Chapter 29. The Burning of Gloucester. Part 2.


"Edelgard, are you alright?" Ferdinand asked as he approached the table.

"Ferdie," Dorothea interjected. "This isn't the time."

"No," Edelgard replied. "I- I'm alright."

Ferdinand nodded, "Mor-"

"Don't say that name," Edelgard growled.

"Right," Ferdinand replied. "Our prisoner is currently in the infirmary. She's yet to regain consciousness, but she's not in danger."

Edelgard grimaced as Byleth entered the room.

"Professor," Ferdinand said. "What is that map?"

"The Great Bridge of Myrddin," Byleth replied. "We'll be travelling there in two groups to negotiate an end to our current hostilities."

Ferdinand nodded, "What is this about two groups?"

Byleth grimaced, "I will go along with Edelgard as a sign of goodwill to the Count, but in the event that negotiations go poorly, we will require your assistance in pacifying any rebels we encounter."

Ferdinand nodded, "I- I see, should I pack right now?"

"We need to determine who goes with which group," Hubert explained. "There is also the problem of the army occupying Conand Tower."

"Conand Tower can be dealt with after we deal with Gloucester," Edelgard replied. "The tower is not a significant distance from the edge of Gloucester Country, and Count Galatea has made it clear that he has no desire to wage war against us."

"How do you believe we'll get to Gloucester territory?" Ferdinand asked.

"Indech has volunteered his services," Hubert replied. "He is able to navigate the Airmid river."

Ferdinand nodded, "Is there anything to do before we leave?"

Edelgard exchanged a glance with Byleth.

"We'll discuss the situation later," Byleth promised. "But we'll need some time alone."


"Hello Yurius," Lorenz said as he sat down before the cell, his eyes taking a moment to adjust to the light of the dungeon.

"Lorenz," Yurius replied, his voice a faint rasp. "Why are you here?"

"Yurius," Lorenz said, swallowing as he continued. "I have a friend who I'm very close to. I need your help."

"What is it that you need with me?" Yurius asked.

"What is it that you know about House Ordelia?" Lorenz asked.

Yurius remained silent, his eyes lowered to the ground of his cell.

"You recognize the name," Lorenz concluded.

"I do," Yurius replied. "But, I have something I want to ask you."

"If you tell me about what you know of House Ordelia, I'll answer your question," Lorenz said.

"I'll ask my question before I answer your question," Yurius replied. "But know this, I have no intention of betraying my people."

Lorenz nodded, "What is your question then?"

"Where is Mortis?" Yurius asked.

Lorenz swallowed as he pressed his lips together.

"To answer your question," Yurius said. "I was never told anything important about House Ordelia, only that the generation above me subjugated them."

"Are you aware of what happened to the children of the House?" Lorenz asked.

Yurius sighed, "I- I was told pieces of what had happened, but not all of the details."

Lorenz nodded, "Would Mortis know more?"

Yurius hesitated as he pulled himself into the light, his features sullen as his hands used the bars of his cell to pull himself to his feet.

Lorenz grimaced as he looked away from the tortured man's face.

"Look into my eyes when you answer my question," Yurius ordered. "Where is Mortis?"

"She escaped," Lorenz said. "She massacred a squad of guards at the south end of Myrddin to break my father's blockade."

"And what else did she do?" Yurius snarled. "I don't believe there was only a single squad to guard a blockade."

"From what I was told, she burned down Myrddin's church and town hall."

Yurius scoffed, "That's what I was waiting for."

"What do you mean?" Lorenz asked.

"Mortis has a habit of setting fires to cause distractions," Yurius explained. "It's a tactic she inherited from her mentor."

Lorenz stood as he met Yurius eye to eye, "The Church at Myrddin was where the ashes of my ancestors were stored, all the way back to the first Gloucester."

"You are angry," Yurius observed.

"I am not," Lorenz replied. "But I have another question for you."

"And what is that?" Yurius asked.

"What did you intend to do with all of the stolen gold?" Lorenz asked. "And just where did you find it?"

"Lord Periander gave it to us," Yurius said. "He told us to spend it as we saw fit."

"You were a retired mer-" Lorenz said. "Unless that was a lie as well?"

"So you do understand," Yurius said. "No, we were never travelling mercenaries."

"Then what was it that you were doing?" Lorenz asked. "Were you smuggling the gold?"

