Author's Note: One of my New Year's Resolutions has been to stay positive, cultivate a positive environment for myself, and to slowly phase out negativity and toxicity. With that being said, I am glad that here I am, a month into the year, and I feel so much better compared to the past few years, when I just weed out the things that I was too lazy to weed out before.
All aboard the Asta and Secre ship train!
Sorry about this chapter being late. I swear, I'm catching up! The past two weeks have been work weeks of 50+ hours, in addition to my usual stuff of helping teach a local high school jazz band (I teach the trombones and the percussionists) and just trying to relax a bit playing some Overwatch on PC (I think I abandoned my XBox squad, sorry guys).
Might not have a chapter up on Friday, just a heads up.
Chapter 14:
Red Light
We arrived at the capital of Ferox by nightfall. Thankfully, the guards at the Longfort sent messengers ahead to give advance notice to the East Khan of our arrival and time-sensitive nature of our visit. Castle guards greeted us as we arrived and made haste to quickly put away our supplies and wagons and take care of our horses.
Chrom pulled all the Shepherds together for one final meeting.
"Listen, everyone, it would be most prudent if I conducted this meeting alone. I want each of you to stay nearby, but feel free to explore as necessary. Get some food if you want. I know you all are tired of eating salted meat. Take this time to relax a bit. You worked hard and put up with many discomforts for us to get here as fast as we did," Chrom said. "I would prefer to… make my case as best as I can, so I will go in alone."
We all nodded silently in response. He was right… this was probably best done alone. We watched him enter the palace, apprehensive for what was coming up for him.
"Hello, Lon'qu. Do you think you could do me a small favor?" I said to the mysterious swordsman.
"Hm?" he said.
"You're from Ferox, right?"
"Yes."
"Can you show me where's the best place to get the best steamed artichoke?" I asked.
"Oh, Ravey, you're going to—"
"Back!" Lon'qu said as Lissa approached, recoiling slightly as he quickly and seamlessly unsheathed his blade.
"Oh, uh, sorry, Lissa, I'm going with Lon'qu here to grab something to eat," I said.
"Mind if I tag along, Shady?"
"Oh, sure, Gaius."
Lissa stuck her tongue out at me, seeing the three of us get ready to get something to eat.
"Yeah, well, I'm going to get an all-girl group and we're all going to get pastries," Lissa replied.
"Did… you say pastries?" Gaius asked. I could see his loyalty wavering.
"No! Stay strong, Gaius. You're getting pastries when we get back to the capital," I said. "The best pastries. From the bakery in Ylisstol!"
"Why wait when he can have them now?" Lissa asked.
"What happened to an all-girl group?" I asked her.
"Gaius can be the one guy surrounded by the lovely ladies of the Shepherds," Lissa said with a smirk.
"… on second thought, Shady, I think I'll stick with you. That many girls together are bound to be trouble," Gaius commented.
"Smart man. Let's go," I replied. The three of us departed as a mutinous glare burrowed into our backs.
"Say, Shady, how did you end up being in the Shepherds anyway?" Gaius asked as we walked through the town.
"Hmm? Oh, well, see… apparently Robin, Elise, and myself were knocked unconscious on the side of the road when Chrom found us. He, Lissa, and Frederick watched to ensure no harm befell us before we woke up. Thankful for his concern and appreciative for the fact he looked out for us, we all joined the Shepherds and pledged allegiance and loyalty to him," I said.
"Why didn't you just return to your lives before?" he asked. I paused as I wasn't sure if I wanted to divulge the secrets of the other two so readily.
"I… don't know about the others, but I woke up with amnesia. I have no recollection of who I was prior to waking up. I was found with a lance next to me, so we only assumed I was a practitioner of the lance prior to my memories being wiped," I said.
"You are quite skilled," Lon'qu suddenly commented.
"Hm?" I asked.
"I watched your spar with Frederick the other day. You move as I do… with a precise blend of speed and strength. I would ask for a spar if you had wielded a sword," he said.
"I doubt I know anything about how to use a sword," I said. "We already established I am hopeless with the axe and only average with the bow. Frederick is convinced my level of skill with a lance implies I trained almost exclusively with it."
"Perhaps," he replied. He paused in front of a smaller alleyway. "We are here."
I nodded as we walked toward the stall that Lon'qu pointed out. A smiling vendor looked at us as I noticed a familiar person standing in front of us, already holding an artichoke and a plate of meat. That person turned around and spotted me, giving me a wide grin.
"Why, what did you once say, Raven? Early bird gets the worm," Robin said in a taunting tone of voice. I frowned at him.
"What did you say when I said that to you? That hurts worse coming from you," I replied. The vender looked at the three of us with a big smile.
"Why, hello there! Looking for a tasty treat on this fine evening?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'd like a steamed artichoke and… what else do you have?" I asked.
