Chapter 50: Violent Reunion

By SodiumChloride12, derived from Fire Emblem, owned by Nintendo.

A/N: Wow, I got two reviews on my birthday. This...is amazing! I'm going to definintly take many of that person's suggestions to heart, starting with the summary. I'll spent this weekend fixing it.

N: In order to understand the present...one must understand the past first...

Six months ago...

It's a rainy day in Castle Laus. The torrential rainfall bears down on the structure's roof like a never-ending stream of marbles and liquid drips through the leaky roof. Gravity brings it down onto the forehead of a big-nosed, purple-haired individual; whom didn't take a liking to his home's shoddy construction.

Darin said, "Bah! I told the mason to fix that ages ago!"

Darin was in his personal study, but he's not alone. Accompanying him were Ephidel and Marquess Pharae, the honorable Lord Elbert. Lord Elbert is a red-haired fellow with a tall frame and average build, though his magnificent mustache was truly a sight to behold...

Elbert said, "Don't worry about it, Darin. The dripping adds a little to the scenery in a way. It reminds me of an old cabin I used to frequent in my younger years."

Darin laughed, "Aye, I think I remember you taking me there once. If I recall, you spent your honeymoon with Eleanora in that little cabin."

Elbert blushed, "Eh- How about we refrain from straying from the subject matter. How goes the plan for the republic?"

Elbert was referring to the plan to replace the Lycian Alliance with his brainchild, the Lycian Republic. It is a new method of government that allocated some democratic elements into the current alliance system. In it, the Lycian city-states would join into a greater union under the rule of a single royal executive elected from the ranks of the marquesses. It will be a more peaceful and equal relationship when compared to the current system, though unpopular by the current overlord of the Lycian Alliance, Marquess Ostia.

Darin said, "It's going well. I've sent messengers to all the lords in the land. I take that you find that favorable?"

Elbert nodded, "Indeed...but I have to ask, just who is this fellow sitting silently by the fire? He's...I find him very..."

Ephidel stands up and glares at Lord Pharae with his golden eyes. The sight sends an aura of unease down his spine...

He said, "I apologize if you find me aesthetically unpleasing, Milord. However, I can reassure you I'll be nothing but help towards your cause."

Our cause?

Elbert shoots a glance at Darin, his eyes gleaming with annoyance.

He said, "Lord Laus, what is the meaning of this? I joined this movement understanding that we'll be undertaking this task ourselves. We do not need foreign entities interfering with our affairs!"

Darin protested, "Please don't fret my friend. The Black Fang is a noble organization, they'll serve as our insurance just in c-"

Elbert snapped, "The Black Fang?! You've got to be kidding me, Darin! Their viewed as a terrorist organization in half of the Lycian cantons, including my own! I do not trust these wicked men and their ways...I mean just look at their messenger!"

Elbert points at Ephidel, who continues to stare at him blankly.

He said, "Black hair, blood-red lips, and golden eyes. I've seen no human with features like those. His demeanor is so robotic, too. I...I don't feel like I can trust these people..."

"Send him away. I refuse to work to work with the Black Fang."

The two men glare at each other. Neither move for some time, though both were deep in thought...

Darin said, "I'm afraid I can't do that. I need the Fang."

I see...you never really change, don't you?

Elbert stands up and makes for his raincoat hanging on a nearby stand.

Darin exclaimed, "Hold it! Where do you think you're going?"

Elbert replied, "To find another way to initiate my republic! I know you Darin, you've been planning on allying yourself with the Fang from the very start haven't you? I can't expect to trust them, and I'll be damned if I think I can trust you!"

Darin watches in horror as Elbert turns the doorknob and leaves. He'd always expected that Marquess Pharae would not react well with the introduction of the Fang, but he'd figured that Elbert would just stomach it just so he could accomplish his dream. Darin never took Elbert's moral compass into account, and now his coup had one less participant to help him.

Darin groaned, "Drat. We needed him. I don't know what he will do either, but I doubt he'll tell Uther of our plans."

Ephidel nodded, "Certainly. I suppose we must keep an eye out for him for now, but fret not. We do not need the aid of the other marquesses for you to take power. The crown for the whole of Lycia still lays within arm's length, Milord."

Darin smiled, and then looked out of the clear window of his study. The rolling hills of his kingdom extended out in all directions, and he spotted his son Erik sparring with one his men down below. It was practice for what was to come...an ambitious venture that will rock the continent from its cradled foundations.

Laughing, he draws his sword and rested his thumbs in on its sharp edge. He licks his lips dreamingly...he can almost taste it. The day when it'll be drenched with more crimson isn't far now...and he secretly craved for the day it cleaved through the neck of that worthless marquess...

