Authors Note: Once again I've have been severely delayed in posting fics as I haven't had the time to do much at all so I apologise, but I'm afraid my updates will get even more delayed. (Never abandoned though) Thank you readers and reviewers for reading and reviewing what is my first fic (Now one of a number of fics, 3 of which are Fire Emblem).

I have thoroughly enjoyed this.

Disclaimer: Same as before.

Chapter 11: Motivation and Madness.

Caellach, now fully equipped and prepared was heading to Renais with the rest of the army. He had taken the time travelling to get to know the members of the group other than Joshua, Duessel and Cormag. The army included Gerik, a mercenary who was also from Jehanna and the person who hired Marisa, Innes and Tana, the prince and princess of Frelia, Forde and Kyle, two loyal paladins in service to Ephraim and the princess of Rausten, L'arachel. When he reached the destination, he took his time to see the once great Renais.

It was now in ruins. Many of the houses had been destroyed and people could be seen hiding from something unknown. Many large trees were surrounding the group, laying on the ground. Various monsters could be seen, searching for a target. Caellach swung his arm back, Tomohawk ready, and sent it flying towards a revenant that was approaching a villager, destroying it instantly. Caellach caught the Tomohawk, but noticed more coming. Luckily the villager had ran off.

"This is terrible," Caellach said, "We need to do something, and fast."

"According to Seth," Kyle, a green haired paladin, known for being overly serious stated, "the castle of Renais is being held by Orson, a traitor to Renais who is supposedly going mad due to the death of his wife, some time back. He has done nothing in his rule of Renais and if nothing is done, his reign will simply collapse in its' own neglect. We must attack now without mercy. Caellach, you will attack from the left with Joshua, Marisa, Artur, Lute, Natasha, Amelia, Duessel, Forde and myself. Now… WE STRIKE!"

Without even a seconds time to think, everyone rushed into the castle. Caellach instantly followed, noticing several armoured generals guarding the entrance. Caellach thought to himself Joshua and Marisa should stay away from them. Their swords are no match for that armour, but it seems like they've gone for some magic users…

Before Caellach had any longer to think, there was a blinding flash of light, followed by an explosion. When the smoke cleared Caellach noticed there were no generals. He noticed a swordmaster in the distance and drew his silver blade charging into the swordmaster, who was fast, but didn't have the sheer force like Caellach and was quickly thrown to the ground. He looked around to notice things seemed deserted, including a lack of his fellow soldiers. He stood there, thinking of what to do there failing to notice that above him, a bolt of lightening came crashing down, instantly knocking him to the ground.

"Caellach!" came Joshua's voice. Caellach got up to notice Joshua and Natasha rushing towards him.

"Wh-what was that?" Natasha asked, "I didn't see anyone in sight."

Caellach knew exactly what it was, "Bolting," he answered, "A long range magic tome, probably more dangerous than ballista due to its' incredible power. I failed to notice it."

"I saw the sage just too late," Joshua added, "Kyle's gone to deal with him. You better rest, Natasha can heal you with ease."

Caellach had to admit Joshua had a point, seeing as he had difficulty moving, so he nodded a Natasha raised her staff and started a chant which Caellach couldn't hear the words to. In an instant, the wound left by the bolt disappeared.

"Thanks." Was all Caellach could say.

"Don't worry about it," was Natasha's response as she and Joshua left to help Kyle, Forde and Duessel who were fighting armoured knights with ease due to superior movement ability. As Caellach got up he couldn't help but think to himself, Why is everyone fighting in this war? Joshua's fighting to protect his country. The same goes for Innes, Tana, Eirika, Ephraim and L' arachel. Duessel is fighting to solve the madness caused by Grado. The knights, supposedly, are fighting for their country as well, but what about the magic users and the mercenaries? Why are they getting involved in this war? And what about me? I was just a simple mercenary once, trying to make my way in the world and wanting something more. I didn't get caught up in the war until I got the title of Tiger Eye. If that hadn't of happened, I'd probably have ignored the entire thing…

"Something troubling you?"

Caellach turned around with a start to see Marisa was right behind him. He knew to be careful around her after their last encounter.

"Marisa!" he said, "don't startle me like that. It's not nice!"

Marisa seemed to be expecting that response because she replied, "Neither is thinking I'm no good at the sword just because I'm a girl."

Caellach thought fair point. I guess I deserved that.

"Yeah, sorry 'bout that," he said, forcing a smile, "I've learnt otherwise now. How did you get so good anyway?"

"I do nothing but train," she replied seriously, "I live for nothing but the sword. That is why I'm here."

"I'm afraid I don't understand." In truth, Caellach was confused by this, "You've got to have a reason to fight, other than to live to fight another day."

"I've been trained in fighting for as long as I can remember," she replied sadly, "I have never had the chance to see life another way. If you'll excuse me, I'm needed over there."

Caellach by now had managed to get up and tried to follow her, but wasn't quick enough, so he instead went left in attempt to get closer to the throne room and defeat Orson, only to notice the room had already been mostly cleared thanks to Kyle, Forde and Duessel. He stepped forward into the throne room. He noticed Orson and Kyle facing each other, each on a horse, ready to strike. Forde and Duessel were near Caellach, watching what was going on. Caellach went to step forward but Duessel stopped him.

"Leave it Caellach, Kyle wants to do this on his own, he has chosen to fight with honour.

"Sir Orson! You betrayed your master, Prince Ephraim, to Grado. Have you forgotten what is means to be a knight?" Kyle shouted at his opponent.

"Kyle… you know nothing… I am happy now." Was the only response.

Caellach could only watch as Kyle charged towards Orson, only for him to raise a sword which seemed to be draining his life without Orson even moving. Kyle seemed prepared, however and drew a sword which shot a beam of light towards Orson, catching him unawares and knocking him off his horse. Kyle dismounted and prepared himself to strike with a silver lance. Orson was doing the same thing only he stood differently, he looked weakened. Kyle charged straight into Orson, who was unable to move, knocking him down and killing him.

"What happened?" Forde asked, "Orson wasn't fit for fighting! Why did Grado make him."

"I've found the answer to that question, and the reason for his treachery," Ephraim answered from behind Caellach, who jumped back again in shock. He thought to himself, I wish people would stop doing that.

Ephraim lead the group into another room, where Caellach saw a young woman who he didn't recognise.

"Isn't she…" Forde started.

"Orson's wife?" Kyle finished.

"Her body, control by dark magic. Disgraceful." Ephraim answered, "but who would do such a…"

Caellach figured it out, "Riev."

"Who?"

"The Blood Beryl. A creepy light magic user. He's capable of quite a lot, and seems to lack standards. I'm certain it's him. But this is unforgivable." He noticed everyone looking at him but didn't care, "I will fight him again and this time… I'll kill him!"

End of chapter.

I think this ones shorter, which I apologise for. I'll update when I can (I was meant to do this a fortnight ago but landed myself with no time.