"Barbecued meats. Finest in the land," he claimed. Normally I would be dubious of such a claim, but considering Lon'qu brought me here, I trusted his decision.
"Let me get some barbecue ribs with the artichoke," I said.
"Same for me!" Gaius chimed in. The man nodded and gave us both our meals. Gaius gave me an expectant look.
"Wait, what? I thought I was buying you sweets," I said.
"Well, barbecue sauce is made from brown sugar, so it counts as a type of sweet," Gaius replied. I grumbled and pulled the gold out to pay for both of our meals.
"Thank you very much, noble sir!" Gaius said enthusiastically.
"You do realize I am no noble," I replied.
"Psh, what? Carrying around that much gold? You're easily a lord," he said.
"Wait, really? You think so?" I asked.
"Oh, right, you have amnesia, so of course you wouldn't think so. Look, Shady, you are carrying around a small fortune. Carrying it as casually as you are as well either implies you have much more or you don't realize how much you're carrying. I'm just here to make sure you spend it on worthwhile things, instead of throwing it away."
"I'm going to guess 'worthwhile things' include your food?" I asked.
"Well, wouldn't you say ensuring my services is worthwhile? You could always be wasting it at poker tables," he countered.
"Fair enough. Chrom told me you really helped out defending the exalt," I said.
"I love the exalt. Every one of us from the slums and dirtier, lower-class parts of town love her. Ever since she took over, I've been told by those who remembered the olden days about how she has made such an effort to improve life for everyone. She has a heart for every one of her subjects, not just for the rich and privileged. Everyone in Ylisstol has benefited from her being in charge and I'll be damned if I let anyone hurt her. It's like she looks out for us, so you bet I'm going to look out for her," Gaius said.
"We're glad to have you with us, Gaius," Robin said. Gaius smirked in response.
"It is a little odd to be hearing that," Gaius commented.
"Well, any friend and ally of Chrom's is a friend and ally of mine," I said. "Even you, Lon'qu!"
"Hmm."
The swordsman made a sound of acknowledgement.
"Order for Raven! Two plates of an artichoke and barbecue ribs," a worker at the booth called out.
"Oh, look, my food is ready," I commented.
"You mean, our food is ready," Gaius corrected with a smirk.
"Keep it up," I commented. "You might find a defect with your first bear claw."
"You wouldn't," Gaius said in a mocking horrified tone.
"Anyway, should we head back to the palace?" Robin asked.
"In a second. Let us enjoy this food. We've been eating salted jerky for the past five days, travelling at a breakneck pace to get here on time. Let us enjoy the simple pleasures in life while we can before the trek back to Ylisstol. We will most likely be travelling in the same fashion on the way back, this time with the might of Ferox behind us, before we go to war with the Plegian army. If these are my last days alive, I want to enjoy them before I give my life for those three royal siblings," I said.
"Hear hear! Never thought I would see the day I would put my line for some upper class nobles, but Chrom ain't like the others. Neither are the exalt or Lissa," Gaius chimed in.
"Indeed. The four of us, as well as many others in the Shepherds, joined Chrom and followed him because we wanted to. He has never forced us to do anything. He simply is who he is and we simply follow him," Robin said.
"Yes! You get it!" I said with a smile. "By the way, Lon'qu. I have a question for you."
"Ask."
"When we got here the first time, we were told you were the original champion for Khan Basilio," I said.
"That is correct."
"He also proceeded to mention that Marth defeated you quite handily," I further said. I saw him twitch slightly at the memory.
"That is also unfortunately correct."
"Were you defeated because she was more skilled than you or because you realized her secret?" I asked.
"… does the answer matter?" he asked.
"More curious than anything. You don't have to answer, but with the level of skill you shown with your blade, it just seems improbable that she could've knocked you flat so easily. Perhaps she could've defeated you or perhaps you could have defeated her, but… you are far too skilled to be defeated as easily as he claimed," I said.
"I thank you for your praise. Indeed, I had sensed it shortly into our spar, which caused me to freeze up," he said. "However, it is also true that she is very skilled and my victory was not assured had I not found out."
I nodded in reply.
"Well, Shyness, you just gotta learn to overcome that weakness!" Gaius said. "How about you and I find a place downtown where you can talk to a couple of girls. If this place is anything like Ylisstol, I may be scrounge some rumors of a location where you can pay for that kind of—"
"Gaius! No. We should head back to the castle," I said hastily, cutting off that train of thought.
"Yikes, Shady, not everyone has the charm you do. I'm trying to help ol' Shyness here with his female fear," Gaius said with a small laugh.
"I don't think paying someone to talk to him is going to work," I replied.
"Who said anything about a conversation?" Gaius countered with a wink. The implication of his statement had me shudder.
"… eaugh, okay, nevermind. Forget that I asked," I said.