"No," Yurius replied. "We were not smuggling gold. The gold was irrelevant to us."

"That gold should be from the imperial vaults in Enbarr," Lorenz said. "The Adrestian Empire took it from House Ordelia. How did you get your hands on it?"

"If I'm going to be honest, I have no idea," Yurius replied. "You would have to ask Lord Periander."

"And where is he now?" Lorenz asked.

"I don't know. You would have to ask Mortis."


"Kronya?" Spite whispered.

"Who are you?" the revenant repeated.

"Kronya!" Aranea snapped. "Do you not recognize us?"

"Kronya?" the revenant asked. "Who is that?"

"Addy, I don't think she recognizes us," Aranea said. "Thales must have damaged her."

"Thales?" Spite asked. "What does he have to do with anything?"

Aranea blinked as she took a step away from her brother.

"Aranea," Spite said, his tone frigid. "What did Thales do?"

"He blasted her," Aranea said. "He said that she had fulfilled her purpose, that she had outlived her usefulness."

Spite narrowed his eyes at the confession, a hiss of rage escaping his lips.

"Addy!" Aranea shouted as a pillar disgenerated, Spite panting as the remnants of his spell faded into the air of Zaharas.

"We go forward," Spite snarled. "We have a mission to do."

"Addy?" Aranea asked. "Are you sure?"

"As much as I hate Thales for this, my duties to Shambhala will come first," Spite responded. "When this war is over, I will find Thales and tear his eyes out."

"Just that?" Aranea asked.

"I suppose you are right," Spite said. "He won't be able to see what I do to him after."

"What are you discussing?" Ashe asked.

Spite growled as he turned to the younger man, "It is in your best interest to never find out. Now, turn around and start walking. We will not reach Gloucester Country by standing here."


"Do we have a list for the trip with Indech?" Hubert asked as he sat down in the chair across the table from Byleth and Edelgard.

Byleth shook his head at the question, "Apart from the three of us, I'm afraid that we have no list to speak of."

"Is there anyone we should exclude from this trip?" Hubert asked.

"Baron Dominic," Byleth said. "Alois as well."

"We can't trust the baron and we need Alois here," Hubert deduced. "May I suggest keeping Manuela and Hanneman here? They may be able to help Linhardt with his research."

Edelgard nodded, "Yes, he needs the help."

"Lady Edelgard- are you feeling well?" Hubert asked.

"Am I feeling well?" Edelgard asked. "I almost strangled our only lead to Adrasteia over a single word.

"Lady Edelgard-" Hubert started.

"Hubert," Edelgard replied. "Enough."

Hubert swallowed, "Let's go over the battle plans then."

Edelgard nodded as Indech stepped through the door.

"Indech," Byleth said. "How large is the boat you intend to use?"

"Pardon?" Indech asked. "What boat are you referring to?"

"How is it that you intend to get us down the Airmid River?" Hubert asked.

"I could simply swim there," Indech replied. "I could carry twelve of you to prove it."

Byleth exchanged a glance with Edelgard before he turned back to Indech, "Twelve is the limit of your boat, correct?"

Indech raised an eyebrow, "Yes, you can bring twelve with you."

Byleth nodded, "That'll help with our planning. Was there any other reason that you needed to speak to us?"

"Indeed," Indech said. "If possible, when this is all over, I would like to give our sister a decent burial. I cannot bear the thought of leaving her behind to rot."

Edelgard nodded, "That can be arraigned, but not now. We must end the threat of Thales first."

"Naturally," Indech replied, "I understand your concerns are much more immediate than burying our sister."

Byleth nodded as Indech stepped from the room.

"Now, we plan."


"Hey Mercedes," Dorothea said as she approached the older woman. "Is the infirmary busy right now?"

"Quite," Mercedes replied, a smile on her face. "Five beds are occupied."

"Five?" Dorothea asked. "Have we had that many injuries?"

Mercedes turned her head, her hand on her cheek, "It'll be better to show you, but I must ask you to be quiet."

Dorothea frowned, "There shouldn't be more than two injured."

Mercedes shook her head as she pressed a finger to her lips, "They're sleeping. They need the rest."

Dorothea nodded as she climbed the stairs behind Mercedes.

"Mercedes," Ferdinand said. "No change to report."

"Hey Ferdie," Dorothea replied. "What are you doing here?"

