Chapter 38: Vae Victus, End.

"An odd choice for your battalion, Lady Bias." Thales said as he looked down the squadron marching through the dimly-lit halls of Zaharas. "May I ask why you diverged from more… traditional practices?"

"As I understand it, we are currently short on sorcerers." Mortis explained as she turned her gaze away from Thales, unable to bear the full brunt of his gaze. "I believe that they should be held in a more defensive role, guarding Lord Periander as he conducts more important acts of business."

Thales nodded as he turned to Narik. "Tell me, Underlord Narik, were you expecting this, shall we say, duty?"

"No, Agastya," Narik replied, his voice cold and without emotion. "I did not expect this duty, but I will serve Shambhala in whatever way the Septet sees fit."

"Lady Bias, I will commend you for choosing your battalion wisely, for I will expect you to serve as an advance force once we arrive in Fhirdiad." Thales said. "Have you worked with Underlord Narik's unit before?"

"I have not," Mortis replied, her gaze focused on the shadowy road ahead, unwilling to meet the eyes of either Thales or Narik. "But I believe Underlord Narik's forces to be excellent in their service."

Thales chuckled. "We shall see. But do expect to be moved on a… different path should the need arise."

Mortis nodded as she slipped a glance at the stony visage of Narik.

"Agastya, our forward scouts have reported… something." Chilon muttered as he shoved past two lesser sorcerers. "It appears that there's a large gathering of the fallen before us."

"Most intriguing," Thales said, nodding to Spite as he gestured to Mortis. "All members of the Septet, follow me. The rest of you, stand in formation."

"Hey Chatterbox?"

"Is something wrong?" Byleth asked as he squinted at the river below him.

"There's the boat there." Hapi replied, pointing to a spot below them. "Looks like the one we're supposed to be looking for."

"Can we land?" Byleth asked as he squinted down.

"Sure," Hapi said. "Just I'm not sure we want to."

Byleth raised an eyebrow as an arrow whizzed by the pegasus.

"See?" Hapi asked as she skirted away from the boat. "I'm not landing."

Byleth grimaced as he glanced down at the boat, his eyes darting to a forest on the distant shore.

"Hapi," Byleth managed as the pegasus dove low, narrowly missing an arrow in the process. "Can we land in the forest?"

"We'd need a clearing." Hapi replied, her tone ever bored. "Still, better than becoming target practice for our own soldiers."

Byleth nodded as Hapi swung hard away from the ship, her knuckles turning a shade paler as she clung to the reins.

"Hey Chatterbox," Hapi managed. "This might get a bit bumpy."

Byleth grunted his acknowledgment as the pegasus gained speed, darting in a wild pattern as they closed with the shore.

"Chatterbox!" Hapi yelled as the pegasus bucked. "Hold on!"

Byleth gritted his teeth as he tightened his arms around Hapi, his eyes still blinded by the falling sun around him.

But even that wasn't enough when the pegasus bucked once more.

And Byleth felt himself falling.

"Hey," the voice hissed as Claude snapped back into focus.

"What's going on?" Claude asked.

"They collected some poisonous berries," Douglas whispered back, amusement evident in his voice. "Looks like they're trying to make some form of soup out of it."

"Soup?" Claude muttered, confused.

"One of the idiots sat on a pouch of the stuff," Douglas whispered, though Claude could tell the former bandit was doing his best to not laugh. "They're sucking on the juices now."

"Is it fatal?" Claude asked.

"Given a week, yes," Douglas was no longer at risk of laughing. "But for the short term, they're going to be very sick. It's not going to be a pretty scene."

"You think we can grab them?" Claude asked.

Douglas said nothing, but nodded as he pulled out a dagger. "Give it time."

Byleth winced as he climbed to his feet, the world around him turning in circles as he stumbled, almost falling again in the process.

"Chatterbox," a distant, strained voice growled. "We're surrounded."

Byleth grimaced as he glanced around him, a dozen soldiers, mostly armed with spears, surrounded them. "Hapi, are you alright?"

"Fine," Hapi replied, a vicious axe in her hands. "I got out of it better than you did."

"Make way! Make way!" a voice shouted from beyond the circle of soldiers. "What in the world is going on?"

Byleth grimaced as he drew his sword, the sight of the infamous blade causing a murmur in the crowd around him.

"What in the hell is- Consort Byleth?" the other, more distant voice spluttered.

"That's me," Byleth muttered as he raised a hand in greeting at the shaky, fuzzy figure.

"Lower your weapons you imbeciles!" the voice barked. "That's the royal consort!"

Byleth grimaced as a nagging pain rose in his head, vaguely feeling a knee give out.

"Chatterbox!" Hapi gasped.

"Get him help!" the more distant voice shouted, followed with a cry of pain from a third voice.