"Ravey?"
I turned to see Lissa was walking toward us, immediately putting Lon'qu on alert. Behind her were Maribelle, Sumia, Cordelia, Elise, and Donnel.
"Hey, Frog, I thought you said girls-only?" I said to her, pointing to Donnel.
"Well, we felt bad seeing Donnel try to explore the city by himself, so we brought him along with us. He's been such a darling, keeping up with all of us in our exploration. They have a really great place down the road that sells meat that isn't bear meat!" Lissa replied.
"Such an abhorrent and boorish way to serve the food, but the taste was surprisingly delectable," Maribelle commented.
"Yeah, I suppose a nation of fighters would know how to cook and replenish their energy after fights," I said.
"Feroxi chefs and cooks are indeed quite skilled," Lon'qu confirmed. "It is tradition to be able to eat heartily after a well-fought battle, even in defeat."
"Oh, hello there Your Birdfulness—I mean, your Ravenness… sir!" Donnel said excitedly. "These girls have been such a wonderful group of people!"
"Oh, no doubt. I'm sure one of these days you might find a frog in your shoe," I replied nonchalantly.
"Lissa, darling, surely he does not mean you. I am quite sure you are above such pranks!" Maribelle said.
"Well, uh, hey, we should be heading back to the palace. Brother should be finishing up and we should be there to hear the news!" Lissa said, casually avoiding Maribelle's question.
"Yeah, agreed. We should be heading back," Robin added. I nodded as well.
"Well, back to the palace," I said. The group of us started heading back to the palace, picking up a few more Shepherds along the way. We arrived back at the palace and sat in the waiting room, eating the rest of our food before putting our plates on the designated plate collection area.
It's weird to think that everyone in the food district just uses the same plates and every customer just puts them anywhere in the capital in these designated plate collection areas. Apparently, at the end of the day, they're all collected, washed, and re-distributed to the food vendors for the morning business. Makes for convenient eating, I must admit, being able to carry a plate around the city as we explore and eat.
The rest of the Shepherds soon arrived back in the main hall, all of us anxiously waiting for any kind of news on what was to be our fate. Chrom eventually walked into the room and looked at all of us already assembled there. I could see him smile to himself slightly at seeing us all gathered there for him and for the news he was about to give us.
"Everyone. I… I thank you deeply for being here to support me… to support us… to support Ylisse in this trying time. The Khan… is talking with the others. There are some details for them to discuss, but they will be sending assistance to help us fight back against Plegia. It's just… two whole days…" Chrom said, trailing off as he sat down and the smile disappearing.
"Emm… she had to have gotten back in time. I know she must have. If she didn't… we would have known. That king would have made sure we knew. She has to be safe inside the castle… right? Phila and the others will protect her! And if Khan Flavia is assembling her best troops, I know we'll make it back home in time! I just… I know we will," Lissa said before trailing off. I felt my insides twisting at what was going on before me. Two whole days for the troops to mobilize, plus another journey back that could be almost a week. I watched Chrom look up at Lissa with a face of defeat and resignation before looking back down at the ground.
Chrom…
"Chrom? Say something! Please… say something… say anything. Say, 'Yes, of course we will!'," Lissa pleaded.
"I'm… I'm sorry, Lissa," Chrom said quietly. I looked up to see Khan Flavia enter the room quietly, not wanting to interrupt the two siblings.
"Ugh, fine! Never mind! Let me know when you're out of your head for a second!" Lissa frantically yelled before storming past the khan and out of the room. I saw Sumia get up and walk up to Chrom.
"Snap out of it, Captain!" she said. Before any of us could react, Sumia reached back and punched Chrom as hard as she could across his face. Chrom was knocked out of his chair and crashed onto the floor. Most of us gasped in surprise, but were too stunned to react properly to what just happened.
"Ow, what the hell was that for?!" Chrom said in disbelief.
"Sumia!" Cordelia said in a scandalous tone as she ran over to the two, the first of us to recover from the surprising scene that happened before us. Chrom got back into his chair, nursing his left cheek.
"Oh no! Did I do it wrong? Captain Phila said sometimes a good slap will break someone out of their doldrums," Sumia said.
"Sumia! You just punched Chrom in the face. When you slap someone, you do it with an open palm," Cordelia said in a reprimanding tone.
"Um, it's the thought that counts?" Sumia said tentatively.
"No, I probably deserved it. I've been a terrible leader and now a terrible brother. This is all my fault…" Chrom said quietly before looking down at the ground. Quick as a flash, before any of us could react, Cordelia slapped Chrom across the other cheek.
"Ow, what, you too?!" Chrom said in a frustrated tone.