"Someone needs to watch over her," Ferdinand said. "You know why."

Dorothea grimaced as Mercedes pressed a finger to her lips, Dorothea's retort dying on her lips as Mercedes cracked the door open.

"Wow," Dorothea whispered. "Felix is cute when he's sleeping."

Mercedes smiled as she looked over at Felix sleeping alongside Annette, the sleeping swordsman's lips moving in a silent song.

"Is Gilbert going to be alright?" Dorothea asked as she turned her gaze to the next bed.

"He's been hurt badly, but he should recover soon," Mercedes replied, her voice soft.

Dorothea nodded as she glanced at Sylvain, "Why is he in here?"

"He was on guard," Ferdinand said. "Still, he fell asleep while he was watching over Mortis, and I helped him into bed."

"He's travelled a great deal," Mercedes replied. "He's earned his rest."

Dorothea nodded as she turned to Mortis, "Is she going to be alright?"

"Her life is not in danger, from what we can tell," Mercedes replied. "Still, we can't say when she'll wake up."

Dorothea stepped forward to the unconscious Mortis, tracing circles on the woman's palm.

"Did you heal her?" Dorothea asked as she turned back to Mercedes.

"I did," Mercedes replied. "Did I miss something?"

"You did well," Dorothea said. "You can't even tell she was… hurt."

Mercedes nodded as Dorothea turned back to the unconscious Agarthan, pulling a strand of hair away from her face, "I hope she can wake up before we leave."

"Is there something you wish to ask her?" Mercedes asked.

Dorothea turned back to Mortis, taking the unconscious woman's hand in her own, "I think she needs someone to talk to. She's not a monster like Kronya, and- maybe I could…"

"What makes you say that?" Ferdinand asked. "I understand that she hasn't been a threat to us yet, but none of us knew about Kronya until it was too late."

"Ferdie, have you ever been alone? Alone amongst strangers you never met before?"

"I- I suppose I haven't," Ferdinand admitted.

"Have you ever stood alone? With no idea who to trust?" Dorothea asked.

"Right," Ferdinand said as he backed away. "I understand."

"Now now, let's take this outside," Mercedes urged. "We don't want to wake Felix or Sylvain, do we?"


"I- I will lead the northern expeditionary force," Hubert said as he looked down at the list of names assembled.

Byleth nodded, "In that case, we will have nine spots left with Indech."

"We're bringing her," Edelgard said. "We'll drag Adrasteia's secrets from her lips."

"Eight then," Byleth corrected.

"Sylvain and Felix should come along as well," Hubert said. "They should be able to contact House Galatea for supporting forces in the event we are to besiege Conand Tower."

"Six," Byleth said.

"No Annette or Mercedes," Edelgard interjected. "Annette has been spending a great amount of time at her father's side, and I do not wish to disturb them."

Byleth nodded as he drew a line through the names of Annette and Mercedes.

"Jeritza?" Hubert suggested.

"No," Byleth and Edelgard said at once, the pair exchanging a glance before Byleth continued.

"If Jeritza was to become enraged, then I believe he will be unable to hold back his bloodlust," Byleth explained. "In the event that Gloucester is using civilian levies, I don't want a bloodbath."

Hubert nodded, "What of Seteth?"

"He would not leave without Flayn," Edelgard said. "Still, with Gloucester's piety, their presence may be helpful in convincing him to end the rebellion on peaceful terms."

"Four spots left then," Byleth said. "What of Balthus or Hilda?"

Edelgard closed her eyes, "Both of their territories are far off to the east. They'll be of little help navigating a path to Conand Tower after. The same would go for Marianne."

"Linhardt will be busy with his cure," Hubert said. "We will leave him to it."

"I believe we will need the Knights of Seiros to guard Garreg Mach while we are away," Edelgard said. "So no to Alois or Shamir then."

"We would need an archer," Hubert said. "Still, I loathe the idea of placing Bernadetta in danger."

"We have little choice," Edelgard said. "Unless you wish to bring along Petra?"

"Petra will do fine," Byleth said. "Still, I'm also not fond of the idea of leaving Bernadetta behind, lest she return to her… poor habits."

"So be it," Hubert said. "That brings us two spots on Indech's boat."

"What about Dorothea?" Byleth asked. "She seems to have formed a connection of sorts with Mortis."

