide him?"

"Tyrland..." Eirika let out.

"The last time we were here, Princess Eirika, I told you where you went I would follow." Tyr explained. "I am not sworn to serve Renais, nor Frelia, nor Prince Ephraim. I am at your service and until this war ends it is with you I ride."

"...Tyr... Thank you." Eirika said, smiling widely. "You have been my teacher and guide since we met. I am glad to have you at my side."

"It seems you've found a loyal and true friend, Eirika." Hayden said, letting a soft smile show. "Very well then. I entrust all of our hope upon the four of you. Innes, you will go to Jehanna, Eirika and Tyrland to Rausten, and Ephraim the imperial capital. Funding you will have, but of soldiers, we have few to spare. For each of you, a difficult road awaits."

"If any of us meets with defeat, the battle will turn to Grado's favour." Ephraim mused. "There must be no errors. We must not fail."

"Failure is a flavour I've yet to taste." Tyr said. "I don't plan on trying that bitter, rotten fruit just yet."

"And where I command, there are no mistakes." Innes boasted.

"I have no doubts, in myself or Tyr." Eirika added. "We'll succeed, I swear it. Come, it is time to go!"

"I hate to call the troop's rest short, but it must be done." Tyr sighed. "Seth, can you see to it?"

"They shall be gathered within the hour." Seth replied before walking off.

0-0

"Farwell, Brother." Eirika said in the castle hall as the sibling's forces prepared to march. "I will return."

"Hm..." Ephraim let out. "To be honest I still do not want you to go. I would rather you wait here for my return."

"Please, Ephraim..." Eirika sighed. "I will be fine. There's no reason for you to worry. Mine is the easiest task, and with Tyrland beside me I'll be in no danger. I'm far more worried about your mission. Challenging the might of an empire with a handful of men?"

"What's this now?" Ephraim chuckled. "Have you lost your faith in me?"

"No, of course not." Eirika said, shaking her head. "I know your true strength, Ephraim. No one can defeat you." She said as Ephraim let out a bark of laughter.

"Hearing you say that fills me with confidence." Ephraim said with a grin. "I think I know my own limitations. I won't overextend my reach. I can't die and leave you on your own, can I?"

"Ephraim..."

"Let us both survive to be reunited." Ephraim declared. "Give me your word, Eirika."

"You have it, Brother." She replied, stepping forward to embrace her twin.

0-0

"Merlinus, how do things look?" The princess asked as she watched the merchant prepare his itinerary. Looking over the troops she noticed a few changes. Ross had acquired a larger axe, a pair of smaller ones at his hips, and was showing the larger one off to his father who in turn plucked the string of his new bow. Neimi and Lute had, from where she didn't know, gotten a pair of horses, a pretty white mare with soft eyes for the archer and a strong looking brown pony for the mage. Franz had been given a heavier suit of armour, his horse receiving it's own protective plating. Gilliam has also had his armour replaced with a thicker suit, the man jogging about to get used to the extra weight.

"We're almost loaded." The merchant replied, shaking her from her thoughts. "Oh, how I wish we could stay longer! The princess Tana has been most kind to me, always making sure I've an ear to talk to."

"She is a friendly person, I know." Eirika added as Tyr walked over to join them.

"I've got maps of Rausten, Jehanna, Renais, Grado and more." The tactician said. "And more books than I know what to do with. With some study and luck we should be ready for any troubles we do encounter."

"You are always ahead of the game as always my friend." Merlinus chuckled. "Oh, how could we manage without you?"

"I wouldn't-"

"There you are!" They heard, turning to see Tana walk over to them, a cloth-covered bundle in her arms. "Tyrland, when I spoke to Eirika earlier she said you've been involving yourself in combat."

"It can't be helped." Tyr sighed. "It's the harsh nature of a battlefield. Even Merlinus here had to defend himself once."

"It was a shameful display..." Merlinus groaned.

"Well, I thought this might help you." Tana said, holding the gift out to him. "Here."

"What is this?" Tyr said as he removed the cloth from the bundle, eyes widening slightly.

"The castle blacksmith made it on a whim." Tana explained. "When he heard who it was for he said he wished it would serve you well." She said as he lifted the object. Flipping a switch deployed two limbs of a bow together, snapping them in place the weapon cocked by some means he could not tell.

"A crossbow." Tyr muttered, holding the weapon up, setting the butt of the stock against his shoulder.

Compared to others he had seen this one was smaller and, if needed, could be wielded with one hand. A pull-action lever allowed the drawstring to be pulled back, a second allowed it to collapse again. Along with the weapons were a holster and a quiver of bolts.