"Look alive, Captain! Yes, things look bad, but look at everyone here. We are here to serve you. We are here to die for you. Look at the growth Lissa has gone through being around us! You are not a terrible leader and you are not a terrible brother. Now, quit this self-pity party you have and get yourself right. We have a land to retake and an exalt to save," Cordelia said sternly. Chrom started massaging both cheeks with both hands.
"Gods, that seriously hurt. The both of you…" Chrom muttered. Khan Flavia started laughing and Chrom jumped, turning around quickly to see the khan standing behind him.
"Ha ha! What's wrong, my dear prince? Sometimes love hurts! You're lucky to have strong women like these, and not just dainty flowers about. In any case, I bring good news. The Feroxi army will be mobilized and ready to depart by tomorrow at noon. Any delays from… dissent by anyone who opposed my opinion had been dealt with shortly after your left the meeting. Every last man and woman is itching to fight. I must say, I'm looking forward to savoring a skirmish or two myself," she said confidently.
"We can leave… tomorrow?" Chrom asked, his face brightening slightly.
"The sooner, the better. I'm ready to crush a few Plegian skulls as repayment for impersonating my charming ally here and trying to cross our border," she declared.
"Wait, you're coming along?" Chrom asked in confusion.
"Of course! A khan must have her fun. I'm even bringing my insignificant other," she said with a hearty laugh.
"Your who?" Robin asked. I watched Khan Basilio walk into the room, standing to the side and slightly behind his leader.
"Basilio. The oaf may not be good for much, but he might be big enough to stop a few stray arrows," she declared.
"Oh, what a relief. To have both khans fighting alongside us… thank you," Chrom said.
"No need to thank us. You made a truly stirring case in there. If only our youth were as invigorated and motivated as you are," Khan Basilio said. "Rest up, all of you. We leave tomorrow."
We all nodded as the two khans left the room. There wasn't much time for conversation as we all left for our rooms. Tomorrow was the start of the most perilous journey I have ever embarked upon in my life.
… or at least, my life that I am conscious of. Soon, we would be at war with Plegia with the might of Ferox on behind us. Soon, we would be fighting our hearts out for the land we have grown in and the land that gave us a home when we had nowhere to turn to.
I went back to my bed and laid awake for a while. It was hard to fall asleep with so many thoughts running through my head. Please, for our sake, let us be there in time to help save Chrom. We have to be there to save… the exalt…
I saw myself running through what looked like a canyon. It was the middle of the night. I heard yelling voices behind me and I just knew I was being chased. I was already exhausted and I could feel my body protesting for no more labor. Every muscle in my body was screaming for rest and my lungs were crying for air. I managed to get far enough ahead from the shouting voices for me to take a quick breather.
What was this dream? Was this of a future I had yet to encounter? Was this a premonition of an upcoming battle? Why was I being chased? Where was Chrom? Where was Frederick? Where was Robin?
I got on one knee and breathed in as much air as I could, giving my muscles some precious rest. I heard the yelling get closer, but I could barely move. I yelled at my legs to force myself to get up as an arrow whizzed by my head. I forced every ounce of willpower into starting to run forward again, the burning sensation ten times worse after having taken such an unfulfilling rest.
I have to push forward. I have to push… I have to… I have…
I tripped on a stone and collapsed on the ground, every single ounce of willpower and motivation trying to force myself to get back up, but to no avail. I laid there, staring at the starry night sky, awaiting the enemy to catch up to me and either kill me or capture me. I suddenly saw a few more stars appear in the sky. Wait, what was going on?
Wait a second, they weren't stars being lit up. They were… small balls of fire? Torches? I forced myself to sit up and lean on a rock as I stared, mesmerized by all the torches above me. Before I could react, I saw the flames fly down toward me and realized with horror that those were arrows lit on fire. I shivered violently as dread coursed through my body and let out an almighty yell as the first arrow hit the ground.
I woke up in a cold sweat as I was flailing in the bed. What was that dream? Was that an upcoming battle? Was I going to be separated from the rest? Would I volunteer myself as a decoy so that Chrom and the others may live? Where was that canyon? Was that the canyon on the way to the eastern palace?
I rubbed my eyes, ridding myself of the last vestiges of fatigue as I made my way down to the mess hall for breakfast. I arrived to see I was the first person there, as usual. I got myself a big plate of food as I prepared my stomach for what would amount to a week's worth of salted meats and an increased rate of travel.
"Wow, you really are an early bird."
I looked up from my plate to see Robin arriving, getting ready to grab a plate of food from the castle's kitchen.
"This is most unusual for you, Robin. Also, you know, of all the people here, I'd expect you to be the most sensitive about the b-word," I replied with a laugh.
"Yes, yes, I know I'm early. Normally you and Elise share some bonding time alone in the morning. I might not be a green-haired, brown-eyed parrot, but you'll have to make do with me for today," he said with a light laugh. It was half-hearted, though, and we both knew any kind of lightness and humor would be few and far in-between in these trying times.