Edelgard nodded, "A sound strategy. Perhaps she will reveal some information that will prove useful to us while her guard is down."

"What of Yuri?" Byleth asked.

"He will be needed to guard Garreg Mach from attack or infiltration," Hubert replied. "His connections will be unable to find him if he is on the move."

"Yes, but if he has criminal connections at Myrddin, perhaps he can get us an understanding of the situation on the ground," Byleth argued.

Hubert nodded, "Very well then. We have one last spot on the ship."

"What of Hapi or Constance?" Edelgard asked. "No, forget that."

"We would benefit from having Hapi scout enemy positions ahead of us," Byleth observed. "Still, with the likely garrison present at Myrddin, Hapi will be in great danger."

"Yes," Hubert said. "And that's not even counting Lady Constance's… problem."

"Despite the risk of bringing Hapi along, I believe her presence would be beneficial," Edelgard reasoned. "Her mount would allow us to scout ahead into Gloucester territory in the event that we are forced to defend ourselves."

Byleth nodded as he looked down the list, "I'll start from the top then, go for a confirmation before we commit."

"Very well," Hubert said.

"Myself, Edelgard, and Hubert," Byleth said. "We can agree we are all dealing with this issue together?"

"Indeed," Hubert replied. "Carry on."

"Mortis, our link to Shambhala and more importantly, Adrasteia," Byleth said.

Edelgard grimaced at the name of the woman she had almost strangled, but nodded regardless.

"Sylvain and Felix," Byleth said. "Our links to this hostile army at Conand Tower."

"Very well," Hubert said. "Next?"

"Seteth and Flayn," Byleth said. "No objections?"

"None," Edelgard said. "So long as they do not desire revenge for Rhea."

"Petra, Bernadetta, Dorothea, and Hapi," Byleth finished. "Twelve names for Indech."

Hubert nodded, "I'll inform them of our intentions to leave. Do we have a time Indech intends to set out?"

"I would have to assume it would be in the morning," Edelgard said. "It is not safe to sail a boat down the Airmid River at night."


"Mom?" Claude asked as he stood by the side of his ship, his hands over the railing as the ship hurried past the city of Derdriu. "Do you miss Fodlan when you're out in Almyra?"

Tiana von Riegan sighed as she joined her son at the port, her eyes watching the distant city she had been born in, "I suppose there are always questions that I'll never have answers to."

"What kind of questions are you thinking of?" Claude asked.

"When I was your age, I had a group in Derdriu, nothing serious," Tiana replied. "Whenever I think of Derdriu, I always ask myself what became of them."

"What kind of thing did they do with you anyways? The kind of stuff you did with dad?"

Tiana scoffed, "We used to get into scuffles in the ports. Never a shortage of idiots there that needed to be beaten."

"So, not with dad then?" Claude asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No, we thought of ourselves as heroes. Exceptionally well paid and violent heroes, but heroes nonetheless."

"Lady Tiana?" a soldier asked. "Some of the men are getting flighty. They want to raid Derdriu."

"My answer is no," Tiana spat, turning to the man."But tell them that anyone who wishes to leave this ship before we land at our destination has two options."

"And these are?" the man asked, an eyebrow raised.

"They can jump," Tiana said, a grin spreading across her face. "Or they can wait for me to push them."

At the sight of Tiana's grin, the man turned, hurrying into the bowels of the ship as Tiana turned to her son.

"Mom, that grin of yours is scary," Claude declared.

"Yep, and that's why it works so well," Tiana replied, her grin growing wider. "Come, let us go over the plans again. I intend to drill them into your head before we get to Conand Beach."

Claude groaned, "Did you do that with dad too?"

"No," Tiana replied with a chuckle. "You inherited your scheming prowess from your father, not me."


"Father," Lorenz demanded as he entered his father's office, "You must treat Yurius better."

Count Gloucester turned his head as he clasped his hands together, his tea forgotten, "Well son, if he's willing to cooperate with us, I don't see a problem with moving him to a more comfortable room."

"You've tortured him," Lorenz said. "You've starved him."

"That's not true," Count Gloucester said. "I've tried to feed him, but he's refused to eat."

Lorenz grimaced at the words, "I demand he receives better treatment before we continue."

"Very well," Count Gloucester said. "But I wish to know what he has said to you about the stolen gold from House Ordelia."