He said, "Yes, the day isn't far now. It's a shame Elbert won't help me with this...but it's his loss. He'll grovel with the others on the day that Lycia..."

"Recognizes me as its king..."

Present...

The weird dreams have been coming every day now, with each iteration more haunting and more disturbing than the last. They rob me of countless hours of sleep, and the migraines following are the subject of much discomfort throughout the day. I'd been scouring both the realms of magic and medicine for answers...but both failed in providing me with the relief I so desperately desired...

Serra said, "I'm sorry, but I have nothing that can help you. Try talking with that old witch. She deals with unholy stuff and I'm willing to turn a blind-eye just for you!"

That old witch...the fortune-teller named Hannah. She had joined our group shortly after Merlinus did, though she had done so on her own accord. She provides "auguries" for a small fee of 50 gold...but so far I'd refrained from using her services. I'd never believed in "voodoo magic" like this in my old life, and I won't do so now.

...

Well, I suppose there's a first time for everything. Another sleepless night and I think I'll start seeing things...I just know it...

"Zzzzzz..."

"Hey! Wake up!"

A raspy, old-sounding voice penetrates through my conscious membrane. Opening my eyes, I realize I'm inside Miss Hannah's tent. It's a simple structure with a thick canvas roof, red carpeted floor, and a single table carrying a weird translucent orb at its center. Hannah herself is sitting on a small chair across from me, and her face looks angry at my sleepy spell.

I said, "Ugh? Oh right, I'm here. What...were we doing again?"

Hannah replied, "You were asking me some questions about your dreams when you fell asleep. You've accumulated quite the bill young man, I charge by the minute and you've been snoozing away for half an hour."

My bones still tire from the day's worth of walking I'd subjected myself to. It's about my bedtime too, and add with that my stubborn insomnia...

I said, "Well, on the bright side I got a decent nap out of that. Anyway, do you have any answers for my problem?"

Hannah nods and whispers a spell above her magical glass orb. It flickers and glows like an old lightbulb, and at its center appeared a lone strand of white hair.

I said, "WOAH! Is that...what I think it is?!"

Hannah said, "Absolutely, it's a strand of your hair that I got in your sleep. I needed the hair of a virgin to start my spell, and fortunately yours did just the trick."

I bite my lip, but somehow avoid looking like a tomato. I said, "J-Just get it over with."

Yup, she's definitely a witch.

"As you wish."

Hannah swirls her hand over her orb, all the while repeating the same incantation over and over. Her hair rises into the air as if it were under the influence of static, and I'm inflicted with a weird...dark sensation. I didn't know how to describe it...but it's neither harmful nor unpleasant.

The orb's bright glow dims out as it fills with black smoke. Visions permeated through the darkness like lightning bouncing around a storm, and this allows Hannah to begin her interpretation. She said, "I see...dark times ahead. Your dreams are a warning for the future, as confusing as they may be. Not just that, your heart is unsteady. Fate will soon force you to make a choice. Know this young man, do not trust your intuition."

Confused, I said, "Intuition? What's wrong with using reason?"

Ignoring me, Hannah continued. "I see...vile forces. You cannot solely rely on the strength of your friends to overcome this. You must pick up your sword once again and enter the fray...but worry not. New powers will appear to you, but only just before you receive assistance from the progenitor god."

The progenitor god?!

Upon saying those words, Hannah raises her hands from the orb to cease the magic. Her device rids itself of all impurities, and the tent returns to normal. Meanwhile, I'm left there with my mouth gaping with shock.

Hannah said, "Close your mouth hun, a fly might waltz in."

I...couldn't believe what I just heard. Dark times, the army...a progenitor god?! That's not even mentioning the detail about "new powers". I'm just...this is beyond description. I said, "Hannah...what doe-"

Hannah replied, "It is not my job to interpret my findings. That is up to you to find out. Now, about my payment. That'll be 100 gold for one hour of work."

Desperate for answers, I said, "Wait a minute. Do you know anything about the void?"

She shook her head, "No. 100 gold please. In full."

"But..."

"100 gold."

"..."

"Fine."

Later...

Walking through the lush Lycian plain one morning, I let my companion Matthew know of my plight. I said, "Bah! Why does that old lady have to speak in riddles?!"

I kick an idle pebble and watch it bounce off the surface of a nearby lake. It sank to the bottom like my hope to derive reason from this complex wordplay.

Matthew, not unused to my antics by now, shakes his head. He said, "It's her job to make stuff up like that. I think if she made it easy then everyone from around the world would want to take part in that sham of a "procedure". I still can't believe you coughed up 100 gold. You should be smarter than this."