"What brings you here to the breakfast club at such an early hour?" I asked.
"Well, to be honest, I had trouble sleeping. I had a really terrible nightmare and when I woke up, I couldn't get back to sleep. I figured I would give this whole thing of being early for once a try," he said.
"Isn't it peaceful?" I asked.
"How quiet it all is, before the hustle and bustle of the rest of the Shepherds arriving? Of Chrom potentially dropping a plate to the floor? Of Vaike trying to advertise how loud he can belch?" Robin asked.
"How about Virion asking Cordelia for her hand in marriage the other day?" I asked.
"Oh, that was priceless. I have never seen a face so full of disgust and surprise before," Robin replied with a laugh. "Surprised you brought that up, though."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Pretty sure Lissa is going to get jealous if you spend too much time with your favorite Pegasus knight," Robin commented nonchalantly before taking a bite out of his sausage.
"Oh, ha ha ha, you're always so concerned about Lissa's feelings… even more so than Chrom, if I must bluntly admit," I replied sarcastically.
"Aside from the fact you neatly sidestepped the jab I made at you and Cordelia, I have to say… I merely observe and strategize. Love is just another battlefield we have to wage war upon," Robin commented.
"That's so romantic," I sarcastically replied. "You must be a real hit with the ladies with that kind of mindset."
"Oh hey, easy there," Robin said with a frown. "Not everyone can make a joke out of everything and be as successful as you are."
"Me? What do I have to do with anything?" I asked.
"… sometimes I think you're thicker than Vaike," Robin commented. I frowned at him.
"Hey, no, take that back," I said sullenly.
"Unfortunately, my position does not afford me the luxury of bias in my observations and reports," Robin replied with a small smirk. "You are incredibly good at noticing personality patterns and quirks in a person's nature and you're exceptionally good at non-verbal communication, but there are certain aspects of your observational skills where you are woefully inept."
"Such as?" I asked.
"Such as your ability to—"
"Good morning! Oh wow, both Ravey and Robbey having breakfast together so early in the morning, too."
We both jumped to see Lissa enter the hall as well.
"Oh, good morning Lissa," Robin said quietly.
"Yeah, what he said… if you heard his quiet mumble," I said with a smirk. "Anyway, Robin, what were you saying?"
"Oh… nothing," Robin replied.
"Whoa, no, you can't do that to me. What kind of abilities am I lacking in?" I asked.
"Perhaps it would be better if you found out yourself. It would make the realization and journey to fixing it that much more rewarding," he said before turning his attention to the bacon on his plate.
"Robin! You're supposed to be our tactician. Guide me to the truth," I said to him.
"I am a tactician, not a babysitter. I tell you where to go, not how to swing your lance," Robin merely replied with a smirk. Oh, I'm going to get you for that. I watched as other Shepherds started filing into the hall for breakfast.
"Robin?" Elise asked tentatively.
"Oh, good morning, Elise," he replied with a smile.
"You're late," I commented to her.
"Yeah, Parrot! I got here before you," Lissa added.
"I apologize. My slumber was deeper than I had expected. I must have been more fatigued than I realize," she replied.
"No matter! We're all here now, we all ate, and we are all ready to depart. Let's go save lives!" I said enthusiastically. Lissa smiled warmly at me.
"Ravey, I… thank you," she said.
"No, no, thank you, Frog. You're keeping me alive despite my stupid antics on the battlefield," I replied with a big smile. We watched as Chrom walked into the room to get his breakfast, looking a little worn down.
"Uh, I think I better go talk to him…" Robin said before going off. We silently ate the rest of our breakfast, the social moment seemingly cut short. I saw Robin just having a quick talk with Chrom and I saw the captain slowly cheer up. As we all finished, we slowly filtered toward the front of the castle, where everyone was to meet for our march back to Ylisstol.
"Chrom! Good gods! I've been looking everywhere for you."
I saw Khan Basilio making his way toward us in a hurry. What's gotten into him?
"Is everything okay?" Chrom asked.
"Our scouts have reported back. Ylisstol… has fallen. The Plegians have captured your exalt and brought her back behind their border. King Gangrel announced she is to be publicly executed by the moon in their capital," he replied in a forlorn tone.
"E-executed?" Chrom asked, his face paling. I saw Lissa's eyes go wide and start to sway slightly.
"Lissa? Lissa!" Robin said. She fainted and Robin caught her. No… no way!
"The dastard isn't even trying to be subtle anymore!" Khan Flavia said.
"I agree. It's an obvious trap. It's clear he wants us to return, for whatever reason he has planned," Robin said with a nod.
"The Mad King knew we would be relayed this information. It's clearly a provocation—a hot brand to our buttocks! We should carefully consider our options carefully before jumping to any—"
"Shepherds! We march to Plegia!" Chrom declared immediately. Khan Basilio cleared his throat.