Byleth groaned as he clutched at his head, his vision shaky before strong, slender hands caught him. But even before he could look up, his vision slipped into darkness.

"Vito," Spite greeted the lead phantom, the undead sorcerer bowing his head in recognition to the members of the Septet before him. "I see that the days have not been kind to you."

Vito bowed his head. "My Agastya, my great lords, I regret to inform you of our failure in battle."

"It will be avenged, have no doubt." Thales replied. "Myson, Chilon, inform the soldiers that we will set up camp here."

The hesitant phantom flickered as he glanced around the room. "My lords, what is it that you intend to do?"

"You'll see when the time comes," Spite replied as he glanced at the main convoy behind him shudder to a halt, the lines of marching men dissolving into their own cliques as the orders from Thales took effect.

"Chilon, oversee the camp." Thales ordered. "The rest of you, follow me."

"Where are we going?" a lesser sorcerer asked, the man's uniform identifying him as a member of Myson's battalion.

"The ritual we are conducting may be dangerous." Spite explained to the man. "We'll conduct it safely out of sight of the main group."

The lesser sorcerer glanced behind him. "Will it be dangerous?"

Spite chuckled. "No, but we will expect you men to watch over the ritual. You will codify this ritual for the generations to come."

"Bias, come with me, I want you to assist with the unloading of the crystal." Aranea called as she wagged a finger at Mortis.

"Should I follow?"

Spite glanced up at Narik, his hands clasped behind his back as he watched his charge step away from the command group.

"No," Spite replied. "Bias will not need you at this time."

Narik shrugged as he turned to his battalion, his gaze snapping a pair of soldiers back to attention before he turned back to Spite.

"Will we be needed?"

"No," Spite replied. "But only Bias herself has the authority to dismiss you."

A groan rose from the warband standing next to Narik, the men and women complaining despite the presence of two senior officers right next to them.

"I will… drop a few hints when the time is right," Spite sighed as Narik turned back on his squadron. "Do… keep your men in line until then."

"Lady Edelgard, there's movement up ahead." Hubert whispered as he rushed past the main group. "What are your orders?"

"Movement?" Edelgard whispered back, her eyes darting to Aymr.

"Infantry units," Hubert explained. "Marching north."

"In the same direction the professor went." Edelgard muttered.

"Edelgard?"Ingrid sounded worried. "What do we do?"

Edelgard closed her eyes for a moment as she looked into the campfire they had set up, her eyes boring into the flames as competing plans duelled in her head.

"Ignatz, how well do you know Daphnel territory?" Edelgard asked after a moment of silence. "In particular, main roads and ports."

"There's a small port to the north," Ignatz admitted. "Daphnel territory doesn't get much trade, so the roads are rather poorly maintained."

Edelgard nodded as she turned and observed the ranks of the Black Eagle Strike Force, her mind mentally eliminating names as she settled on the faces of her former classmates.

"Ignatz, Yuri, Petra, come with me." Edelgard ordered. "It will be best to advance quickly, off the beaten path. If possible, I would like the element of surprise if we need to engage in battle."

"And what about the rest of us?" Ingrid asked, her face worried.

Edelgard grimaced. "We don't have a clear idea of just how many troops are within this region. We cannot risk bringing along a large party-"

"Lady Edelgard-" Hubert interjected.

"Hubert!" Edelgard snapped, rising to her feet as she grabbed Aymr. "You will watch over this camp in my stead."

"I simply cannot!" Hubert shot back. "I live to serve you-"

"And my will is clear." Edelgard cut in. "You will see to the protection of this camp until we've made contact with friendly forces in the area."

"What if you get hurt?"Hubert pleaded with Edelgard.

Edelgard gritted her teeth as she turned her back to Hubert. "I gave you an order. You will follow it to the letter."

Hubert gritted his teeth. "I… understand, Lady Edelgard."

Edelgard let out a slow hiss as she gestured for Ignatz to lead the way, across the bridge.

Claude winced as the third man staggered to the river, his hands on his stomach as he heaved into the water.

Douglas brought a single finger to his lips as he shifted forward,his eyes on the only man who had the good fortune of avoiding the poisoned meal, the only soldier to remain upright, even as his peers whimpered on the ground.

"Boss-" one of the men on the ground groaned. "Help me- please!"

Claude glanced at Douglas as he raised his bow, ready to put the poisoned man down.

Douglas shook his head violently, his own bow lowered as he inched back from the tree line.

"Bastard poisoned his own people." Douglas whispered as he scooted next to Claude. "I see poisons left and right."

"Why would he do that?" Claude whispered.

Douglas shook his head before he glanced back at the scene, watching one man seize up and fall silent before turning back to Claude. "Might be trying to evade detection."

Claude grimaced as he tightened his grip on his bow. "Then let's-"

"No." Douglas hissed. "We wait. If we can understand how he managed to slip past so many imperial forces, we'll all be better for it."