Matthew is right. I am smarter than this. This old woman's words should have no sway over me, yet they do. It's all because of my desperation to achieve that fabled good night's rest. It's funny, even after all that I still lack an answer.

I replied, "S-Shut up! I shouldn't even be talking to you right now."

Unfazed, he said, "Yet here we are. Face it Samuel, you're so desperate to have someone to talk to about this that you've come to me for support. Suck it up."

I respond by shaking my head and throwing myself on a flat tree stump. Comfortable with the anonymity of the situation, I take off my mask and let the shining sun bake my skin. I said, "Yeah...I suppose your right. I can't stand you, but you're the only one that can help me with this. I'm so sleepy that I've considered using tranquilizers to keep me down...but I fear of potential ramifications. There's no right answer..."

Feeling stressed, I bury my hands into my face. Matthew stands there in killing silence, with nothing but the wind and wildlife striking the air.

"..."

!

I said, "Hey, what's that?"

I hear approaching footsteps crunching some dry grass. They were soft and dainty...like those of a certain pink-haired cleric I knew. Acting quickly, I reattached my mask...

The binding magic activates the moment Serra came into view. Clearing the brush, she said, "Hello! It's just me, Serra the Helpful!"

Matthew rolled his eyes, "More like Serra the Bashful. What are you doing here, woman?!"

Serra dramatically clutches her heart and brushes away her hair like some amateur actor. She said, "Oh...you wound me, Sir Matthew. Don't you know of the fragile hearts of princesses? I'll have you know that I am descended from Etruria's nobility!"

Okay, I don't believe that.

I said, "Serra, please just get to the point. Matthew and I were in the middle of something here."

Hearing my input, our cleric drops her act. She bows her head respectfully, though not too much as to suggest superiority. She said, "Lord Eliwood requests your presence. The scout you sent has located Castle Laus, and the situation requires your immediate attention."

I bite my lip. Serra's wording was...unusual. I'd never heard her speak this seriously about anything, and now it looks like I can confirm my earlier suspicions were true: These earlier battles were merely a taste of what was to come.

I said, "I see...very well. Let's go back immediately, Serra. Matthew, if you don't mind can you go check up on Rebecca to make sure she's okay?"

Matthew nodded, "As you command."

He leaves and we follow shortly behind. On our way back Serra began feeling a little anxious. She said, "Lord Eliwood...sounded worried when he spoke to me. Do...you think we're going to be okay?"

Hiding my own uncertainties, I smiled. I said, "There isn't a doubt in my mind that we'll have everyone safe and sound by the end of the day. Besides, when have I ever disappointed a woman of the cloth?"

Serra rolled her eyes, "I'm unsure of your history, Lieutenant. Do you have a reputation among the clergy?"

I shook my head, "Nope! I was just referring to you of course! Don't you worry, for you in particular, I will make sure these guys don't touch a hair on your pony-tailed head!"

Serra opens her eyes in shock. She'd never heard me speak with such confidence in her life...and to be honest it felt...energizing.

"Lieutenant..."

On the battlefield, overlooking Castle Laus...

I observe the hordes of soldiers standing menacingly over the battlefield, their war banners waving through the air like a symphony of wind. They easily outnumbered us 4-1, and an anxious bead of sweat drips down my forehead.

Oh boy, how am I going to get ourselves out of this?

We'd been betrayed. Eliwood had wanted to travel to the castle to garner a simple audience with Marquess Laus, but the man received a whiff of our plans. They must've spotted our soldiers in our camp behind the hill. Still, even as they deployed their troops on the field of war, Eliwood still clung onto a sliver of hope for peace...

Eliwood met Darin's son, a young man named Erik. By Eliwood's own account, he's an old school friend of his that used to share many of the same classes as him, and he's supposedly a man of great ambition. Hearing that last part didn't bring me much joy; usually ambition was something you'd want among your allies not potential enemies.

Eliwood said, "I wouldn't worry too much about him. I trust him."

Well, Hector didn't. That's why he scouted the area beforehand, and he spotted a mass of battle-ready troops hiding amongst the rocks and trees of the land. He returned to Eliwood before Erik could make any attempt at striking him with his sword, and after revealing the latter's trickery, they elected to retreat before the enemy army could engage. Afterwards , he ordered our army to take defensive positions at a place close to our initial camp, and they sent Serra to come receive me. That is everything that's happened from then to now.

Atop a small hill where I'd set up my post, I observe the environment and our own deployment of troops. The battlefield was mostly flat, though a view cliffs and valleys inhabited the periphery. To the south laid a small lake, with an inviting beach strung across the shore. We had front-line soldiers like Lowen, Dorcas, Oswin, and Bartre defending two small narrow bridges separating our forces from the enemy, along with Rebecca comfortably perched on a tree. Far away, I could see two villages with their front gates wide open and undefended, though I doubted the enemy army would sack their own citizens. That was too despicable and violated every preconceived law of war.