"Yes, that… would be ONE option, yes. Perhaps, though, we've seen enough royalty waltzing into traps for one war already, eh?" he said.
"Khan Flavia did put it best, though. There's only two strategies. Frontal assault and death by frontal assault," I remarked. I saw her smile at me in response.
"That's right. Either you win or you don't, there is no in-between," she added.
"Still, some prudence would be wise. There is a reason I ruled Ferox for a long time over you," Khan Basilio commented. Oh, those are fighting words…
"I don't care if it's a trap, Basilio! He's going to murder my sister," Chrom said forcefully at both khans.
"Peace, Chrom. No one is saying we shouldn't act. We're simply saying we should act wisely. We will need guts and wits in equal measure if we are to save your sister," Khan Basilio said.
"The khans are right, Chrom. Please, just wait. I will think of something, I promise," Robin said reassuringly. Chrom paused, as if thinking it over, before sighing to himself.
"… okay, Robin. I leave it to you to formulate our strategy," Chrom said. Khan Flavia looked at Robin.
"Not that I doubt your ability much after seeing you fight in the arena, but are you certain you are up to the task? It won't be easy at all. You have the exalt's life in one hand and all of ours in the other," Khan Flavia said.
"A responsibility that none would relish and one I do not take lightly, but it is a responsibility I will take. I am equal to the challenge set before me," Robin stated forcefully and confidently. Khan Flavia and Khan Basilio laughed heartily.
"Ha! You got stones, boy. I'll give you that! I like that," she said.
"No hesitation or mincing words. He's either a genius or a fool! I suppose we will find out once we march whether we're the prince or the pauper. Hold on, Ylisseans. We have an exalt to save!" he added.
We set our course along Ferox's border until we reached the border of Ferox and Plegia. After a brief hesitation of scouting the area, we crossed over with no resistance. Two more days of travel toward the Plegian capital had yielded no contact with anyone. No Plegian citizens were travelling on the roads, no Plegian soldiers to patrol the countryside… it felt still. Eerily still. I shivered to myself in anticipation. This was not good. Everything in the back of my head was screaming that something bad was going to come of this.
"This is quiet… too quiet," Robin commented.
"I'd like to believe that it was our cunning that got us this far without being spotted, but we've seen far too little of the Plegian Guard. Where are they? Whatever trap King Gangrel has planned, he is in no hurry to spring it," Chrom said. We watched to see Sumia and Cordelia fly down toward us from the sky.
"Report?" Chrom said.
"There have been no Plegian soldiers sighted to the north or east of us," Sumia reported.
"Same with south and west. Our route is clear to travel," Cordelia reported.
"Very good. Give your mounts some rest," Chrom said. "Sumia, I'd like you to check on the morale of the troops. I want to make sure everyone is mentally focused for our trip. Robin, I'd like you to work with the khans and try to think like the Plegians. I'd like you to come up with a few reasons why we are pushing forward unhindered. Cordelia, I would like you to double-check the inventory lists and make sure everything is there. We don't want broken, damaged, or missing weapons the day of our battle."
"Roger," they all replied and departed. I looked at Chrom.
"What do you want me to do?" I asked.
"Hmm, well…" he said as he glanced at the three he dismissed. "Perhaps you could assist one of them on their tasks."
"Roger that. Uh… I'm not good with strategizing, so perhaps working with Robin and the khans won't work well," I said.
"Sumia will probably have Lissa by her side to keep everyone's morale up," Chrom said.
"Cordelia usually has Robin helping her with invent—oh, right, Robin is working with the Khans," I added.
"Then you know where to go," Chrom said with a nod.
"Yes, Chrom."
I nodded to him and went to the supply convoy. Cordelia was in the supply wagon when I boarded it.
"Oh, Raven, are you here to help?" she asked.
"Yeah, figured I'd rather help someone than just stare at the trail in front of us with Chrom," I said quietly.
"He's… in a difficult spot," Cordelia said.
"Yeah, no kidding. Him and Robin are both in situations I would not want to envy. One has to balance his emotion with reason to make sure his sister survives without sacrificing his nation… and the other has to find a way to bring us success while minimizing casualties," I said. She nodded in reply.
"Truthfully, I have the utmost faith both will succeed," she said as handed me her lists and her quill.
"Hm?" I asked as I took both.
"This will go easier if you read the items on the list and I check to make sure they are here. I stopped at three blue sleeping bags," she said.
"Ah, right. So, next is… three red sleeping bags," I said.
"Three red sleeping bags… three red sleeping bags, ah, here they are," she said with a smile as she pulled them out to show me. I made a mark on the list.
"Ah, they are red… like your hair," I said. I paused as I realized how stupid that sounded.
"That… is quite a valid observation," she replied with a small laugh.
