KHANS' CHAMPIONS
It is been a month when the Shepherds returned to the capital. It is a successful campaign, no casualties among the Shepherds thanks to Chrom's leadership and Robin's brilliant strategy. Yet only a few returned for Chrom decided to assign groups of Shepherds in villages or towns in case another bandit attack will happen. During their campaign, they met a villager named Donnell and let him join the Shepherds. Also, they learned that the Plegian brigands are causing trouble on their northern neighbor. No doubt to incite a war between Ylisse and Regna Ferox.
Most of the soldiers and Shepherds are scattered to defend Ylisse, and fearing that Ferox might wage war, Exalt Emmeryn ordered Chrom to act as a representative form Ylisse and form an alliance with Ferox. Chrom gladly accepted the responsibility. After two days of rest, the Shepherds are on another campaign.
On the borders between Ylisse and Ferox, the Shepherds encountered their first battle. This time, it is not brigands but the Plegian army. It seems they were anticipating the Shepherds' journey to Ferox. No matter, a battle ensued. By Robin's tactical genius, she used the woods and forts to the Shepherds' advantage thus resulting to a very successful battle. After the battle, Chrom urges the Shepherds to make haste to Ferox.
Reaching the east side of Regna Ferox's great wall, they were stopped and accused as brigands that have been harassing their borders. Just as what Frederick has explained, Regna Ferox values strength therefore they have to prove themselves that they are not brigands. Once again, Robin's brilliant tactics (inspired from the timely rescue of Sumia when Chrom was about to become a pin cushion of Feroxi's javelins), they managed to defeat and gain entrance to Regna Ferox. The head guard then introduces Chrom to the East Khan, Flavia.
Impressed of the Shepherds' fighting prowess, Khan Flavia would gladly give Chrom the alliance and additional soldiers as he requested. Yet she could not for she is not the Head Khan. She explained that the current Head Khan is the West Khan, Basilio. To grant Chrom's requests, she needs a champion to fight and represent her against the West Khan's champion. Chrom agrees to become Flavia's champion, to the East Khan's delight.
Since the tournament will happen within ten days, Robin decided that Chrom and the Shepherds train first and get used to Ferox's rigid weather, which Chrom heartily agrees. Flavia told Chrom that reports of bandits are seen just north east from their current location. With that information, Chrom leads the Shepherds to stop the bandits.
A week later, the campaign against the bandits is a success and the Shepherds returned to the east wall. The journey was worth it for the Shepherds managed to adapt to the rigid, cold weather and somehow feels stronger. The remaining days are now used to travel towards the west and training.
The day of the tournament has come. The arena is packed of thousands of Ferox citizens to watch contestants fight for glory. Yet they are more hyped for the highlight of the fight: the battle between the Khans' champions. Robin, Flavia, and the Shepherds are on the stands, awaiting for the final fight.
"… all I can say is he's fast and skillful with the sword. VERY skillful." said Flavia when asked about the West Khan's champion. Robin recalled what Flavia said. She helped train Chrom in improving his dodges by flinging magic and let him practice some swings. But HOW fast and skillful is this champion that Chrom is about to face? Robin wondered as the opposing gates opened and the champions came into view. The crowd continued to cheer as the two champions faced each other.
Robin studied Chrom's opponent. He looks serious and relaxed but with her practiced eyes, she sees that this man is always ready to draw his sword. One word describes him best: fearless. Robin looked at Chrom's profile. Chrom looked at his opponent, determination in his eyes. She could see how strong-willed he is. Truly a leader and Robin could not help but feel proud (how strange is that).
An announcement echoed, telling the champions to ready their blades and the battle will begin when the horn is blown. The champions complied and readied their blades, both held their weapons with two hands and the tip of the sword is facing forward. Only Chrom held his sword with lowered arms and the sword's tip is pointed upwards; his opponent held his on the right side with arms lowered, the blade's tip is facing the ground and slightly just behind him. When the horn is blown, the crowd went wild as the two champions run at each other.
Robin is surprised to see that the opponent reached Chrom first and began his relentless assault. She could see Chrom's surprise as his opponent kept on attacking, never giving him a chance to counter. When there was a chance for Chrom to attack, it was easily dodged. Then this opponent will continue his barrage of attacks on which Chrom could only block. Robin could see that Chrom's opponent is REALLY fast and skillful, and she started to worry.
After a couple of minutes, Chrom has been swept off his feet and lay flat on the ground. Chrom tried to get up but his opponent quickly stood over him, the tip of the blade pointed at his throat. The battle is over. Chrom lost.
"I'm sorry everyone. I let you down." Chrom apologized to Flavia and the Shepherds.
"That's all right." said Flavia. "You did your best. Although I hate to see the oaf's gloating face when he comes here."
Right on cue, the West Khan and still Head Khan of Regna Ferox arrived.
"Now, now, Flavia. You don't have to be so green with envy. Har har!" said the good–natured West Khan. He then looked at Chrom. "Boy, you were impressive there. I give you credit for that."
Chrom smiled. "Thank you for the compliment, er…"
"Hah! Name's Basilio, lad. West Khan and still Head Khan of Regna Ferox." said Basilio. "Anyway, I've been meaning to ask. What is the prince of Ylisse want with Regna Ferox?"
"Hmph. As if you don't know." commented Flavia.
What a strange comment. Anyway, Chrom explained to Basilio about Plegia's banditry on their realms and he seeks an alliance and additional men.
"Really? Why you didn't say so! You got yourself an alliance, boy! Plus, some warriors of Ferox for you to command!" said Basilio.
"How very generous of you, Basilio. Thank you." said a grateful Chrom.
"One more thing. I have a present for you." Basilio then signaled his champion to come forward. "As all of you know, this man here is Lon'qu, my champion. He has the makings of a Khan and he'll be an asset to your army."
"Yes, he is." confirmed Chrom. He then turns toward Lon'qu. "And you, Lon'qu? You have no objections?"
The serious Lon'qu answered curtly. "He gives orders. I stab people. I think our roles are clear."
Chrom seems pleased and welcomed Lon'qu to the Shepherds. He notices that Lon'qu, who seems puzzled and uneasy, is near Robin so he introduces her first.
"The person standing near you is my tactician, Robin… And Robin? Pull down the hood please."
"Sorry." Robin said as she pulls down her hood and faced Lon'qu. "Gla—"
"Away, woman!" said Lon'qu as he quickly backed away.
"What!? What did I do!?" asked a bewildered Robin.
"Bah ha ha ha! Let's just say that ladies tend to put Lon'qu on edge." said Basilio.
Robin narrowed her eyes as she looked at a tense Lon'qu. "Hmmm…" Who would have thought that the fearsome Lon'qu is fearful of women?