~Chapter Ten


October 31st, 648.

They had said goodbye to Alyx, Chrystia, and the twins before returning to the Laguz Alliance Army. Then the Alliance had made its way up to the capital of Gallia, to plot their next move.

Meanwhile, Senator Valtome had petitioned Queen Elincia for passage through Crimea into Gallia. She had declined, but the Begnion Central Army had moved through the country anyway. A brief skirmish between Begnion and the Royal Knights had done hardly any good at all, as the Central Army—and the Ravens of Kilvas—had continued through Crimean lands towards Gallia. The armies of Gallia and Phoenicis had moved into Crimea to meet the advancing Begnions.

Queen Elincia was frustrated and tired.

"I tell them I want to remain neutral, yet they ignore me completely!" she said angrily, pounding her fist on the table to emphasize the point. "I tell them to stay out of my lands—they ignore me! Not even the Laguz Alliance will listen to me!"

"I know!" Roy said, extremely worked up. "What do they think they're doing!? They have no right!"

"And what with the possible threat of Hyrule's attack..." Lucia commented darkly. "Nothing seems to be going right!"

"I say, we march in there and forcibly tell them to leave!" Roy said angrily. "Order them, as Queen of Crimea, to get the hell out of your land! Using more formal language, of course," he added when Lucia shot him a dark look.

"But they wouldn't listen to me before! Why would going down there change anything?" Elincia fretted. "They'd just ignore me again...!" She slumped in her chair, resting her head on the table in resignation.

"There must be something." Geoffrey suggested. "Some way of getting their attention..."

The four of them were silent for a long time.

Suddenly, Elincia sat upright and snapped her fingers. "That's it!"

"What?" Roy asked eagerly.

"I have an idea."


November 4th, 648.

"This isn't going to be pretty." Ike said darkly, gripping his sword hilt tightly.

"I agree," Ranulf said. "What with all the mounting tension on both sides..."

"I can attest to that!" Ducessa said, clenching her fists. She was completely recovered from her previous leg injury, and she was ready to fight again. "This battle's going to start any second now...!"

"Soren, Mist, you'll be in charge of Elena when it starts." Zelgius ordered. "Make sure nothing happens to her."

The girl, now strong enough to fight(in Mia and Mist's opinions), had insisted earlier on allowing to at least watch the battle this time. Her parents had complied, on the condition that she stayed well behind everyone else and let Soren and Mist command her actions. (So she wouldn't do anything stupid. She was only eleven or some years old.)

Soren nodded, his grip tightening on his Elwind tome. "So long as she doesn't assault my hair in the middle of combat..." he muttered. Elena, holding the steel sword only slightly awkwardly, gave him a small glare. Mist just smiled faintly.

Ike and Ranulf walked forward to join Tibarn and Skrimir. "Are the troops ready, Ranulf?" Skrimir asked as the two joined them.

"Ready and eager for a fight, sir." the Cat replied. "Waiting for the order."

Tibarn was glaring at the army on the other side of the field. He briefly looked at Levail and muttered something dark about Naesala.

"King Tibarn!" Janaff suddenly said. "Look!" He pointed towards the overlooking hill.

They all followed his finger and started in surprise. "A Beorc army is approaching from the hill to the left!" Ranulf stated, bewildered. "That flag... It's the Crimean army!"

"Elincia?" Ike asked. "What are you doing..."


"Be careful." Geoffrey muttered.

"This plan calls for not being careful." Elincia replied, smiling slightly. "But I'll... exercise caution, if I can."

Geoffrey sighed. "Good luck."

"We'll watch out for you," Roy added, fidgeting slightly on the white stallion he rode. "If you need help, we'll be there in an instant."

Elincia nodded, then kicked the sides of her pegasus and flew down to the field between the two armies. The boys sighed reluctantly, watching her every move with caution.


"Uwee hee hee. Finally, they see the light and are coming to fight with us!" Valtome said delightedly. "Excellent. Took them long enough. I suppose when you have the brain of a gnat, these things take some time to sink in."

Levail sighed inwardly. His acting second-in-command, a thin and sly-looking boy who called himself Kaj, fingered his silver dagger reflexively. "What is she doing here really...?" he muttered to himself.


"I am Queen Elincia of Crimea." Elincia called, facing the Laguz Alliance Army. "I have a message for the commanders of both armies! I am here to declare the will of Crimea and its people! Crimea has been ruled under the ideals of peace and equality since the reign of my father, King Ramon. As such, I cannot and will not allow you to spill blood upon our land! Therefore..."

She turned to face the Begnion Central Army. "I demand that both the Laguz Alliance and the Imperial Army leave Crimea at once!"

A murmur of surprise ran through both armies. "Withdraw our troops?! You foolish girl!" Valtome snarled. "We will not be ordered about by the proclamations of a peasant like you! Puppet rulers such as yourself should stay inside their pretty castles and play dress-up. Begnion's patience has worn out. After we finish slaughtering the sub-humans, we'll be coming for you in Melior."

"Commander of the Laguz Alliance. How do you respond?" Elincia called, turning back to the Alliance.

"...You have some serious guts, jumping into the middle of a battlefield all by yourself." Tibarn replied darkly. "But your high-and-mighty beliefs don't change the fact that Begnion must answer for its crimes. Step aside."

"...Very well. I've heard from both commanders." Elincia said quietly. "Then—" She drew Amiti and set it on the ground before her. "This is Crimea's answer. We will not sway from our ideas. My countrymen stand united. We will not use force. But we are willing to do whatever it takes to end this here and now."

Another murmur went through the troops.

"What?!" Valtome demanded in obvious shock. "Have you lost your mind?"

Tibarn flew forward to hover before Elincia. "Heh..."

The Crimean Queen remained silent.

Tibarn laughed suddenly and turned back to the Laguz Army. "Ike, I thought you were the craziest beorc I'd ever met, but you have some serious competition! Crimea's queen is one tough woman..." He looked back to Elincia. "Your Majesty, I like your style! Skrimir! I can't let such a pretty woman down. Let's get out of here."

Skrimir nodded. "Of course. The beast tribe will not use our claws against unarmed beorc. Soldiers, back to the forest!" The forward forces fell back.

"Thank you, King Tibarn." Elincia said with a faint smile.

This is only temporary." Tibarn warned her. "The war between the Laguz Alliance and Begnion isn't finished yet."

"Yes, I understand that." she replied. "Even so, I want you all to know where Crimea stands in this."

"...Hey, you and I should get together and chat sometime." Tibarn said cheerfully. "I'll be seeing you again soon." Then he flew back to rejoin the laguz.


Levail wasn't entirely sure what to do. One one hand, he had a good idea of what Senator Valtome was going to do. On the other, his sense of honor screamed at him to call off his forces. What to do, what to do, he thought blankly.

"What are your orders, General?" Kaj asked him.

Levail tightened his grip on the Wishblade and tried to think. Every instinct within him wanted to retreat, but he knew that Valtome would have his head if he did.

He looked across the field. Beyond the disarmed Crimean Queen, he could see the laguz leaders having a quiet discussion.