"It's not his," Lorenz said. "I suspect he's a smuggler working on behalf of the Adrestian Empire."

"Oh?" Count Gloucester asked. "And what makes you say that?"

"He claims that the gold was merely a means to an end for him and his partner," Lorenz explained. "But with such a large amount of gold, especially with its connections to the Tragedy of Ordelia, I cannot help but suspect that he's smuggling the gold on behalf of someone."

"And who do you believe this someone is?" Count Gloucester asked his son.

"I cannot be sure that Yurius even knows who he is working for," Lorenz admitted. "Mortis, the woman we were travelling with seemed to be directly in charge of their entire operation."

"How very inconvenient," Count Gloucester said. "In simpler terms, the Teutates Herring escaped the net and left us with the Enbarr Carp."

Lorenz nodded, "Mortis always seemed… off."

"What do you mean by that?" Count Gloucester asked. "I'm not quite sure I understand."

"Mortis was secretive," Lorenz said. "I didn't wish to pry into her business, but she loathed the idea of people seeing inside of her trunk."

Count Gloucester nodded as he looked upon the destroyed trunk at the foot of his desk, "Allow me to interrupt you then."

"What is it?" Lorenz asked.

"Who do you believe Mortis is working for?" Count Gloucester asked.

"I-" Lorenz started, his lips tight as he closed his eyes.

"You have an idea in mind," Count Gloucester guessed.

"Hubert von Vestra," Lorenz admitted. "Mortis said that she had met him prior to meeting us."

"I know of von Vestra," Count Gloucester said. "As the Minister of the Imperial Household, I believe he would have motive to use the stolen gold for… nefarious purposes."

"I thought the same thing," Lorenz said. "But I have thought of another possibility."

"And who may that be?" Count Gloucester asked.

"Yuri Leclerc," Lorenz explained. "He's a criminal, and he's a good one. I wouldn't put it past him to steal such a large amount of gold."

"I have not heard of this… Yuri," Count Gloucester said. "I believe however, that you missed an important candidate."

"And who may that be, father?" Lorenz asked.

"The members of the Insurrection of the Seven," Count Gloucester replied. "The masters of the Adrestian Empire for a number of years before the ascension of Emperor Edelgard."

Lorenz narrowed his eyes, "But why would they?"

"The contents of their noble houses were destroyed in the aftermath of the Emperor's rise," Count Gloucester said. "But if one of them sought to hide the Ordelia treasure out of the new emperor's grasp…"

Lorenz swallowed, "I- I would have to think on that."

Count Gloucester nodded as he slid back into his chair, "And I'll see to it that Yurius is transferred from his cell."

"Thank you," Lorenz said as he stepped from the room. "I'll be going now."

Count Gloucester closed his eyes as his security chief stepped through the door.

"You heard me," Count Gloucester said. "Though you know what to add to his drink."

"Do you think it'll work?" the man asked as he crossed his arms.

"Torture hasn't, but the apothecary promised this dose will get him to speak the truth."

"What dosage are we looking at?" the man asked as he took a pastry from Count Gloucester's desk.

"Two drops in all food," Count Gloucester said. "One drop per cup of drink."

"Got it," the man said through the pastry. "Two drops in food, one drop in every cup."


"Is that a ghost?" Ashe asked as he pointed to a figure.

Aranea frowned as she lit an orb of fire in her hand, the orange flames flickering as the distant figure became clear.

"Addy! There's a whole horde of them coming!" Aranea shouted as she threw the orb of fire forward, the fire illuminating a dozen misshapen faces.

Spite swore as he glanced behind him, the lone, stumbling form of Kronya still following the party as Spite stalked forward, a powerful spell at his fingertips as he reached the front of their position.

"Come!" Spite shouted over the ghostly din. "Allow me to grant you oblivion!"

The powerful fire magic released from his hands disintegrating the first wave of the ghosts, the undead Agarthans shreeching as the flames devoured them.

"Take your friend and go," Aranea snarled as she turned to Ingrid.

"Pardon?" Ingrid asked.

"He's unconscious," Aranea observed. "Does he have a fear of ghosts or something?"

"Ah," Ingrid replied as she looked at the crumpled form of Ashe. "He does."

Aranea grimaced as she threw forth an explosion of dark magic, the violet flames devouring a pair of the dead as Ingrid dragged Ashe backward.

