Chapter 11
As the door creaked open Tristan and Robin cautiously peeked in. The room behind it appeared to be empty and the door to the Exalts chambers remained closed.
"It doesn't look like anyone made it in yet." Robin whispered.
Tristan nodded. "Looks that way, but what was that noise we heard earlier."
"I don't know, maybe…" Robin's eyes suddenly widened. "Woah look out!"
Tristan turned to see an assassin aiming a slash at his neck. "Oh shiii…"
Suddenly three daggers sprouted from the assassin's neck causing him to drop with a look of shock. Tristan and Robin turned around to see Gaius twirling a dagger through his fingers.
"Woah nice throw, thanks a lot man." Tristan said relieved.
Gaius grinned. "Well if you guys die who's gonna tell the prince how I saved the Exalt. I need you two to help me get my pay day!"
Robin sighed. "Glad we mean so much to you."
Gaius just grinned and scanned the room. "Looks like we're clear now boys."
"Oh good, I don't know how much more fighting I can handle today." Robin sighed.
Tristan glanced at him. "I feel ya, although it's not like we had to do a lot. It's just late."
"Yea maybe for you, I feel like I've been fighting all day." Robin sighed. "Between this and that disturbance at the border today I'm beat."
Tristan looked confused. "Wait there was a fight at the border? Was I supposed to be there?"
"Vaike didn't tell you?" Robin shook his head and sighed. "That idiot was supposed to let you know before we left. I decided to give you the day off."
"Oh, well thanks for that. I didn't even realize you guys left."
"Uh guys? Hate to interrupt but there's something funky goin on over here." Gaius said gesturing towards the corner of the room.
"What the…." Tristan trailed off as the three stared at the strange purple vortex forming in the room corner.
"Get ready, I feel like whatever happens next won't be too pleasant." Robin said flipping open a spell book.
Suddenly a figure stepped through the whirling gate of magic. As he emerged the gathered men managed to get a clear look at the man that had emerged. He was a tall man with sharp facial features accented by well-kept facial hair. His flowing black and purple robes and jet black hair helped create an imposing aura. The newcomer scanned the room slowly and his eyes settled on the group of defenders. A look of annoyance flashed across his face.
"Tch, those idiots were supposed to keep all you Ylisseans busy out in the halls. I suppose I'll just have to dispose of you myself."
Robin stepped forward with his sword raised. "Who are you, and what are you doing here?"
"Isn't it obvious? I'm here to kill the Exalt. However I anticipated her to be a much easier target. You will come to regret interfering with my plans. "
"Well that's all I need to hear, you won't get passed us." Robin stepped toward the center of the room putting himself between the Exalts room and the assailant. Tristan joined him and the two men looked over towards Gaius.
"Uh, I'm not really much of a fighter. Well at least not when I'm seen coming. Why don't you guys take this one." He said backing away.
"Wait a minute…" The assassin paused looking at Robin. "I know you… Yes, this is wonderful." He said with a cruel grin.
"You know me?" Robin asked confused. "How?"
"Perhaps I'll tell you. If you can beat me!" The man shot his arm forward and black orbs erupted from his outstretched palm.
Tristan and Robin leapt apart as the ground where they'd been standing exploded. Robin stepped back and unleashed a few fire spells while Tristan attempted to close the distance between him and the assailant. He ducked low and prepared to strike but was suddenly thrown backwards, and intense pain erupting in his stomach. He flew backwards into the wall, the metallic taste of blood in his mouth causing him to cough harshly.
"Mwahaha, you'll have to do better than that worms." The man said trading shots with Robin.
"Tristan are you alright?" Robin asked concerned dodging another round of dark magic.
Tristan slowly got to his feet. "Ergh, wouldn't describe my state as alright. But I am breathing."
Robin fired off a wind spell and drew his sword. Dashing forward behind his first attack he quickly closed the distance. His opponent easily dissipated the spell and grinned at the approaching Shepherd. Robin attacked with a harsh overhand slash aiming for the mans head. Before his attack connected his sword was batted away by the hilt.
"What? How did you…" Robin trailed off trying to comprehend how his attack had been thwarted.
"You mustn't want to know of your past that badly. I haven't even broken a sweat!" Stepping forward the assassin prepared another spell. "I suppose that's enough playing for now. Say your prayers foo… Gack!"
A fierce line of crimson appeared on the mans side through a new tear in his cloak. Tristan stood huffing to his side, struggling to stay upright.
"Dang, really hoped to finish him there." He said with a weak grin.
"I hope inflicting this wound was worth your life maggot." The man snarled preparing a spell. "Because It will cost you at least that much."
Tristan shakily stepped back as his attacker threw both hands forward. For a moment he could see nothing but darkness. Suddenly he was racked with intense pain from all directions and was thrown off the ground at an alarming velocity.
"Tristan!" Robin shouted as his friend flew silently through the air. "What have you done?" He yelled outraged.
"I killed him. I thought I made that quite clear. Now, I think I'll finish you quickly as well." Readying the same spell the assassin brought both his hands back. Just as he was about to throw them forward he froze. His eyes widened in shock and he shakily stepped forward. "How could…" Before he could finish his sentence he collapsed face first onto the floor. Robin stared at the body confused until he located three small knives jutting out from the mans back. From the shadows near the back of the room Gaius stepped forward.
"Boy, you're lucky I'm around. That guy was serious business."
Robin sighed placing his hands on his knees. "Yea… thanks for the save."
"Yea, well not that I don't enjoy receiving your praise but you might wanna check on your buddy over there. He's not looking so good." Gaius said flicking a thumb towards the pile of Tristan in the far corner of the room.
"Oh crap! Tristan!" Robin rushed over to his friends side. Upon arrival he found a dire sight. Tristan was sprawled out on his stomach. Blood poured from his mouth and nose. The skin that was contacted by the enemy spells was charred black. "Oh gods, please be breathing." Robin placed his hand in front of Tristan's mouth and felt a faint breath. "Thank goodness. I NEED HELP IN HERE!" He shouted hoping there was someone within earshot. Suddenly the main doors were thrown open and Chrom, Lissa and Marth stormed in.
"Robin? What happened here?" Chrom demanded.
"I'll explain later. Lissa, Tristan in really bad shape. He needs your help now." Robin said panicked.
Lissa nodded and hurried over to Tristan's side. "Oh my gosh, how did this happen? I'm just going to try and keep him stable. Chrom, we're going to need a stretcher in here to get him to the infirmary right away." She pulled out her staff and immediately began working on her mangled comrade. Chrom left the room barking orders at unseen castle staff. As people began bustling around Robin slid to the floor along the wall. He clenched his hands together with a worried expression and watched as his friend was attended too.
"Just pull through my friend. Don't give up on me."