With them was Commander Ike of the Greil Mercenaries—and General Zelgius. No—just Zelgius, now, he corrected himself.

Almost as if he'd felt Levail's gaze, the former Begnion general turned to look across the field. His eyes met Levail's.

And he gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod. Levail's heart skipped a beat. How does he know what I'm thinking!? he wondered, for he was sure the great General was thinking the same thing as he.

Maybe that's why. Zelgius was sure of it, too.

"General?" Kaj asked again.

"...We will withdraw." Levail said firmly. "That's my final decision."

Kaj paused for a moment, then nodded. "A good choice." Then he turned and signaled the Central Army. He and Levail turned to walk back as the forward forces retreated.

"Stop this instant!" Valtome shrieked. "Wait! Where do you think you're going?! Attack those mangy beasts!"

Levail turned back and met Zelgius' gaze again, for just a second. His resolve was strengthened, and he turned to Valtome with a fire in his eyes. "Please forgive my audacity." he informed the fuming man stoically. "However, we're withdrawing." He recalled something he'd heard General Zelgius had said, and quoted; "'Every battle ebbs and flows. To go against these tides is... unwise.' Please understand, Senator."

"You self-righteous fool..." Valtome snarled. "You'll understand something else, once we're through with this battle." Levail merely ignored him as he and Kaj followed the Central Army's retreat.


"I don't want to go back yet..." Mist said quietly. "Do we have time to talk to Elincia?"

"It has been a long time since we last saw Queen Elincia." Titania agreed. "We should at least say hello."

"Sure, sounds great to me." Ranulf said. "There's probably not much time for small talk, but we'll see."

"It would be nice to finally meet her." Ducessa commented quietly. "You all speak so highly of her..."

Then that infuriating Senator shrieked to his forces, loud enough for the Greil Mercenaries to hear; "...Soldiers! Kill the queen of Crimea! That girl is a traitor to Begnion!"

"Whoa, this isn't good!" Ranulf yelped. "The Imperial Army is on the move. They're after Queen Elincia!"

"So much for imperial honor." Ike said darkly. "Greil Mercenaries! Looks like we have our old job back! Protect Queen Elincia!"


Up on the hill, Geoffrey sighed. Roy groaned. "I knew it!"

The knight commander nodded agreement. "Follow me, my knights!" he called. "We shall protect Her Majesty!" He drew the brave lance and the Royal Knights of Crimea thundered down the hill.


Surprisingly, Ike and Zelgius caught up to Elincia before Geoffrey, Roy, and the Knights. She had picked up her sword, but only to put it away again, and stood defenseless beside her pegasus as the Begnion warrior charged, his crossbow at the ready.

A gust of wind suddenly shot past her, crashing into the Begnion's front and knocking him backward. The soldier tried to fire, but a second gust of wind ripped the weapon from his hands and sent him crashing to the ground. She spun just as Ike joined her.

"Elincia!" he said quickly.

"Sir Ike!" she replied, surprised. And; "Sir Zelgius!" as the former Begnion general moved around them both to block Elincia from a crossbow bolt.

"I'm glad you're safe." Ike said, putting the wind edge away to draw Ettard. "That was one crazy move you pulled."

"It's what I had to do to stop the fighting." she replied. "However... my efforts have failed. I couldn't stop them."

Ike abruptly picked her up to push her onto her pegasus, causing her to yelp. "At least you made your point to the Laguz Alliance. I'm sure there are those in the Imperial Army who understand as well." he informed her. "You did the right thing."

She caught herself on her pegasus' reins and smiled faintly. "You're always so kind."

"Fly to the Knights." Zelgius told her, silver blade in hand as he spun to hack down a charging Begnion warrior. "We will take care of Begnion."

"Thank you, Sir Ike. Sir Zelgius." Elincia then wheeled her pegasus and spurred it into the air.

Ike stepped forward and stabbed past his husband's side to impale a Begnion soldier as Zelgius wheeled on a charging knight. "The archers could be a problem for fliers." Zelgius said, pointing out a squad of Begnion archers who were cautiously approaching the Crimean Royal Knights, protected in front by a squad of soldiers.

"I'll take them out, then." Ike replied. "You get the other soldiers."

Zelgius nodded and started for them, and Ike followed close behind.


"Levail!" Kaj called, running to join the young sentinel. "Senator Valtome is about to run down the queen of Crimea!"

"That infuriating...!" Levail muttered. "Attacking an unarmed woman..."

"The Crimean army and a part of the Laguz Alliance have joined battle in order to rescue the queen. They are fighting Senator Valtome." Kaj reported. "Should we assist the senator?"

"Prepare to leave. We aren't fighting."

"...That would mean that we abandoned Duke Culbert's force..." Kaj muttered.

"I'll take all responsibility for this." Levail said decisively. "Make my command clear to all the men. I'll not accept more units joining this fight!"


Ducessa may have been small when she was reverted, but as soon as she felt well enough to transform into her Cat-Tiger hybrid form, she was practically unstoppable. Ranulf marveled as the purple-brown patched Cat plowed into the Begnion General, her powerful claws cutting clear through the crimson armor and her vicious fangs ripping a bloody wound in the General's shoulder as she flipped back again. Her sheer strength was marvelous for a simple Cat such as herself, and Ranulf seriously believed that, of all the Cats in the Laguz Alliance Army, he was probably the only one stronger than her. Well, and maybe Lethe. Ducessa was a far cry from Tiger strength, to be sure, but still...

He nearly lost focus on his own battle—a small group of Begnion warriors. Growling heartily, he flew into their midst, ripping armor and weapons apart with his claws. They fell easily to his vicious attacks, and as he finished them he paused for a moment.

Ducessa had finished off the General and flipped away again, allowing Ike to cut in front of her and take down a second General in a pair of hard sword swings. Then Zelgius was at his side, tearing down a third General with ease. He and his husband stood back-to-back, and the Begnion soldiers were reluctant to approach them. The blue Cat always enjoyed watching those two fight together, but now was not the time, as another group of Begnion warriors charged him. He growled and leapt forward.


The three Greil Mercenary archers were having a fairly easy time of it. Both Shinon and Rolf were good enough now to easily take down any of the Begnion dragonmasters that approached them in either one or two shots. Rolf had invented a new move, something he called "Deadeye," where he threw his spinning arrow into the air, leapt after it, and shot down at his opponents.

The spinning throw/jump/catch/shoot seemed unnecessary to Shinon—all he felt the need to do was twirl the arrow in his fingers before firing as a kind of flourish, occasionally—but he'd tried the move once or twice, and he had to admit, it was actually kind of... fun. Not that fun has anything to do with mercenary work, he reminded himself sternly.

It was really Deirdre he was worried about. She was far from the skill level of the two marksmen, and most of the time she could only take down the ones who got lucky and escaped one of Shinon or Rolf's attacks—and those were rare. Other than those stragglers, she couldn't kill any of the dragonmasters in two shots, let alone one.