"… I'm terrible at small talk. Oh, uh, three green sleeping bags," I said.
"Three green sleeping bags… oh, don't worry. I am as well," she replied.
"Really?"
"I did tell you my best friend during my time stationed at the border was my Pegasus, didn't I?" she asked.
"Er, yes you did," I said.
"Ah, there's the third green bag. Someone put it in the wrong location. Hmm… perhaps I should put these three with the other sleeping bags, instead of with the green stuff. Sleeping bags with sleeping bags instead of color with color. Oh, anyway, yes, then you understand… talking to people and reading social cues was never a strong point of mine. Perhaps that was why I never quite understood how my Pegasus sisters felt about me for the longest of time," she said.
"Indeed. Oh, er, five square pillows," I said. "But, you know… you're working on your flaws. You always are. If only they could see you now."
"Heh, perhaps they are looking on me from the afterlife," she mused aloud as she looked along the wall. "Ah, there's the fifth pillow. Next?"
"Twelve rectangle pillows. Wait, why do we have seventeen pillows? There aren't even seventeen Shepherds," I mused aloud.
"Some of us prefer to have more than one to sleep soundly," Cordelia commented.
"'Some of us?' you say? Are you speaking from experience or as part of that group?" I asked.
"I choose not to answer that," she replied in a teasing tone. I wisely chose not to pursue that avenue further.
"Still… it wasn't until the end that you knew how they felt about you. I'm sorry about that, Cordelia," I said quietly. She started scanning the shelves, counting to herself and mumbling absentmindedly.
"That's okay. I didn't fully understand when we talked about it that one night," she said quietly.
"So, despite all the teasing, they loved you enough in the end to die for you?" I asked.
"I was surprised, too. It turns out they pretty much decided I was the future… the next generation of Pegasus knights to protect Ylisse, and possibly even successor to Phila if I kept up the direction I was going. The insults were just… just… razing of a new recruit. My… my only regret is not getting to know them sooner. I wish we had more time to get to know each other. I only… truly learned how much they loved me in those final moments," she said with a sigh as she looked at the ground. I put a consoling hand on her shoulder.
"Cordelia…" I said, not knowing what to say. She looked me in the eye and smiled a bit.
"Thanks, Raven. R-right then, enough of the self-pity. I don't want to try your patience. You have seen enough of me pitying myself for far too many times. Some friend I am if I only use you as a crutch. Still… it feels good to get this off my chest," she admitted.
"I understand now why you have such conflicting feelings about those Pegasus knights. The way you talked about how they teased you being a genius, the way they teased your javelin technique before, the way they teased your looks… it was all just fun hazing of a group that felt like family. It was only when they sacrificed themselves did you finally realize it," I deduced.
"You're quite a genius yourself to figure it out all on your own," she replied with a smile.
"Genius? Me? No… that's Robin. I'm just some lance wielder in this army trying to make do day by day. So, I'm not really a genius. I'm just blessed with the insight close friends share. Because, that's what I see you as… a close friend. I'll be here for you, Cordelia," I said. She sniffed slightly as she broke eye contact to get back to the shelf.
"Oh… Raven… oh, thank you," she said. "There's the, um, last pillow. Still, I don't want to hear you talk about yourself like that."
"What do you mean?" I asked. I saw her motion to the list. "Oh, right, uh, six brown blankets."
"You just put yourself down, trying to deflect the compliment I gave you. You did the same when you were sparring with Frederick. You seem incapable of seeing yourself in a positive way. I know that kind of thing, because I was once the same way. I still am the same way," she said.
"Wait, you saw that spar?" I asked. First Lon'qu and now Cordelia? Was everyone in the Shepherds that curious?
"Yes, I spotted Chrom and started to follow him for… personal reasons," she said. "I didn't want to be a distraction, so I didn't get as close as the others did."
"A mass of red hair and shining red eyes watching me and my every move would have been quite a distraction, you're quite right," I commented, rubbing the back of my head. Wait, why would it be one? Why would Cordelia being around me be a distraction, anyway? I mean, we're talking normally now.
"You deflect any kind of analysis on yourself. Whether it is a praise of your skill that you always seem to downplay… or when someone trying to delve into your personality gets deflected with one of your shockingly scandalous humorous jokes, you do a very good job of making sure you're as social and as outgoing as the rest of us while never letting anyone get close," she said.
"Chrom noticed the same thing," I said.
"I would ask you if you were joking, but… I can see that. Chrom is far more insightful than people give him credit," Cordelia said. "Six brown blankets found and organized. Next."
"Six grey blankets," I said as I looked down the inventory list. "And, I'm… surprised you saw that about me."
"I see quite a bit about you, Raven. I can see your flaws and your strengths and all the little facets of your personality that make you so unique. I think that's why I wasn't repulsed when you first approached me at the bakery. I had this instinct and intuition that you and I were similar in many ways," she said as she smiled at me. I felt my chest tighten slightly at her smile. What was going on? I looked away at the ground and frowned.