"Addy!" Aranea shouted. "How many of them are there?"

"I've lost count!" Spite shouted back, a torrent of flame escaping his hands as he staggered back, his face lined with rage. "We'll just have to kill every last one of them!"

"Could we go around?" Ingrid called over the din of battle.

"Too late for that!" Spite shouted back. "We have no choice but to fight our way out!"

"To your right!" Ingrid shouted as Spite obliterated another swarm of ghosts, the inhuman wisps screaming as they charged forward.

"What the hell?" Aranea spluttered as a pair of wraith hands seized her leg. "It's a flank!"

Spite growled as he spun to the side, an orb of fire launched into the crowd before him before an orb of darkness erased a pair of ghosts to his right.

"Addy!" Aranea shouted as a screaming vortex dragged a half dozen ghosts into their demise. "We need a barrier!"

Spite swore as he unleashed a torrent of flame, the horde breaking as the screaming wave caught fire.

"How wide do you need it?" Spite asked as he fell back.

"Give me time to cast Luna again," Aranea snarled. "So long as it keeps the ghosts away from us, it's fine."

Spite nodded as he waved his hand, a translucent barrier shielding the two sorcerers from the horde.

"Luna!" Aranea shouted as she cast the spell, the unmistakable pale orb disintegrating into a tear in reality, the rift widening as Aranea fed it her strength.


Ingrid forced herself to her feet as she left Ashe behind, her eyes on the sleeping form of Aranea, her head limp against Spite's chest, her body held in place by her brother's arms.

"She's fine," Spite said as he leaned against a pillar. "The last spell cost her whatever magic she had left."

"Will she be alright?" Ingrid asked as Spite dragged his sister to the side, covering the sleeping woman with his pale cloak.

"She'll live," Spite said. "Regardless, we're done moving for the day."

"Right," Ingrid mumbled as Spite pointed to a pouch.

"That pouch there contains some supplies we will need to make dinner tonight," Spite said. "Feel free to eat whatever is inside."

"Are you not hungry?" Ingrid asked.

"No," Spite responded. "Perhaps I will eat something later, but not now."


"Mercedes," Hubert said as he approached the infirmary door. "Has our patient awoken?"

Mercedes shook her head as she put a finger to her lips.

"My apologies," Hubert said as he turned to the door. "We expect to move to Myrddin by tomorrow morning."

"I see," Mercedes said. "Who is it that will come along with you?"

"You and Annette are both excused," Hubert said as he glanced around the infirmary. "That being said, Sylvain, Felix, Dorothea, and Mortis are all to come with us."

Mercedes frowned, "Are you certain?"

"The list has been made," Hubert said, nodding to Dorothea. "Has there been any change in our… patient?"

Dorothea shook her head, "If- if she doesn't wake up."

Hubert grimaced, "Then we've lost our only link to Adrasteia."

Sylvain yawned as he sat up from his bed, "Oh hey Dorothea-"

"Dorothea, be ready to leave early tomorrow morning," Hubert said. "We will be making our way to Myrddin."

"Hubert?" Sylvain asked. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to inform you that we are leaving Garreg Mach tomorrow," Hubert replied. "Be prepared to leave early tomorrow."

Sylvain nodded as he turned to Mortis, "Right, Dorothea, has she woken up yet?"

Dorothea shook her head, "She seems to be sleeping, but she hasn't said anything over the time I've been watching her."

Sylvain nodded, "Hubert, could I ask you a question?"

"What is it?" Hubert asked.

"What was it that set Edelgard off?" Sylvain asked. "I didn't hear what Mortis had called Edelgard."

"Good," Hubert replied. "You wouldn't need to know."

"Shouldn't we know?" Sylvain asked. "So we don't anger her in the future?"

"All you need to know is that it's a personal nickname for Lady Edelgard," Hubert snapped. "It is not my place to reveal it to you."

"Is it a nickname the Professor gave her?" Dorothea asked.

Hubert shook his head, "It is a name that was given to Lady Edelgard by her father, the late Emperor Ionius."

"That's odd," Dorothea said. "How did Mortis know about it then?"

"Adrasteia," Hubert replied. "It is the only logical answer."

"But why would he remember a detail like that?" Dorothea asked. "And how could he remember something so small? It's been over a decade since the coup."