She still showed the same promise that Shinon had seen in her before, but, the marksman now realized, she hardly got the chance to shoot anything and actually kill it. That was how she would learn, he knew. That was how he had learned, but she wasn't getting much of a chance for it.

We're good, he thought wryly. Me 'n Rolf. We're toogood.

With that thought in mind, he purposefully missed one of his shots against a Begnion dragonmaster and watched in satisfaction as his sapphire-haired apprentice quickly brought it down.


Soren and Mist had remained true to their orders. They and their young watch, Elena, stayed in the back, far away from the main battle, on the southern part of the field—hiding in a clump of trees. Soren was officially bored, and Elena had yet to fight a single soldier.

Then he heard hoofbeats from the south and wheeled to see three paladins riding up from the south, through the trees. The horsemen started at the sight of the two young girls and the sage, their horses rearing in alarm.

Soren didn't even need to open his book and read the words; he'd had them memorized for years. Narrowing his eyes, he selected the nearest paladin as his target and began to chant the words of a spell. He let everything else around him fall out of focus, except for him and the paladin. An aura of magical wind built up around him, and he smiled in grim satisfaction as the spell came flooding through him. He raised his hand above his head, summoning the power around it, and then threw his hand forward at the paladin. Swirls of emerald wind descended upon his enemy, causing the man to shout in pain and alarm.

Soren wasn't done. Performing a quick spin to the left and raising his arm again, he launched another wave of emerald wind. This time, the magic-induced gale knocked the Begnion on the ground and sent his horse running. The fallen paladin tried to get up, but collapsed.

He let his focus return to normal and the aura around him to disappear. He glanced around and saw Mist dispatch one Begnion with two quick sword beams, the red energy slicing into the paladin and bringing him down. He still didn't quite understand why she didn't ride her pony, Damascus, any longer, but her excuse was that she was too big for him now. Soren certainly hadn't noticed it last time she rode the pony, but he figured he would let her decide for herself.

Then his attention fell to Elena. There was only one paladin left, and the girl attacked him with a familiar vigor, much like the first battle Soren had witnessed Commander Ike take part in. That same Commander's small daughter now swung upwards, the middle of her sword barely catching the rider in the side. The man yelped in pain and swung down at her with an axe, but she leapt back to dodge the swinging blade. Then she attacked again, stabbing upwards and running the sword's tip through a chink in the Begnion's armor. The man shouted, then yelped again as he tumbled from the saddle when Elena yanked back on the sword viciously, splattering her arms with blood. He barely had enough time to sit up before Elena, caught up in the heat of the moment, ran her sword through his heart.

Soren's eyes widened slightly as the girl drew the blade out again. She looked up and met his gaze, then looked down at herself and yelped. "Oh! Damn!"

She seemed totally unaffected by the fact that she had just killed someone. And she had used a swear word, too. Perhaps you aren't as innocent as you would have us believe, he thought, narrowing his eyes.

"Elena!" Mist yelped. "Where did that come from!?"

"What, the blood?" the small girl asked, nudging the dead soldier with her foot. "From this guy, I think."

"Not that! That word! Where did you hear that?!"

She shrugged. "Boyd used it some. Why?"

Mist fumed. "Don't say it again! Oh, Boyd is going to get it now...!"

Soren watched Elena's emotions carefully as she wiped her blade clean on the grass. She wasn't at all like Mist—the first time she had killed, she'd nearly had a nervous breakdown. And she had been years older than Elena... so why wasn't the Commander's daughter affected?

Maybe that was why. She was the adopted daughter of Commander Ike, Hero of the Mad King's War, and Zelgius, formerly the greatest Begnion general ever known. She'd seen them both come home with blood on them, knew where it came from... maybe she'd simply dulled herself to the emotions that had affected Mist so strongly.

That would be a shame, he found himself thinking. I... would like to think that Elena retained some innocence, for all the hardships she endured... so much like my own.


The Begnion forces that had remained to attack Elincia were surprisingly few in number, compared to what Ike knew they could have been. He silently thanked General Levail for falling back at the start.

The battle seemed won. Zelgius had taken out Valtome's commander, a bow paladin called Sergei or something. It all seemed too easy.

It was.

"Ike!" Titania shouted, riding to join her commander.

He and Ducessa, the Cat in her Reverted form, both looked up at her. "What?" Ike asked.

"There's an army coming, from the southeast! Their flag... I've never seen one like it before."

Ike frowned and turned in the direction she'd indicated. Then he gaped.

The advancing army was huge. Far bigger than the pathetic Begnion force left behind to take out Elincia, and at least as big as the entire Crimean army, probably bigger. The flags the army flew were black, with a single blood-red triangle marking them. Flying above the main army was a horde of dark shapes—the Ravens of Kilvas. The ranks of soldiers did not glint, and the soldiers appeared to be shorter than the average beorc—were these even human?

Flying at the head of the army was a magnificent dragon, black all over, with red on the inside of its wings and edging its scales. It roared even as Ike watched, and as it turned slightly the commander saw it bore a rider.

The rider was Dark Link, King of Hyrule. The country that was currently at war with Crimea.

He heard Ducessa's sharp intake of breath. "What in..."

"The Shadow." Ike heard an angry voice say from behind him. He turned, and saw a red-haired boy, fifteen or so. He was smaller than average, wearing a blue cloak and tunic, and his blue eyes were blazing in fury. He held a bloodied silver sword in his right hand and a Fire tome was clutched in his left. "Murderer of Akaneia. What in the name of the Goddess is he doing here!?"

Ike frowned in confusion. Ducessa helpfully supplied the name; "Prince Roy of Altea, right?" she asked.

The boy nodded, almost imperceptibly, and he gripped his sword tighter. "That bastard is dead!" he snarled, before storming towards the approaching Hyrulean army.

Ike put a hand on his shoulder to stop him. "Wait! You can't face an entire army by yourself."

Roy growled but stopped.


"(So, the Crimeans have engaged Begnion in their silly racial war.)" Dark Link mused quietly in the ancient tongue. "(I'm surprised the queen would bother with such petty matters. I thought her better than that.)"

Shard growled. Dark Link patted the dragon and smiled darkly. "(We are close, my friend.)" he said quietly. "(If we succeed in capturing Prince Roy or Queen Elincia, it shan't be difficult to discover Wisdom's location.)"

Shard growled again, and the King of Hyrule raised a hand, a silent signal. King Naesala flew forward to join him. "What do you want, oh gracious master?" he asked sarcastically.

"Save your humor, raven king." Dark Link snapped. "Give my commands to the soldiers. The Begnion soldiers are not to be harmed. Queen Elincia of Crimea and Prince Roy of Altea are to be captured, alive, and brought to me. Any other Crimean Knights and any who assist them are to be executed. As for Kilvas, you are to bring in any of the senior knights that you can. General Geoffrey, Lady Lucia, Commander Kieran, et cetera. If you cannot bring them alive, then bring me their bodies."

"Your wish is my command." Naesala told him darkly, then spun and flew down to the Hyrulean troops.