My sights wander over towards two...odd structures beyond the shore. They stood on top of a few small islands near the center of the lake, and a few humanoid silhouettes frolicked near them. I couldn't quite make them out with my own two eyes, so I use a pair of binoculars to help me out...

Damnit.

Pirates. An insider almost certainly told them of the impending battle, and they're likely interested in sacking the village to the south. With the Lausen army occupied with our impending battle, there'll be nothing standing between them and plunder...

!

"Lieutenant, is something wrong? I don't like that look about you."

Much to my displeasure, Serra had disobeyed orders and waltzed up here.. She's been doing this ever since our first conversation after Merlinus' rescue and got a kick every time she did it.

What a child...

I said, "Serra! I thought I told you to stay near Merlinus in the back line. What are you doing here?"

Serra said, "I was...just a tad worried about you that's all. There's no need to be mean."

I replied, "You? Worried about me? That's unlike you. Who are you, and where did you put Serra?"

Rolling her eyes, she said, "Hmmph, you're so lame. Here I was about to volunteer my services for your condition...but I guess not."

Condition? What rumors have been circulating around the army?

I said, "What do you mean?"

She replied, "Your memory loss. Matthew told me about it, and I thought it'd be a good idea if we stuck together. To record your thoughts, I mean. I am one of the few commoners who can read and write, and I think this arrangement will benefit the army."

What Serra was saying is true. Literacy is a rarity here in Elibe, with the privilege only held amongst the nobility, clergy, and merchant class. If someone were to record my thoughts, the lords and Merlinus would be too busy to fulfill that task, leaving our cleric the sole candidate for that position...

But that didn't mean I wanted it.

I said, "I don't need a scribe. Just leave me be and let me do my job."

Serra sighed, "Lieutenant, you don't even remember what you had for breakfast this morning...do you?"

"..."

Embarrassed, I refused to answer. As much as I didn't want a scribe, it was becoming increasingly clear that I needed one. My memory was getting worse and worse by the day...

I said, "Fine. Don't leave my side, we're going to stay around the back line, but we may have to support our friends if the moment requires it. I will put you in more danger than your used to. Knowing that, do you still accept?"

She smiled, "Only if you become my vassal after."

"Not a chance in hell."

Serra laughs, and matter-of-factly rested her hands on her hips.

Here she is being dramatic again...

She said, "Oh well, I suppose I'll accept. I'm sure you'll be doing most of the work, anyway. You know I hate getting my hands dirty..."

I said, "Okay you two. We have three equally important objectives to achieve here..."

I'm briefing Eliwood and Hector inside of Merlinus' tent. The air is tense from the immediate threats just several yards away, so I don't waste any time and get quick to the point.

I continued, "First, we have to secure the village to the north. I fear bandits may arrive from the mountains, so we have to be quick but careful. There's a small impasse that can bottleneck their forces, so I think we should deploy our heaviest units here."

Hector nodded, "Indeed. My man Oswin will suffice, but he'll need Rebecca to back him up. He soaks up a lot of hits, but I'm afraid he can't dish out much on his own."

I said, "Then it's settled then. Tell them to depart immediately, with Oswin leading the pair. He'll be away from the group, so emphasize that he has a lot of freedom. Just do what it takes to win, but don't hesitate to retreat if needed..."

"Second, we need to warn the southern village of the pirates. I will need only one man for the job, but he must be both fast and capable. Eliwood, I hope you have no quarrel with sending Marcus down there?"

Eliwood shook his head, "None at all."

I said, "Okay, he'll rendezvous with the third team after he's done. Inform him he shares the same privileges as Oswin..."

"Now for the last...and most difficult objective. As you two are aware, there is a large plain at the middle of the battlefield. The enemy will use this to storm our frontline when they want to...but we won't let them. I intend to use their own numbers against them...so listen closely..."

The old methods of the Parthian Empire come to mind. They were an old empire in the Middle East that would often come to blows with a technologically and numerically superior Roman Empire, with most of their battles occurring over flat desert plain. Despite the Roman Empire's advantages, they lost many battles to the Parthians, with the latter ultimately ceasing the roman's expansion at the end of Trajan's reign...

I said, "I call this...the Parthian hook. We'll take some of our most mobile units and entice the enemy to attack us in favorable terrain, after which we'll retreat while making use of our healing items. Over time, we'll wear down their forces at minimal cost to ourselves. We can attack once we sap enough their strength, or after they make some tactical mistake."