Crossbows had seen little use in Elibe and, from what he could tell, less in Magvel. Compared to a normal bow a crossbow was more powerful, able to penetrate thicker armour. This made them popular with royals and wealthy men and women who enjoyed their ease of use in case they needed to defend themselves. The drawbacks, however, kept them from seeing much use in military forces; they were more expensive and difficult to produce, had a slower rate of fire, heavier and clumsier. For a talented archer, such as Neimi, a crossbow would put her at a disadvantage as she would need to be able to engage the next foe immediately, something the slower crossbow would hinder. And for a standard military a normal bow could be produced in larger quantities faster.

For a tactician, who fought far less and needed to end the engagement as fast as possible to focus on his troops, a crossbow was a prime choice.

"Many thanks, Your Highness." Tyr said as he accepted the rest of the gift. "You are a most thoughtful young woman."

"You're welcome." Tana replied with a smile.

"Are we ready to depart?" Tyr asked, turning to face Eirika.

"I'd say we are-"

"Princess Eirika!" They heard as Kyle, the man who called out, and Forde guided their horses towards them.

"Is your departure time near?" Forde asked.

"Yes." Eirika replied. "Kyle, Forde, I'm traveling to Rausten. I ask that you two serve my brother well."

"Actually, there's been a slight change of plans." Forde began.

"We're going with you, Your Highness." Kyle added.

"What?" Eirika called out. "But..."

"Prince Ephraim rides with Frelia's finest at his back." Kyle explained.

"And this was a personal order from the prince himself." Forde continued. "He said, 'I don't need you loafing around here. Go keep Eirika safe.' Since when is battling all of Grado loafing about? Honestly!"

"You're right!" Eirika cried out. "My brother's mission is far more dangerous than mine. I will go and speak with him..."

"Princess Eirika." Kyle addressed. "Prince Ephraim said he's not concerned for his own safety. These are the words our prince gave us, and we believe he means them."

"It's probably his way of reassuring himself." Tyr explained. "He wants you to be safe, and just to be on the side of caution is sending two of his finest men to keep you from harm's way."

"That's about it." Forde replied. "And as for him, there's no cause for worry, Princess Eirika. We can all attest to the prince's tenacity. No matter how close death comes, the Pale Horse will not catch him."

"...Kyle, Forde..." Eirika breathed out. "I understand. Thank you for your service and your bravery. You are my brother's most trusted and most valiant companions. I would be honoured to have you ride at my side."

"The honour is ours." Kyle replied with a salute. "We ride for Renais and Princess Eirika!"

"Let's not work ourselves into a frenzy right now." Forde replied. "When the time comes, I will be there to handle things."

"Of course." Eirika said with a smile. "I'm depending on both of you."

0-0

"It seems we're back at it." Tyr remarked, Eirika beside him as he guided his wagon along the road. "With luck we'll see little trouble."

"Yes..." Eirika sighed. "Although..."

"What is it, My Princess?"

"...I... have thought you should have ridden with my brother." She said. "Do not get me wrong, you are a friend, and I would never turn you away but I would think you'd be better off serving him than me."

"Maybe." Tyr replied. "But remember, Ephraim's no fool, when we talked we exchanged strategies and experiences. He could outplay most of my old teachers, and none of them are slouches." He said as Eirika looked up at him. Gently he set a hand on her shoulder. "Do not worry. Your brother will be fine."

"You are right, I should not worry." Eirika said, looking to the road ahead. "Let us instead look forwards to our path and not focus on Ephraim's. I told Ephraim there would be no danger, but I feel as if..."

"Grado will chase you." Tyr stated. "And they will do what they can to take your bracelet. We will clash, it is inevitable. But when it does I shall be there to guide you, your master tactician."

"And I shall fight under that guidance." Eirika added, setting her hand on his. "I shall be your peerless warrior."

"Strange..." Tyr mused. "Lyn told me that after we first met."

"You told me." Eirika replied. "And you told me how she became that peerless warrior. And that pair, the master tactician and the peerless warrior, won many battles. If we are to win this war we need that pair again. And to form it I shall become a peerless warrior. I promise it." She declared, looking up into the clouds in the sky while Tyr looked down at her, eyes wide in surprise from her declaration.

Then he turned to the road ahead, the future awaiting with a smile upon his face.

0-0

Author's Note: Some of you might have noticed that a few characters have either gotten new weapons, armour or horses. This is representative of characters upgrading their classes. Yes, I know, you can't really do it this early in the game, but I figured getting new equipment from Frelia was explanation enough.

So far...

Ross from Journeyman to Pirate. (Hence the two smaller axes)

Garcia from Fighter to Warrior.

Franz from Cavalier to Great Knight.

Gilliam from Knight to General.

Neimi from Archer to Ranger.

Lute from Mage to Mage Knight.

Just to clear up any confusion.

Also, one may consider Tyrland getting a crossbow a class upgrade. To what, I don't know, but there it is.