"You… don't have to do all that. I'm nobody special," I quietly said.
"You're special to me, Raven… because, I see you as a close friend as well," she replied.
"Do you?" I asked.
"I do," she replied with a smile. "Six grey blankets found."
"I, uh… thanks, Cordelia," I said. "Uh, sleeping supplies finished. Weapons next. Three steel axes."
"Oh, I'd prefer to do weapons by myself. I don't want to waste your time with my weapons checks," she said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Aside from the fact the weapons are on another part of the convoy, I like to inspect every weapon thoroughly to make sure their durability is fine," she said.
"I… really don't mind," I said. She looked at me curiously.
"You don't mind?" she asked.
"I don't mind spending time with you," I mumbled. She gave me a confused look before smiling.
"Well, that's good, because I enjoy spending time with you. Truthfully, when Phila sent me with the Shepherds, I was worried I would have nobody to talk to here," she said.
"Well, you have me… for what it's worth," I said.
"Hmm, if you keep that up, I will have to have to insist working with you on that," she said with a smile.
"Work with me on what?" I asked.
"Your lack of self-confidence. You are such a confident striker on the battlefield, the way you just swing your lance and aggressively push forward, it's perplexing to see that the person behind the fierce warrior is a meek, shy introvert who has almost no confidence in themselves," she said.
"I, uh…"
"Relax, Raven. It is merely an analysis of your character. I don't think any more or less of you because of it," she said. I nodded in reply. We disembarked from that wagon and entered another wagon in the convoy as we began the inventory check for the weapons. She pointed out the various dings on the weapons and how each one could lead to an eventual failure of a weapon on the battlefield. I stood there with her, mesmerized by her absolute attention to detail. Every single note she made and said aloud had a purpose and a reason.
It was time to break for camp by the time we finished inventory. We had gotten off the wagon and started heading toward the camp that was being set up.
"Thank you, Raven. That would have taken at least two more days if you hadn't come to help," she said.
"That's what friends are for," I replied with a smile.
"Oh, Ravey! There you are! We've been looking everywhere for… you…"
I looked to see Lissa and Elise walking toward us.
"Oh hey, sorry for worrying you. I was helping Cordelia do inventory," I said with a smile.
"This whole time?" Elise asked.
"Well, yeah. It was actually an incredibly time-consuming process," I admitted. "I had no idea inventory was this complex. Probably because Robin didn't make it this complex."
"Well, to be fair, I hold myself to the highest standard I can set for myself," Cordelia said.
"O-oh, well… we missed you in the back of the convoy, Raven! It's just not the same without you," Lissa said.
"Indeed. It seemed a little more lifeless than usual," Elise commented.
"Oh, well, if I'm not busy tomorrow, I could join you both," I replied.
"Busy tomorrow? With what?"
"Well, I mean, if Cordelia needs any more help with inventory…"
"Oh, well, if you already have prior plans…" Lissa said.
"No, inventory is done. I shall work on the report tonight after dinner to give to Chrom and Robin," she replied.
"O-oh, okay then…" I said to her. I… actually enjoyed today. Oh well, I suppose that was short-lived. Elise gave me an odd look before poking Lissa on the shoulder.
"Oh, Lissa, I feel a little thirsty. Could you accompany me to the mess tent while I grab some water?" Elise asked.
"What, you know where the mess tent is, don't you?" Lissa asked back.
"Yes, but I don't feel like going alone. Virion might be nearby," Elise said pointedly.
"Oh, you're right! I will give him my right hook of fury if he tries to ask to marry me! Ka pow!" Lissa said. "I'll protect you, Elise. See you tomorrow, Ravey? Unless… you have other plans?"
"No, I'll see you tomorrow!" I replied to Lissa with a smile. She brightened up a bit and waved.
"Better not break your promise, Ravey! Or else I'll show you what this left fist of fury can do!" she said with a big smile. I watched the two of them walk off.
"She certainly is an excitable one," Cordelia commented.
"She is, but… at the same time, she's just trying to hold it together. She's struggling to keep herself smiling amidst everything that's going on. It's… really admirable of her and shows an inner strength that not even Chrom has," I said.
"Indeed. She's not naïve enough to not understand the terrifying nature of her situation, but she's not weak enough to succumb to it. I… admire that. I wish I could be more like her," Cordelia said.
"One step at a time. Just take it one step at a time," I said with a smile.
"With my close friend by my side, we will support each other toward a brighter future," she replied.
"That's what friends are for!" I replied.
The two of us looked at each other and smiled as we returned back to camp. The night was fast approaching and the darkest part of our journey was fast approaching, but for some reason… everything just felt a little bit brighter.