Dark Link flew forward to address the battling countries. "Heed my words, soldiers of the Laguz Alliance! I am Dark Link, King of Hyrule, and my only enemy here is the Crimean Army. I have no quarrel with the Laguz, and if you withdraw from the battlefield immediately, you will not be harmed. You will get no further warning!" Then he flew back to his army and gave the signal to attack.


"So that's it, then." Roy snarled. "He's come to kill us. And all of Crimea, just like Akaneia before..."

Ike didn't know exactly who Dark Link was or why he had decided to show up now, in the middle of Crimea and Begnion's battle, but his blood was up, his mark was resonating, and he wasn't about to back off and watch the battle play out. "Not on my watch." he said darkly. "Zelgius?"

His husband moved to join him. He knew exactly what Ike was thinking. "I'll call the rest of the Mercenaries." he said quietly. "And the others in our force."

"Crimea won't be going down without a fight." Ike agreed. "Don't worry, Prince. You and Elincia aren't alone."

Roy's grip on his sword tightened and he grinned wickedly. "Then let's take 'em down!"


Dark Link was only slightly surprised when the forces that had moved from the Laguz Alliance to assist Crimea didn't back down. "(They are so naïve.)" he told Shard quietly. "(But I have heard that their commander is a mere boy, so that is only to be expected. They shan't be much of a problem, eh?)" Shard grunted agreement.

Naesala flew to join him. "We've begun the attack." he reported quietly. "The Greil Mercenaries haven't retreated."

"Tell me about them." Dark Link said. "I understand you know their commander."

"Commander Ike. Yes, I knew him."

"What is his likely course of action for this battle?"

Naesala shrugged. "I really can't recall that much about him, Your Gracious Majesty."

"Save it, Raven. Just tell me; can he defend Elincia, or can he not?"

"Most certainly."

"Very well. Perhaps he'll prove of some minor challenge... You may go."

Naesala Shifted and flew down to join the battle. Dark Link fingered his chin thoughtfully. "(Or perhaps we'll save the duel for another day.)"

Shard growled and jerked his head down, towards the combat below. The King nodded. "(Of course, my friend. Battle awaits us.)" Then he bent low and urged the dragon down.


The first one Hylian soldier Ike engaged very well shocked him. The thing was not beorc, or laguz, but a strange creature the likes of which Ike had never seen—green-skinned and stocky, with beady red eyes and a horned helmet, wielding a small sword. It howled some strange animal-like cry as it attacked the mercenary commander. Ike easily dodged and attacked back, and was vastly surprised when the thing dodged his attack. Frowning, he swung again; this time the creature was too slow, and it crumpled dead to the ground.

Roy beside him hacked down one. "What are these things?" Ike demanded.

"He calls them 'bulbins'." Roy replied grimly, hacking down another one with ease. "Nasty little things. They're the weakest of his soldiers, and also the most numerous."

Ike swung and cut down three at once with one massive swing. "They're certainly easier than the average Begnion!"

"They make up for it in numbers." the Altean prince informed him. "No matter how many of these things you kill, theyalways come back."

"Then we have our work cut out for us." Ike commented as he cut down another three.

"Just pray that the Shadow doesn't attack." Roy said darkly. "Or we'll all be dead."


Zelgius had stayed back, rather than engaging the Hylian force. There was still the remaining Begnion force to deal with, and as Elincia and Geoffrey moved to counter the new threat, he dealt with the old one.

He found himself fighting with Commander Kieran, much to his surprise. He found this an excellent opportunity to witness the Crimean Knight's peculiar fighting style—which mostly involved a frantic rush, lots of yelling and hacking, and then another frantic rush to the next opponent. He wasn't refined in any of his actions; his entire combat was based on hitting as hard and fast as possible. Occasionally, Zelgius wondered how his horse could possibly keep up with him.

A Begnion paladin attacked Kieran, and the knight went into another crazed charge, hacking wildly until his opponent went down. Crude, but effective, Zelgius mused as he almost casually took down another rushing Begnion warrior.


"He'll come for you." Geoffrey warned.

"I know." Elincia said darkly, gripping the hilt of Amiti all the tighter. "He'll come, and when he does, I'll see him pay for all the wrongs he's done."

"Elincia, you've heard what Roy said." Lucia said worriedly. "He cannot be killed!"

"You should fly to safety." Geoffrey urged her. "Well take care of the fighting; you should get out—"

"No, Geoffrey!" she snapped. "I'm not a coward. If you're staying, then I'm staying too!"

Geoffrey bit his tongue and nodded stiffly. "...As you wish...your Majesty."


Dark Link was on a headhunt. His target; Queen Elincia of Crimea. He had given his soldiers orders, to be sure, but he wasn't about to trust in their judgment; that was something that bulbins were certainly not known for. No; if the Crimean Queen was to be captured, he would rather that he did it himself—certainly not that raven Naesala, either. He didn't trust King Kilvas any farther than he could throw him, and he knew that the raven king wouldn't capture her if he could, if only to spite him.

He flew over the battlefield, his glowing eyes scanning for his target. He finally spotted her; she was surrounded by a group of Crimean Knights. He knew they couldn't hurt him permanently, though too many of their wounds would wear down his shields and tire him. He searched for an opening, but a protective screen of pegasus knights flew overhead, and there was no visible gap.

Then he saw something that diverted his attention from his immediate goal;

Zelgius. He was by himself, that red-haired knight he'd been fighting with earlier having fallen back to rejoin the protective screen around Elincia. Now, he was just fighting the few remaining Begnions on his side of the field.

"(What do you think, Shard?)" Dark Link asked. "(Shall we... indulge in the senator's request?)"

The dragon growled agreement. Dark Link smiled.

"(Very well. Fly, my friend. I desire a worthy opponent.)"

Shard roared and folded in his wings, shooting down like an arrow.


Zelgius barely had time to look up and dodge before the dragon landed with a mighty roar. Dark Link slid off its back and waved off the remaining Begnion soldiers. "This one is mine." the boy told them darkly. The soldiers nodded and backed off.

Zelgius leveled his sword at Dark Link. "This will hardly be a fair fight." he commented. "I can die, but you cannot even be wounded."

"Ah, but I can be wearied to the point of retreat." Dark Link countered, drawing the blue-winged sword and pointing it to just touch the tip of Zelgius' blade. "Let us see if you can bring me to that point. I hear you were once the greatest general of all Begnion. Care to test that?"

"By all means. At your ready."

Then Dark Link shot forward, his sword an impossibly fast blur as he attacked in a flurry of blows. Zelgius blocked them all with lightning-fast reflexes, then spun about to attack back. He got in two swings before Dark Link leapt around again and launched another spinning flurry of vicious attacks, all aimed to kill. Zelgius' eyes narrowed as he parried the blows, and when Dark Link paused to spin back, he swept to knock the boy's feet out from under him.

Except that his feet were no longer there, and Dark Link was behind him, almost striking him before he could get his blade up to parry in time.