Hector said, "I'd look out for that. Erik's leading their forces, and he was miserably subpar in tactics class."

Eliwood said, "Erm...he wasn't that bad. He bested is a few times, Hector."

He replied, "He bested me twice and you once, Eliwood. That one win was only because you let him too."

"Well..."

"Ahem."

I cough and politely get the attention of my two superiors. If they'd wanted to reminisce over memories, they should have done it on their free time.

I said, "If push comes to shove, we'll make our defense back on these initial positions. This place is fairly defensible, but I'd rather only keep this as a last resort. Falling all the way back won't bode well for our friends in the north flank...so let's not do that unless we have to."

I push back my anxieties towards possibly sending Rebecca to her death. Although I wouldn't feel good with allowing Oswin to fall, I don't know what I'd do with myself if Rebecca were to meet her end here.

I'm...going to speak with him after this. It's probably best left unsaid, but I want to make it clear to him that Rebecca needs to be protected...

Hector said, "Why the pause, tactician? Are we ready to go?"

I snap out of it and retrieve my sword from a nearby rack. Smiling at my confidants, I put on a mask of confidence to hide my uncertainty about the coming battle.

I said, "Of course we are, gentlemen. Let's roll out!"

The battle began with us moving first. We hastily took our positions at the northern bottleneck and central plain, with Marcus riding towards the southern village. Hector, Bartre, and Lowen skirmished briefly with several foot soldiers to good results, and everything was going according to plan until...

Matthew came rushing through Merlinus' tent with his head red from running. His presence is unsolicited, confusing me on why he had left his post among our reserves outside...

Serra said, "Matthew? What are you doing h-"

Gasping for air, he said, "L-Lieutenant...there's been a development. The enemy has appeared from the east! The threaten our supply train and heckling some nearby homes as we speak!"

You've got to be kidding me.

I stressfully brush my hair back and take a deep breath. Clearing my mind, I take out my map and look at our reserve troops waiting idly at-the-ready.

I said, "How many?"

"Just a couple foot soldiers. However, the bigger problem is the pirates lurking from the south. They've seen Marcus leave to warn their initial prey, so now they've diverted their attention towards our supply train."

Drat. I should have seen this coming. These bastards desire nothing but to fill their coffers...even at the cost of their own lives.

I said, "Okay, for now let us continue with the plan. I want Guy to help me deal with those foot soldiers, and I want the rest of the reserve to watch those pirates. I grant permission to engage."

Skeptical, Matthew said, "Are you sure about that? I'm not doubting your ability...but...you know."

Serra replied, "Don't worry about it. I'm looking over him, so if he gets hurt I'll heal him up good!"

"Right..."

Matthew takes his leave, and I prepare to follow his lead. This small setback won't do much in the way of ruining my plans, so my confidence in the situation stayed steady like the nearby river. I nod at Serra to express that I'm ready to go, and she hands me my sword.

"Best not leave this, Lieutenant. I have a feeling you may need it."

I smile and we laugh it off like the young people we were. The sheer amount of arrogance seeping from us both was disgusting, but we didn't care. In our minds, there was nothing that could stand in our way...

If only I knew how right she was to say those words.

"Hold the line!"

Our troops struggle as armored knights come plowing through our lines. They clash with our blades and push several of our own with their momentum, sending a wave of panic through our people.

Lowen said, "He knocked me off my horse! Someone help me!"

Rebecca exclaimed, "I'm bleeding! I need a vulnerary!"

Guy said, "I...can't move my arm. Somebody...please."

The plan worked better on paper. I didn't take into account the terrain or lack of training amongst our members, and the greater mobility possessed by the enemy meant we couldn't retreat at will; eventually cultivating in a full rout. They were stronger than us in every way, though I didn't realize that grave detail until it was too late...

I've made a mistake. Elimine help us...

I stand over Serra's unconscious body with my quivering blade in my hand. They trapped the rest of the army back near our original positions, with the situation bleaker than a Russian winter. Some stood huddled by the lords in a desperate attempt at a last stand, while others littered over the ground with gaping wounds over their bodies. I didn't know if some of the latter were okay...though I had other more pressing issues to worry about.

Isolated from the rest of the army, Serra and I are an enclave of blue in a sea of red. Two armored cavaliers eyed me down with their long spears already bloodied with my blood, though they weren't looking much better. We'd been going at it for the past few minutes...and I didn't know how much longer I could last...

A voice penetrates through the crowd of regulars. It sounded young...and very condescending. Who else could it belong to...but that bastard Erik?

He said, "My my...aren't you the enemy commander? What are you doing so far away from the rest of your underlings?"