"Both very good questions," Hubert said. "However, I do not have the answers for either."

Sylvain nodded as he climbed from the infirmary bed, "Hey Dorothea, I'll watch over Mortis. Get some rest."

Dorothea shook her head, "I'm not tired, and besides, I don't have anything better to do."

Hubert nodded, "I'll make my rounds and inform the other members of the expedition. I'll return later to see if Mortis has awakened."

"Alright then," Sylvain said as he turned to watch the sun set. "Take care, will ya?"


"Sylvain!" Dorothea hissed.

"Wha?" Sylvain asked, blinking out of his reviere. "What's going on?"

"She's waking up," Dorothea whispered, standing over the thrashing form of Mortis. "Get Mercedes."

"I'm already here," Mercedes said as she rushed in. "Give her room to breathe, she'll be frightened to wake up to you two standing over her."

"Right," Dorothea said as she took a step back. "Give her space."

Mercedes nodded as she rushed forward, peeling the heavy duvet from Mortis.

"Sylvain, get her some water," Dorothea ordered. "Now!"

"Right," Sylvain said as Mercedes pointed to a pitcher. "Is this going to be ok for her?"

"It'll do," Dorothea said as Mortis shot up, the Agarthan woman panting as her eyes adjusted to the dark.

"You're in safe hands," Mercedes said. "Don't worry, there's nothing to fear here."

"Where- where are we?" Mortis managed as she fell into a coughing fit, her hands reaching for her throat.

"Water," Dorothea ordered as she pushed a cup before Mortis, the Agarthan sorceress gagging at the sudden appearance of water.

"That's enough," Mercedes stated. "Give her a moment to breathe."

"What time is it?" Mortis asked as she looked around the room.

"The sun went down a little while ago," Dorothea said. "Dinner should be fairly soon."

"Very good," Hubert said as he entered the infirmary. "You have awoken."

"Hubert," Mortis replied. "To the point as ever."

"Have the others told you about our plans tomorrow?" Hubert asked.

"I- no, we haven't," Dorothea said. "She just woke up."

"I see," Hubert said. "Very well, then I will inform you about our plans to reach the Great Bridge of Myrddin tomorrow."

"I- I don't understand," Mortis said. "Myrddin is three days away."

"Saint Indech has graciously provided us with a form of transport down the Airmid River," Hubert explained. "You are one of twelve who will join us on this trip."

Mortis closed her eyes as she fell back into the bed, "Very well."

"Be ready to leave early tomorrow," Hubert said. "We have little time to waste."

"Alright Hubie," Dorothea said as Hubert turned to leave. "We won't be late."

"Are you hungry?" Sylvain asked as the scent of fresh bread wafted through the door Hubert closed.

Mortis nodded as she smelt the food, "I haven't eaten in a whole day."

Dorothea smiled, "Then why don't we go down to get you dinner?"

"May I eat here?" Mortis asked. "I- I'd rather not leave this room for the time being."

"Why do you want that?" Dorothea asked. "Are you worried?"

"From what I understand, I have no shortage of enemies in this town," Mortis replied. "I would feel safer in a place where I'm alone."

"Well then," Dorothea said, "I'm sure Sylvain won't mind bringing us a full dinner."

"Sure," Sylvain said. "Wait- why do I have to do it?"

"Because I'm going to help her clean herself up," Dorothea said. "And I'm not going to have you peek at us."


"Sylvain, what are you doing?" Byleth asked.

"Ah," Sylvain said as he turned to the professor. "Mortis said she wasn't comfortable eating with everyone else."

Byleth nodded as Edelgard turned to Sylvain, "Tell me, has she recovered?"

Sylvain grimaced, "I- I can't tell. There are no physical scars or bruises, but I can't tell you if her personality has changed."

"I see," Byleth said as he exchanged a glance with Edelgard, "If possible, are you willing to watch over her while we conduct this expedition?"

"Huh?" Sylvain asked. "Teach, why are you asking me?"

Byleth grimaced as Edelgard glanced at Hubert.

"Your brother's attempts to kill you are well documented," Hubert stated.

"And- what does that have to do with this?" Sylvain asked, taking a step backward.

"If there's anyone who knows what it feels like to be in close proximity with someone who tried to kill you, it's you," Hubert stated. "In the event you feel like a conversation with Mortis will end in violence, we will need you to intervene."