The Shadow snarled and rushed forward again, but this time Zelgius kicked him hard in the chest. The boy stumbled backwards, giving Zelgius the chance to go on his own attack sequence. He rained blow after blow down upon Dark Link, barely giving the Shadow a moment's respite between attacks, their blades sounding the constant ring of steel against steel.

Then Dark Link got a moment and rolled aside, spinning up behind Zelgius to hit him in the back. Zelgius only stumbled for a moment before spinning to face him again. They stared at each other for a moment, both breathing hard.

Then they rushed each other, and the real duel began.


Elincia was just starting to wonder if she should call a more forward advance when the first Ravens attacked. She heard a scream from overhead and looked up to see one of the pegasus knights being attacked by a Raven laguz, the giant bird viciously ripping a gash along the girl's arm. Marcia shouted and flew to help her, but that only opened a gap in the defensive screen for more Ravens to get in.

Elincia kicked her pegasus hard and flew up, attacking the nearest Raven with two swift blows of Amiti. It shrieked and fell down, but there was another one right behind it.

Marcia's friend, Sharon, killed a Raven and fell back beside the Queen. "Be careful, your Majesty!" she yelped.

"I know what I'm doing!" Elincia shouted back, before streaking forward and cutting down another Raven as it dove to attack Marcia.


Geoffrey on the ground signaled the archers to fire. "Damn Kilvas." he muttered as a hail of arrows flew into the sky. Several Ravens came down, but there were still more behind them. Geoffrey drew his bow and fired, bringing one of the laguz down. He urged his horse forward, trying to get a clear shot around the pegasus knights.

This is almost too easy, he thought as he shot another Raven down. Surely King Kilvas realizes that this attack is suicide...?

Then something hard slammed into him from the side, sending him flying off his horse. A wave of intense pain washed over his side, and he almost screamed.

Something kicked him hard in the bad side, and then he did scream. Something crashed into his head, and his vision went red.


Elincia heard Geoffrey's scream and her blood ran cold. She looked down beneath her and saw his horse, riderless, nervously pacing. She flew lower and searched frantically, and then she saw a blue form lying crumpled on the ground at the feet of Kieran's abandoned horse. Her heart skipped a beat. "Geoffrey!" she cried.

She landed in a rush and leapt off, running and falling to her knees beside him. His right side was covered in blood, and he had a horrible wound in his head, gushing blood down his face. "Geoffrey!" she cried again.

"Elincia... where are you!?" he gasped in pain. "I can't see... blood is in my eyes..."

She hurriedly pulled out her mend staff, her hands shaking badly. "Stay with me, Geoffrey." she begged. "Stay with me!"

"I'll... be right... there..." he tried to say, but the last part came out as a gurgle when he coughed up a mouthful of blood.

She gripped the staff tighter and called upon the innate magic channeled within. Blue light shone over Geoffrey's face.


When Kieran had seen Geoffrey flung from his horse, he'd nearly gone into a rage. Screaming wildly, his horse abandoned long ago for closer combat, he charged the huge blue-black raven that had sent his General down.

The Raven barely saw him coming, and yet easily dodged the first enraged attack. Kieran didn't slow, following up with seven more fast, powerful swings. The Raven flew around every single one of them.

Kieran paused, breathing hard, gritting his teeth and holding his silver axe at the ready. Then the Raven attacked him, and it came so blindingly fast that Kieran barely had time to register it before he was knocked backwards fifteen feet, slamming into Geoffrey's horse and nearly tripping it up. The animal whinnied in confusion and accidentally stepped on Kieran several times before getting away. The knight slowly got to his feet, trying hard to ignore the burning pain in his chest that was spreading across his body.

Then another, smaller Raven attacked him, knocking him down again, and he lost his grip on the axe. He searched desperately for it, but then the big Raven had grabbed him and knocked him flying again.

He landed on his right leg awkwardly and he heard a snap. Now he hurt too much to stand up... Still, he tried. He pushed himself to his knees, groaning in pain, but when he tried to put weight on his leg it was almost too much for him. He bit his tongue to keep from screaming and shoved himself upright, balancing heavily on his left leg.

"Goddess, you just don't know when to give up, do you?" he heard a dark voice ask. The red-haired knight forced himself to look up and found himself facing down the raven king himself, now reverted and looking at Kieran contemplatively.

"It almost seems a shame that I'll have to kill you." Naesala continued. "Believe me, I would rather not, but I haven't exactly been left with much choice."

Growling, Kieran tried to charge him. He barely ran three steps before his right leg gave out and he fell to his knees again with a weak cry of pain.

"I mean, Dark Link expects me to capture at least one of you." Naesala continued, ignoring the battle going on around them. "Dead or alive, he said. I have the feeling dead would be more merciful. Or would you rather just give up and let me drag you off the field?"

"I... am a Knight... of Crimea." Kieran gasped, forcing himself to stand again. "I... will never... surrender!"

"Tch. As I thought.." The Raven cracked his knuckles. "You're so patriotic and brave... to the point of idiocy." Then he Shifted and flew forward in a rush. Kieran felt something hit him hard, and then he only knew darkness.


Lucia saw Naesala take Kieran down. First Geoffrey, now Kieran... how many will we lose today!? she thought angrily, brushing her sweat-soaked hair out of her face. And how many Ravens will die before Naesala sees the futility of the attack?

Then she saw the raven king turn, and she realized he was looking at Geoffrey. Her dear brother Geoffrey, and—and Queen Elincia, vulnerably huddled over his body...!

"No!" she cried, and before she knew what she was doing, she charged. Naesala barely had time to see her before her blade slammed into his wing, cutting a deep gash and sending feathers flying. She backflipped away and landed in a crouch, her left hand touching the ground lightly to steady herself.

The Raven king cawed and shot towards her, and she barely rolled aside. She came to her feet just in time to leap back from Naesala's second attack, his beak missing her chest by mere inches.

Lucia leapt forward again and swung upwards, but the Raven flew aside the blow and looped around, diving down at her from behind. She ducked and felt the rush of wind as the laguz swept just over her head. She stabbed upwards, hoping to impale a wing, but he was too fast and was already gone by the time her sword got up. She shot to her feet and, when the Raven came down on her again, charged straight back at him, yelling unintelligibly.

They collided, and Lucia felt powerful talons grip the blade of her silver sword, ripping it out of her hands. She fell to her knees and slid before the Raven could hit her. She pushed herself to her feet and drew her other sword, a wind edge, leveling it at him.

Naesala stared her down, and when she swung the sword and launched a line of wind at him, he spun to the side, narrowly dodging it. Then he charged her again, and this time Lucia couldn't dodge fast enough. He slammed into her, knocking all the breath out of her body, and sent her flying backwards a good fifteen feet, the sword flying from her hands. He went with her, and they tumbled around each other for a moment before landing. Lucia heard a crack when she hit the ground, and pain flared up in her chest. She guessed she'd broken her ribs.

She sat up for just a moment before the Raven king, already reverted, grabbed her wrists and shoved her back down, pinning her to the ground. His clothes were soaked in red and his bloodied wings flexed painfully behind him, the wound Lucia had inflicted all too obvious. "Now listen, and listen very closely." he hissed as she twisted to get free. "I don't want to do this and I would leave you alone if I had the chance, but as it is that isn't an option at the moment."