The two cavaliers step aside and allow the pompous fool to ride through them. He's a brown-haired fellow with a stupid-looking face and a box head, though his sense of pride was large enough to block out the sun.

I said, "I'm a ghost. Nothing more, nothing less. I'm here because my friend got knocked out by one of your scummy knights...and I didn't have the heart to abandon her. What the hell do you think you're doing...attacking without so much as a declaration of war?"

Erik sneered, "The House of Laus is above the formalities of war. Hehehehe. Once we're done with you, there will be nothing between us and the crown of the entire nation!"

The nation?!

I exclaimed, "Are you mad?! You're meaning to tell me that this entire thing is just a ploy to cover up your impending coup? You don't stand a chance against the might of Ostia!"

He replied, "Do you really think that? Even after we put you simpletons down so easily? Surely you jest, we will crush the Ostian army easily...just as Ephidel said!"

Ephidel?!

Hearing his name sends a wave of anger through my body. My grasp tightens immensely, so much so that my blade's handle cracks under the pressure. My breathes are deep and intense, just like my urge to kill that hellspawn where he stood.

I said, "You...where did you hear that name?"

Erik replied, "Ephidel? Hmmm, I may have said too much. Now my will is resolute. For your crime of needless questioning, the penalty is death. Your executioners are my own soldiers."

"Men...do your duty. After which, you may please yourself with that cleric for being such loyal soldiers..."

The soldiers sit uncomfortably atop their steeds. Erik's words did not deliver the burst of determination he'd been desiring, and one man went as far to let his thoughts be known.

He said, "M'lord, you know we can't do that. She's a woman of the cloth. I...a nun raised me."

His mate said, "As was I. They took care of me when neither my parents nor the crown could."

"..."

Erik stares at his soldiers. Realizing he can gain nothing by pushing the issue further, he swallowed his pride.

He said, "Whatever. Just the kill the man and throw the woman in the dungeon. You three can do that, yes?"

"Of course M'lord. As you wish..."

Erk smirks and turns his back towards me. His horse's hooves pound against the ground like a hammer nailing down the final nails in a coffin, and he beckons his horse to ride away...

"Hehehe. Father will be proud..."

I exclaimed, "Hold it! I won't allow you to leave!"

"Hm?"

I grip my sword tight, but I hide something behind my long sleeve. It's something I've been dying to use since Erik first showed his cocky face...but to do so I needed him to get just...a...little closer.

I said, "Why not just take my prisoner? Do you know who I am?"

Erik snickered, "Yeah, you're some commoner with a big mouth so what?"

Anxiety pounds against my chest. Keeping my wits, it's my intention to continue stoking his ego. Once I can do that...let's just say it won't turn out well for them.

I said, "I might be...or not. You are a mighty fine commander and an equally good prince. I wonder how your father would feel...no...I wonder how the world would feel if you felled the fiend Azazel with your own blade."

Erik pauses...he'd taken the bait. He glares at me with an expression somewhere between intrigue and ambition.

He says, "You? Azazel? You're just talking out of your mouth hole you scoundrel. Why would you claim to be that villain?"

I smile, and I grab onto my the bottom edge of my mask. I whisper an incantation to unbind the ceramic object from my face, with the words too muffled for anyone but myself to hear.

"By the Creator...it's you..."

The mask leaves my face and I drop it onto the ground. Hurried gasps and whisper fills the air, but none of them came from my cocky target. Instead, he allows his maniacal laughter to drown out the fear of his subjects.

He said, "Hahahaha! It's you! There's no doubt about it... you have those dreaded colored eyes! Very well, I will fell you with my blade! Step forward demon! Step forward and receive your one-way ticket to Hell!"

He pulls away from the protection of his knights, and he raises his sword into the air in an impulsive display of power. His smile is as wide as the open prairie were standing on, and his power-hungry aura oozes through the air like a disgusting mist of smog. He ignores the pleading cries of his troops and focuses completely towards removing my head from my shoulders.

He exclaimed, "I will personally deliver my father your head!"

"..."

I smirk and whisper another incantation. Something much more deadly...

BOOM!

A symphony of chaos puts itself into existence with myself as the conductor. Waving my metaphorical baton, I use my magical flame to establish a foundational tenor. Calling onto the screams of men, I meld their alto sounds and add them into my performance. I eye Erik ominously from my elevated position of power; his unscathed person shivering in silence.

I'd slammed his two soldiers with respective balls of fire. They wither on the grass like blackened skeletons with their merciful pleas of death ricocheting around our mortal plane, sending a reinforcing wave of fear down his psyche.

He exclaimed, "Y-You really are a demon!"

I laugh and casually retrieve my mask from the ground. I briefly shoot a glance at Serra to make sure she's still breathing...which she was...