Sylvain swallowed, "Do- do you believe she knows about Miklan?"

Hubert fell silent as Byleth exchanged a glance with Edelgard.

"She knew the truth about Yuri's attempt on Bernadetta's life," Edelgard admitted. "Assume that she's fully aware of your past."

Sylvain nodded, "Alright teach, I'll do it… but you owe me for this."

Byleth nodded, "We owe you a debt for this."

Sylvain nodded as he turned around, "Alright then, I'll head off."

"Let me help you with the plates," Byleth said as he rose from his seat.


"Teach?" Sylvain asked.

"Is there something wrong?" Byleth asked.

"How- how much do you think she knows about Miklan?"

Byleth grimaced, "A great deal, but I don't believe she knows the full story."

"What makes you say that?" Sylvain asked.

"If you remember what she said about Edelgard and Bernadetta, both of those incidents were directly related to Adrasteia," Byleth explained. "In contrast, I doubt he's ever had an interaction with you or your brother."

"What was that about Yuri and Bernadetta?" Sylvain asked. "And just how was it related to Adrasteia?"

"Adrasteia hired Yuri through a third party to murder Bernadetta," Byleth explained. "Why, we aren't sure."

"He did what?" Sylvain asked, his face scrunched in disgust. "He was trying to kill Bernadetta?"

Byleth shook his head, "We can't say for sure why Adrasteia wanted Bernadetta dead, but Mortis knew that Yuri had been the assassin hired and the exact details of his failure, details that, by all means, only the people directly involved would know."

"So that's a- outlier then?" Sylvain asked.

"I believe so," Byleth said. "As for Edelgard and Ionius, Adrasteia was in the room when Edelgard was dragged off along with her siblings."

"Wait, what?" Sylvain asked, his face pale with horror. "He was in the room?"

"A trusted eyewitness placed him in the room when the children were taken away," Byleth said. "Hubert also can confirm that he was in Enbarr throughout 1174 and 1175."

Sylvain shook his head, "I- I see. Is that why Mortis knew that… nickname?"

Byleth nodded, "It would be the only logical conclusion. That being said, that means that it's unlikely that Adrasteia ever met you or your brother, or witnessed his… attacks on you."

"I see," Sylvain nodded. "I still need that favour though."

Byleth grimaced, "I don't like the idea of having you in that room with her, alone especially."

"Dorothea is with me, so I think we'll be fine," Sylvain said. "She seems determined to be friends with Mortis."

Byleth nodded, "We aren't sure about just exactly who Mortis is, or what role she plays in the Agarthan chain of command, but she knows too much to be a simple minion."

Sylvain nodded as he reached the door to the infirmary, "Well, thanks for the help with the plates."

Byleth nodded, "I'll see you tomorrow then, sleep well."

Sylvain paused as he saw Byleth off, "You too teach, you too."


"Dorothea," Sylvain said. "Is she dressed in your old uniform?"

"Astute observation," Dorothea replied. "Well done. Is that dinner I see?"

"It is," Sylvain replied with a grin. "Come on, let's eat."

"What are we having?" Dorothea asked. "And hurry up, lest we wake Annette."

"Why would that be a problem?" Mortis asked, her bare legs crossed under her.

"Have you heard her songs for food?" Dorothea asked.

"Tell me more," Mortis said, an amused smirk on her lips.

"Today's dinner is steak and then a cake that's yummy yum," Sylvain began, his voice off key as Mortis choked down the first bite of her dinner. "Now it's time to fill my tummy tummy tum."

Dorothea laughed as she glanced up, her face freezing as she saw the murderous face of Felix.

"Oh, this mountain of sweets, and treats that I long to eats," Sylvain continued, oblivious to the danger behind him. "Oh, stacks of steaks and cakes and crumbs and yums."

Mortis coughed, "Sylvain?"

"What?" Sylvain asked. "Did my lovely voice steal-"

Felix put a firm hand on Sylvain's shoulder as the red haired knight froze, his voice failing mid sentence.

"What did I say about singing?" Felix asked, his voice a frigid whisper into Sylvain's ear.


AN: Chapter 29 done!

Read, Review, Follow, yada yada.

Next time: Chapter 30!

Misunderstanding- Edelgard

First Strike- Claude

Cruel Lament- Spite

Moonshadow- Mortis

The Runner- Solon