"You expect me to believe that?" she snapped, struggling beneath him.

"Believe it or not, it's the truth." Naesala informed her. "Now; my orders are to capture some of the senior officers of the Knights, alive. I'd rather not, but Dark Link will have my hide if I don't get at least one prisoner, so now you have a choice. I could take Commander Kieran..." —he motioned his head towards the fallen knight— "...or I could take General Geoffrey... or I could take you. Which'll it be?"

She glanced the way he'd indicated, towards Kieran. The man was unconscious, lying in a pool of his own blood, probably from the wound that had been torn through his armor and chest. He was barely moving. She knew that Geoffrey had been much the same way, when Naesala struck him. And Elincia was with him still...

The answer seemed obvious. Neither of the others would survive the flight, and she would never condemn them like this anyway, so... "Me." she answered.

He nodded. "Good choice." Then he dragged her to her feet and took to the air, still holding her wrist. As soon as they were up a good ways, he released her arm and caught her by the waist instead, for better support. She had to wrap her arms around his neck to avoid hanging awkwardly, and her ribs hurt too much now to struggle more.

Several other Ravens surrounded Naesala to cover him as he flew out of the pegasus knights' range, high in the air. Lucia didn't dare loosen her hold; it was a long way down.

And so I've been taken again, she thought bitterly. Forgive me, my queen...


Dark Link knew that he had found a true master of the blade. No other person he had ever fought had gotten him to this point of weariness—this point, where a wound inflicted on him was sure to remain for a while, and not simply close itself again. He had limits; when his strength failed, the worse one was revealed, and that was something he was eager to keep a secret.

He parried another series of attacks, then came back with his own flurry of blows. They weren't as fast as they'd been before, he knew; he also knew that Zelgius knew, and that was troublesome. Perhaps it is time to end this, he thought.

Then his left hand burned, and his eyes widened in shock. He blocked Zelgius' attack, then shoved it back and stumbled away, looking at his hand in surprise.

It is resonating...! he realized. I... I am close...!

"Well..." Dark Link said quietly. "This fight has gone on for quite a while, has it not?"

"Other matters to attend to?" Zelgius asked darkly. "Such as capturing the queen, or Prince Roy?"
Dark Link chuckled. "Well, you seem to understand my plans rather well. Shall we continue this... intriguing battle some other day?"

"I cannot allow you to take the queen of Crimea." Zelgius stated, leveling his sword at Dark Link threateningly.

"Ah..." The Shadow laughed slightly. "I'm afraid that perhaps... that goal was a bit lofty at this time." He glanced back to look at his army. It was doing rather well against the Crimean Army, to be sure, but he could still tell that he was losing. "Another day, I shall win. For now... a retreat is necessary, I believe."

Zelgius didn't react at all. Dark Link turned back to him. "But then again... there is a certain... requirement... that I have yet to fulfill with my agreement with Begnion." the Shadow said. "I hope you don't take personal offense, Zelgius... I do wish we could finish this honorably, but I simply don't have the time."

Zelgius narrowed his eyes. Then he heard a vicious roar and spun to find the dragon standing above him, the powerful beast's mouth heating up. His eyes widened slightly and he quickly stepped to the side, barely dodging as a dripping wave of flame poured out of the beast's throat, incinerating the ground and lighting it on fire. The former general moved to attack the dragon, but it leapt back and snarled viciously.

Then Zelgius felt his right arm go numb. A wave of cold washed up him and he gasped. The silver blade's hilt slipped from his frozen fingers, and when he looked at his arm he found a wave of shining red magic had enveloped it entirely. It spread to his leg and the limb gave out, forcing him down to one knee.

He felt the cold touch of steel at his throat and looked up. The Shadow looked tired and was sweating profusely, letting the tip of his sword touch Zelgius' neck. His glove had been pulled off and the mark on his hand was pulsating with golden and red light. "You cheated." Zelgius stated, hardly surprised.

"It was... necessary." Dark Link replied through clenched teeth. He seemed to be trying very hard to remain upright, as if it were suddenly a conscious effort, and nearly dropped his sword. The red wave spread to Zelgius' other leg and he had to support himself with his left arm.

"Was it?" Zelgius challenged.

Dark Link nodded. "Yes...it was. I...would kill you now...but..." The crimson magic spread up Zelgius' arm, and now he collapsed. "There is...someone else...who desires that...pleasure. Goodbye...Zelgius."

Zelgius blankly saw the magic spread up and over his chest and heart. Everything is so cold... Then he felt a sharp pain in his throat, and he knew no more.


Ike and Roy had been fighting in almost the same place the entire time. The soldiers came on in such huge waves, they couldn't advance at all.

When suddenly, they heard a dragon's roar echo across the field. The bulblins stopped their attack, and appeared to be muttering amongst themselves. Ike paused his combat in confusion. "What happened?"

"That was the signal for a retreat." Roy said in relief. "I've heard it only once before. They're falling back...!"

Indeed, after only a few moments the bulblins turned and ran the way they'd come, in a more-or-less organized fashion. The Ravens overhead departed. All the Begnions had already been routed; in a few minutes, the battlefield was clear, except for the Mercenaries and the Crimean forces.

When Ike looked back at the close guard of Elincia, however, he saw that it was a mess. The pegasus knights were grounded and there were several loose horses... including, as it came running nervously out of the group, Geoffrey's. A chill ran down Ike's spine, and instead of walking he ran. Roy was right behind him.


Ike ran into Marcia first, bandaging a gash in her arm. "What happened?" he demanded.

"The Ravens." Marcia replied. "They sneaked around and attacked us out of nowhere!"

"Damn!" Roy swore. "They were probably going for Elincia. Is she all right?"

"Yes." she replied. "She's with General Geoffrey."

"Is he alright?"

Marcia shook her head. "He's badly injured..."

"Where are they?" Roy asked.

"Pretty much somewhere in the middle of all this." She gestured towards the rest of the Knights.

Ike and Roy left her and passed through the knights. Most of them were wounded, and only a few of them were dead. Everybody had been accounted for, at least... almost everybody.

They found Elincia huddled over Geoffrey, clutching a Mend staff and crying. Geoffrey was covered in blood and dangerously still.

"Elincia...!" Roy knelt down next to her. "Are you all right?"

"Geoffrey..." she whispered. "Geoffrey...! You mustn't die... I'll be all alone..."

Ike looked around and spotted Kieran, the red-headed knight crumpled beside a dead Raven. He hurried over to him and felt his pulse. It was there; faint, but alive. The wounds on his torso were more troubling.

"Geoffrey is alive, Elincia!" Roy assured her. "He's not going to die. Calm down!"

She took in a deep breath and shuddered, cradling Geoffrey's head in her lap. "I... I couldn't protect you... Why couldn't I protect you? Oh, Geoffrey... you almost died because of me..."