Thank Elimine...

This whole thing was a front. The persona I'd brought to bear in front of Erik did not differ from my mask...just a ruse to accomplish a greater goal. I'm nothing like the monster I'm presenting myself as...right?

I approach the wriggling lordling, and he lunges forward in a vain attempt to stop me. His sword flies blindly, inevitably jamming itself between my metallic fingers.

Erik exclaimed, "What?! T-That should've cut your hand clean off!"

I snickered, "Yeah. But I am no ordinary man."

I send the last of my mana through my fingertips and shatter the weapon in one fantastic display of force. Shards of metal go flying through the air, imbedding themselves into both of our bodies.

Ack! That hurt, I can't let him know about that though...

Erik pleaded, "Why are you doing this?! What's your purpose in revealing yourself to me?! O-Once your army figures out who you are, they'll surely kill you!"

I said, "You're right. My purpose here is to buy my army enough time to heal up and counterattack. Fortunately, it appears I've succeeded."

Erik looks on with horror as the approaching line of my allies came into view past the horizon. As predicted, they'd regrouped and successfully put down the enemy. The road was now open between us and Castle Laus.

He said, "But why show your face to me? You may have won the battle, but once I tell them what happened you'll be done for!"

"..."

I glare at him with my evil eyes. His mind clears a hump, and looking towards his deceased soldiers as my example, he puts one and one together.

I approach him again...

He pleads, "No! You can't kill me! I-I'm nobility! No!"

I said ominously, "I will not kill you. There's more than one way to silence a man after all."

"What! AH!"

!

I ball up my metallic fist and deliver a swift, powerful roundhouse punch through Erik's lower jaw. I hit it so hard that I spins him across the grass like a top, ultimately resulting in a little travel distance until he hits the soft ground with a thud.

Peering over my unconscious opponent, I notice that he has his left hand tucked in between his chest while his right is extended outwards. His chest expands slowly with each parting breath...

The fencing response...good. A concussion. Given the recency of my reveal, I think he'll forget everything that transpired here. There's a slight chance I may have paralyzed him, but that's a risk I'm willing to take.

I look out towards my approaching allies and smiled. Somehow, by the skin of my teeth, I led these guys to a win. Maybe I was wrong about my earlier assessment...

Maybe, I have a little luck after all...

After the battle, we take up residence in Castle Laus for the night. Everyone is tired and wounded beyond description, and while my friends were resting up and feasting on these rich folks' food, I'm reading through some messenger transcripts left behind by the retreating army in the building's post office. I'm alone and weak from the minimal mana coursing through my veins, but I still somehow stay awake as I read through every relevant entry...

T: Our lord has ordered the army to retreat. We will discuss later the destination, but all the land's elite units are to abandon the homeland and heir to the invaders. We will attack in greater strength at a later time...

I put that letter down and pick up another, this one originating from a general skeptical of the authenticity of his orders. It's a direct response to Marquess Laus' decision.

T: M'lord Darin. You know that I wouldn't question your position or worth, but is this really the correct action to take? Our men have homes around here, to abandon it to these Lycian lordling will be a travesty! Please, reconsider. Your son is fighting valiantly on the front line, he just needs our support to put the battle away...

I put that transcript down and hesitantly pick up the response. Its handwriting is ugly and jagged like they made it in a hurry. My irises shiver as they glance over at the three words of black staining the white sheet.

D: Do your job.

By the Creator's graces. I don't know what's more surprising, that Laus could've swept us under the rug easily with a single order, or that Darin abandoned his son and only heir so easily. Every report I'd received stated that he loved that kid dearly...yet here was leaving him out to die. How...how despicable.

I muttered, "It's a shame. It's a damn shame. Here I am risking my life for my niece...family who I hold above even myself. What I'd do to punch that guy in the gut. He's...he's an utter sham of a father and a man. These noblemen are all the same..."

"..."

"I swear, we're not all like that."

I look over my shoulder and spot Eliwood standing by the door. His ragged hair spewed out across his head like a mop, and his clothes were off center. The expression of sadness on his face makes me think he'd just discovered some grave truth, though the familiar smell of alcohol didn't do much to damp this theory.

Alcohol?

Eliwood dizzily steps forward, and his leg hits the leg of a nearby stool. Stumbling forward, he hits the ground before I can catch him.

"Ugh..."

He leans against a wall for support and rubbed his hurt knee. He's clearly drunk, any sober person would've been screaming in pain by now.

I said, "Eliwood...what are you doing? This...is unlike you."

Overwhelmed with a sense of shame, he looks away and keeps his mouth closed. Something is taking a massive toll on him, though I don't know what.

I sigh, and figuring I didn't have much else to do right now, I slowly make my way over to his side. Both our backs were flat against the wall, and in a way...it felt like they joined us together in a brotherhood of misery.

He said, "We're...not all like that, you know? My parents, were fantastic to me. Hector's too. I'm about as surprised as you that Darin left his son to us."

As much as I'd like to tell Eliwood of my suspicions about the Black Fang, I couldn't. I'd break my cover if I did that, and my thinly woven identity would unravel the moment Eliwood woke up the following morning. For now, I must do my best to play dumb...and let this whole journey take its course naturally.

Besides, would he believe me? That some mystical sorcerer named Nergal is secretly behind the scenes playing with his home country's politics while I just watched? Heck, he'd sooner think I was the drunk one before he considered that anything but fiction.

I said, "Hmph. I'm sorry, I'm afraid I've seen far too much in this world. I'm guilty of the same thing people often do to me. I label folks based on preconceived stereotypes, but I'll work to make sure I grow out of this. It's only fair towards you and Hector."

"..."

"Kenan...are we friends?"

What?!

I replied, "Friends? Of course we are. You're the smartest, finest noble on this side of Cunus Mountains. Your heart brings good will to anyone that it comes into contact with. Why wouldn't anyone want to be friends with you?"

Breathing a sigh of relief, he said, "That's good. It's a good thing I'm here with you. This is the first time I've taken to the bottle, actually. I've found out about some...terrible things I'd like to get out of my chest."

"Lay it on me. I'll help you through this..."

Hearing this come from Eliwood was...strange. I never knew this flamboyant lord had insecurities welled up deep in his heart, but I suppose many don't know of my own. I hide behind a physical mask that blocks the scars of a whole year of pain and misery...while Eliwood hid behind a metaphorical one composed of manufactured confidence and chivalry. It's sad really...often the ones consoling need to be have been consoled themselves to understand...

He said, "We interrogated Erik...he told me that my father wanted to overthrow House Ostia. Create a revolution, he said. I didn't want to believe, and neither did Hector, but deep down I fear that he's telling the truth. What if...he is telling the truth?"

I said, "Don't worry about the filth coming out of his mouth. He's just a concussed SOB who's lost all form of relevant influence, and now he's resorted to getting in your head. I will be honest with you. I don't who the type of person your father was, but if your any reflection of him, I'm sure he'd never betray Marquess Ostia. If he did...I'll eat my hat!"

That lame joke is enough to make my friend laugh. A smile returns to his face, and his posture rejuvenated with vitality.

He said, "Hahahaha. You're not even wearing a hat."

"I have a Tyrolean back at home. If I do have to end up eating then...I'm afraid you may need to wait for some time."

"Let's hope it doesn't come to that..."

Firmly comfortable with himself again, we spend the next hour talking about whatever came to our minds. We spoke about our lives before the war, proper court etiquette, interesting memories surrounded by nature, and amazing dishes our mothers made for us during our childhood. It truly was good bonding time, and I was sad that it eventually had to end.

Eliwood said, "Ah, I think I've been down here enough time. Thank you Kenan, I'll heed your advice and stray away from this kind of drinking again."

I nodded approvingly, "Good. I'm happy for you. Alcohol is meant to bring joy, not bury ourselves in sorrow."

Eliwood sighed, "Right again, my tactician. Before I go, there is one more thing weighing on my mind tonight. I take every precaution to make the civilians stay unharmed from our politics, but today I failed in that mission. You remember that princess Marcus rescued earlier today? The traboudour?"

I nodded, "Yeah, I think her name was...Pricilla."

Eliwood said, "Turns out she had an escort helping her through Lycia, who died offering our northern flank support. He's truly a valiant man, he took out several of the enemy archers before one ended his life. I think he was a mage. I...can't help but feel guilty."

I replied, "I wouldn't really worry too much about that milord. He understood the risks in helping us during our battle, and I'm sure Pricilla is thankful for his efforts. As much as I don't want to say it, it's better for an unknown like him to die than one of our own."

He disagreed, "No...he wasn't unknown. Serra knew him personally...and so did Matthew. The reason I'm came here in the first place is because the latter asked me to come get you..."

"What?!"

Matthew knows many people, heck we even ran into one of them a few days ago. But...Serra knows him too? That can only mean one thing...

He's a member of the original Lyn's Legion...

I said, "Eliwood...what's the name of this mage?!"

"..."

The air fills with a disturbing amount of silence. I lay waiting in anticipation for the words I'm dreading, but secretly already suspected.

Please...tell me it's not him...

"..."

"His name was..."

"Erk."

A/N: Congrats on making it to the end! I went ahead and wrote an excerpt for the sequel, and it'll come out next week!