Ike pulled out his vulnerary and lifted Kieran's head so he could pour the contents down the knight's throat. The knight coughed, barely able to swallow, then his head fell back again. Why hasn't anybody else taken care of him? he wondered.

"I couldn't protect him!" Elincia wailed. "This is all my fault!"

Ike frowned and glanced up. "This is Dark Link's fault." he told her sternly. "No one else's."

The young queen choked down a sob and nodded. "I know... I know... but... oh, Goddess, what can I do...?!"

"Ike!" The commander looked up at Titania's voice and saw his deputy commander riding up to join him. "Have you seen Zelgius?"

"I thought he was with you!" Ike insisted, standing up quickly(though he was careful not to bump Kieran).

Titania swung off the horse. "I haven't seen him since the army of Hyrule arrived."

"Lady Lucia?" one pegasus knight, Marcia's friend Sharon, called in alarm. "Where's Lady Lucia!?"

Ike's blood ran cold. "Oh... Oh Ashera, not again..."


Zelgius woke up to darkness. It took him a moment to even realize he was awake, but when he did, he wondered exactly why it was so dark.

Everything that had happened before flooded to him in a rush. How long have I been unconscious? he wondered. At least... I don't feel so cold anymore.

He tried to move his hands and heard a chink! They wouldn't come apart. I must be bound in some fashion...

Then he heard a tent flap being pushed aside and several heavy footsteps. A moment later, something was pulled off his head, and he blinked in the sudden light.

General Levail leaned over him, holding a torch. "Are you all right?" he asked, genuinely concerned.

Zelgius sat up and bit back a groan. He ached all over, especially his head. A quick look verified that his hands were, indeed, chained tightly in front of him. "Where am I?" he asked.

"In the main camp of the Begnion Central Army." Levail replied. "King Hyrule dropped you off after the battle, and Valtome ordered you... chained and blindfolded."

"...how long has it been?"

"The battle was yesterday."

"Why did Dark Link bring me here?"

"He... said it was 'according to the terms of the agreement' or something."

Zelgius looked around more fully and realized he was inside a tent—a supply tent, he guessed. His hands were securely chained to a stake in the ground, as were his legs. His armor was gone, and he was propped up against a couple supply boxes.

"Why are you here?" Zelgius asked flatly.

Levail backed up and averted his eyes. "I... wanted to meet you, in person. I never got the chance before... to meet the great General Zelgius. That was always my dream, when I was young."

"Well." Zelgius closed his eyes. "Here he is. A worthless, imprisoned mercenary."

"No!" Levail insisted. "You're not worthless. You're... not even a General anymore, but you're still the best fighter I've ever seen."

"Look where it got me."

"This is Valtome's fault." Levail spat. "Useless parasite. I think it was he who made the 'agreement' with King Hyrule to bring you here."

"Do you know what he plans?" Zelgius asked quietly.

Levail was silent for several long moments. "I think Valtome's going to execute you." he finally said. "For... 'resisting the Empire', 'desertion'... I don't really know."

Zelgius let out a long breath. "I suspected as much. Though I certainly never deserted Begnion. I only renounced my peerage, as did Ike."

"Why does he hate you so much?" Levail asked. "Valtome, I mean."

"To tell the truth, I believe the entire Senate hates me." Zelgius sighed slightly. "When I was still a General in Begnion, I believe they disliked my... sense of honor. Then I renounced my land and titles and married a Crimean mercenary... which they most likely viewed as some sort of betrayal."

"But there's nothing wrong with that!" Levail protested. "Wouldn't they be happy that you were gone?"

Zelgius waited for a moment as Levail thought it through. "Well..." the young General finally admitted, "I suppose considering your skills, they really would rather have you on their side than anyone else's... and they would especially enjoy ordering you around in that situation, wouldn't they? Valtome's been like that with me almost the entire time. They probably considered your resignation insubordinate. I do remember standing guard at a few of their discussions—they did say some pretty... awful things about you."

"Gay slurs." He stated it more than asked.

"Yes." Levail replied reluctantly.

Zelgius chuckled slightly. "They are petty fools who cannot even begin to understand. I almost pity them for their ignorance...no...no, I feel no pity for them at all; they do not deserve it."

"...Valtome...is going to punish me, too." Levail mumbled. "For disobeying his orders and... not engaging in the battle. He insinuated it would be death, so I...I thought this would be my last chance to meet you, for...for more reasons than one."

"Ah." Zelgius sighed slightly. "I understand. When is the...punishment?"

"At dawn." Levail replied. "Less than an hour from now."

"I suppose I shan't have long to wait, then."

Levail sighed deeply and turned to leave.

"Thank you, Levail."

The young General started. "What?"

"For not engaging in the battle with Crimea. Thank you. If you had joined, the queen would surely have been lost."

"...You're welcome, sir. And... thank you, too. I'm glad to have finally... really met you." Then Levail left, taking the light with him.

Zelgius leaned back again and tested the chains. They were tight and secure, and he was too tired to test them any further. I guess... this is going to be the end. For real. There's no Black Knight armor that's going to save you this time...


"How can he nothave been seen since yesterday?!" Ike demanded.

"I'm sorry, Ike!" Titania insisted. "But he's gone! He must have been captured."

Ike swore and kicked an empty helmet on the ground. "They're going to kill him." he said bitterly. "If it was Begnion, then they're going to kill him. If it was Dark Link... then he's dead already."

"That's not true!" Titania protested. "They wouldn't kill a valuable hostage."

"Valtome would." Soren stated flatly. "That idiot would kill his horse if it gave him a dirty look, and then complain when he had to walk. Titania, Ike... Zelgius is gone."

Ike closed his eyes tightly. "I know... oh, Goddess..."


Valtome was vastly excited, though Kaj knew it was for the most wrong of reasons. He didn't understand exactly what the Senator had against Zelgius—between Zelgius' being gay or his sense of honor that the Senate sorely lacked, Kaj couldn't decide—but the Senator had been looking forward to the "punishment" since Dark Link had dropped the paralyzed man at his feet the previous evening.

And of course, Levail was probably going to be punished, too. That was the one that hurt. Levail... Kaj considered him his friend... his death would be cruel, indeed, for he knew that was surely Valtome's plan. And as for Zelgius...

The former Begnion general came willingly, escorted by two nervous-looking soldiers. He had been stripped of his armor and his wrists and ankles were chained, only allowing him a slightly shuffling walk. Valtome practically giggled as Zelgius stopped to stand before him, and the two soldiers retreated. Levail, standing next to Kaj, clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.

"I shall now dispense punishment for desertion, betrayal, and resisting the Empire!" Valtome announced. To Kaj, all three of the accused crimes sounded ridiculous. What had the man done, other than fight for his friends? "Zelgius! Do you have anything to say? I would hear your pleas now."

"...As a prisoner of war, I expected no less." Zelgius replied flatly, staring Valtome down with a fire in his eyes. "I am ready."

"Quite an admirable sentiment." Valtome chuckled. "Though perhaps you should have thought of that before you deserted the Empire! Now, on your knees. It's time for your execution. Good-bye, Zelgius."

Zelgius fell to his knees, staring straight ahead all the while. He had already decided he wouldn't close his eyes to this...

Levail couldn't stand it any longer. "Senator!" he yelped, stepping forward. "I must ask you to reconsider! To execute a man of Zelgius' caliber, for no real crime, and without even a trial... It's madness! It's horrible!"

"Levail, are you questioning a senator?" Valtome demanded. "A senator holds the right to punish a prisoner however he sees fit! And don't forget that you're only awaiting your own punishment!"

Levail fumed, but fell silent again. Kaj gave his hand a quick reassuring squeeze, though the young Begnion general was too angry to be comforted much.

"...All right, I've waited long enough." Valtome snickered. "Your wait is over as well, Zelgius. Execute him!"

A General moved to stand beside Zelgius, holding a sword almost nervously. In fact, all the soldiers seemed nervous around Zelgius, as if he were about to spring up and attack them at any second. Though he had no intentions of doing so, as it wouldn't get him anywhere... and it would probably only make the death more painful. Zelgius was resigned to his fate.

"Don't worry, Zelgius. I'll make sure that your precious mercenaries die quickly." Valtome assured him nastily. "Except for your... husband. He'll know pain before the end... Uwee hee hee!"

Zelgius gritted his teeth and remained silent. This man could never hurt you, Ike... my brave Ike, my love, you are too strong for that. I hope you live...a long and happy life...

The General raised his sword over Zelgius. When that blade fell, he knew he would be dead.

It didn't. Out of nowhere, an arrow slammed into the General, causing him to stumble backward in pain and lower the sword without touching Zelgius at all. Valtome shrieked.

"All soldiers loyal to Begnion are to stand down immediately!" a harsh feminine voice called.

Zelgius looked up in surprise. I know that voice.

Levail and Kaj moved to Zelgius and the three of them backed up as a pegasi's wingbeats were heard. Moments later, a pegasus landed in front of Valtome, and its rider, a stern dark-haired woman, slid off. "Hello, Senator Valtome." she said coldly.

"You...!" Valtome hissed. "You're one of the Holy Guards!"

"The apostle will be here shortly!" Commander Tanith announced. "Soldiers, sheathe your weapons and kneel before the apostle!"

"What?! No... It's impossible!" Valtome muttered.

Then Zelgius heard more pegasus wingbeats, and he and Levail both looked up to see a legion of the Holy Guard flying down towards the central circle. He recognized Sigrun at the head, as well as her passenger...

Kaj offhandedly slid a wire into Zelgius' chains, quietly picking the locks while everybody was paying attention to the Apostle's arrival. Zelgius nodded to him gratefully, though he was surprised that Levail's second-in-command would know how to do that sort of thing.

The Holy Guard landed, and Apostle Sanaki slid off Sigrun's pegasus. "...My soldiers. I apologize for my sudden disappearance." she said, her voice echoing throughout the camp. A resounding cheer rang out amongst the men.

"I am here today to explain things, and to bring you news from home that is of the utmost importance." Sanaki announced loudly. "My soldiers, listen to me carefully. I never wished for this war. It was started by those who wanted me dead." The men gasped. "It was spurred on by their desire to rule Begnion for themselves. This war was the work of the Begnion Senate!"

There was a collective gasp, then a lot of muttering amongst the soldiers. A few of them gave Valtome suspicious looks.

"...Lies! She lies!" Valtome shrieked. "Do not be tricked, proud soldiers of Begnion! She is not the true apostle!"

"Ah, I see." Sigrun said, smiling slyly and crossing her arms. "Then we are not the real Holy Guards? Is that what you are trying to say?"

"N-no!" Valtome realized he was losing, so he quickly tried to turn the situation in his favor. "This is a farce! You cannot trick us! You are using a fake apostle to disable the senate and take over Begnion! Men, we must act! That vile Sephiran is their leader! The fact that he's been put in chains is our proof!"

Zelgius growled, causing Levail and the Holy Guard to look at him in surprise. He didn't serve Sephiran any more, but he still considered him his friend, and he certainly wasn't going to idly listen to these ridiculous accusations...!

All of a sudden, Zelgius got his energy back. He stepped past Kaj and grabbed Valtome by the neck, easily lifting him one-handed into the air. Everybody started in alarm. Kaj's hand almost went to his dagger, but he resisted the urge this time. Valtome sputtered.

"...I will not allow you to disgrace my friend's good name." Zelgius hissed. "One more syllable and I shall snap your neck, you pathetic, spineless degenerate." He let go, and Valtome fell to the ground in an undignified heap, gasping for breath.

Zelgius then turned to the slightly stunned Sanaki and nodded apologetically. "I apologize, my lady Apostle. It needed to be said."

Sanaki suddenly laughed. "But of course, Sir Zelgius!" she agreed heartily, flashing a broad grin. "I couldn't have said it better myself!"

There was a pause, and then another, even louder resounding cheer rang out amongst the men. Zelgius smiled faintly. Apparently, Valtome wasn't any more popular now than he had been three years ago. Valtome sputtered in disbelief, so Kaj kicked him. The boy briefly met Zelgius' gaze and grinned.

Levail stepped forward and knelt before Sanaki. "Apostle! I can't properly say how good it is to see you alive. We've been awaiting your return."

"Thank you, General Levail." Sanaki said. "We have much to discuss."


"Wait! The Apostle did what!?" Ike demanded.

"Showed up in the middle of Zelgius' execution and exposed the Senate's plot to undermine and usurp her." Titania reported happily. "She's taken control of most of the Central Army, except for the part that left due to the Senate's counter-claim that she's a fraud..."

"Zelgius is alive?!"

Titania realized then that, at the moment, Zelgius was all Ike really cared about. "Yes." she said, and he sighed deeply in relief. "He's with the Apostle still, I think. He'll probably go with the Apostle to her planned meeting in Melior in a few days, so you can catch up with him there."

Ike sat down in his chair and sighed again, slumping and closing his eyes. A moment later, Titania realized he was asleep. She smiled sympathetically. He certainly needs his rest...


"Fool... You had the knight commander in your grasp, yet instead you bring me this pathetic woman?"

"The Queen and several soldiers were with him, I couldn't get there—and you included her among the ones I was to capture!"

"Listen, raven king, and listen closely. I do not take kindly to failure—something that you seem to bring me a little too much of..."

"I succeeded back at Soze Pass, didn't I? ….Wait! No, please...Don't!"

"I warned you of the consequences of failure, did I not?"

"Just give me a second chance. Please!"

"Your sentiment is admirable... but I cannot accept any further mistakes, raven king. You have one more chance. Do you understand me?"

"Yes... I understand."

"Still... there must be a consequence. You shall bear the pain for your people this time, King Kilvas. Are you still prepared to beg for their safety?"
"...Yes. Do whatever you will with me... but don't hurt them, I beg of you."

"So admirable... Very well. (Shard. You may begin.)"


"uuhh..."

"I hope this was a fitting lesson, Raven. Do not fail me again."

"I...live...only to serve...my lord. I swear...I will...not...falter..."