Claude clenched his teeth as he watched the only unafflicted man rise from his post at the far edge of the camp, a dagger in hand.

"What is-" Claude whispered as the man slowed and knelt over the unmoving man, his lips moving silently as he plunged the dagger into the dead man's chest.

"He's going to kill every last one of them." Douglas observed, an arm holding Claude back from charging into the fray. "There's nothing we can do. The mission comes first."

Claude clenched his teeth as he relented, sliding back into the shadow of the trees as the dagger in the man's hand fell into another still body.

"Are we ready for the ritual to commence?" Thales turned to the assembled legion behind him.

A moment of silence followed as the lesser sorcerers at the edges of the room shifted, their eyes darting from the ranking members of the Septet to the lone Titanus unit present, standing vigil over the units of magi.

"Are there any objections?" Thales called. "This will be your last chance to step away."

A murmur rose up from the assembled battalions as Mortis exchanged a glance with Narik.

"Very well then," Thales raised a slender horn, his eyes examining the unholy relic before he brought it to his lips.

Mortis felt a slight shiver running down her spine as the horn sounded, the haunting note echoing against the dimly lit room.

For a second more, the call echoed against the walls of Zaharas, beckoning the dead forward.

And they rushed to the source of the call, whispering in gargled, inhuman tongues, both common and Agarthan alike, as they rushed through the haunted halls.

"Periander!" Thales bellowed over the din. "Now!"

Spite grimaced as two orbs of magic slipped from his fingers, tearing through the screaming throng of the undead.

A distant shriek echoed as a heavy, erratic beat pounded against the walls of the chamber, the screams of the phantom legion rising to a fever pitch as the lesser Agarthans fled the room.

Or rather, tried to, for the tunnels that led out of the room were sealed, the transparent barriers each a tapestry of death and horror as Agarthan phantoms pounded grey, lifeless hands against the arcane wards.

"Enough!" Thales shouted, his voice booming as the room fell into an unholy silence, and all eyes, both living and dead, turned to the sorcerer. "Scions of Agartha! You are here to serve!"

For a moment, the air remained silent except for terrified gasps.

"Lord Periander," Thales ordered. "Commence with the bloodletting."

Mortis exchanged a glance with Aranea as Spite removed a dark stone from his robes.

"Is that-" Mortis started, falling silent as Aranea raised a slender finger.

"Bias," Myson started as he stepped next to her. "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing," Bias replied.

"Is this your first time witnessing this ritual?" Myson continued, as if Mortis hadn't spoken.

Mortis paused for a moment before she nodded.

"Watch closely then," Myson said. "One day, you may be conducting this ritual yourself."

Mortis nodded as Spite raised his arms high, pausing for a moment before smashing something into the black stone.

"Edelgard, we've found the shipyard ahead." Yuri muttered.

Edelgard flinched as her eyes darted to the lilac-haired man, a look of surprise on his face.

"What guards are there?" Edelgard asked as she fully turned to Yuri.

"Six no weapons, two spear, four archers."

"Petra, is that all?" Edelgard asked. "What about the main roads?"

"I checked that," Yuri said. "A few archers, but not too many guards."

"Any sign of the Professor or Hapi?" Ignatz asked.

Yuri grimaced as he shook his head.

"No Professor." Petra confirmed, a frown on her face.

Edelgard clenched her teeth as she grabbed Aymr. "Then we go in."

"Quietly?" Yuri asked. "The path we took to the shipyards is rather dangerous."

Edelgard slammed Aymr into a rock in response, the dragon bone burying deep into the stone as she glared at Yuri.

"Alright alright." Yuri muttered, his hands raised in surrender. "We'll go by the main road."

"Edelgard?" Ignatz asked, backing away from the stone as he raised his hands. "Could we- could we call the others over?"

Edelgard paused before she tore Aymr from the rock. "Fine. Head back with Yuri."

"You sure?" Yuri asked. "I don't want for you to go in alone."

Edelgard clenched her teeth as a slow breath slipped from her gritted teeth. "And what if Byleth is hurt?"

"We'll need a healer then," Yuri argued. "Or at least the supplies we have in the convoy."

Edelgard grimaced as a breeze rustled the bushes around them, her eyes closing for a second before Aymr clattered to the ground. "Get the others."

"Righto-" Yuri said as he darted into the bush, eager to be away before Edelgard changed her mind again.

"Edelgard?" Ignatz asked as the pale haired woman turned to look at him.

"What is it now?" Edelgard asked, her tone flat as she ran a hand through her hair.

"I'm sorry that things had to come to this." Ignatz admitted as Edelgard pressed herself against a tree, sinking to the ground as Ignatz trailed off.

"It's not your fault." Edelgard said as she rested her arms on her knees. "Perhaps- perhaps we could have resolved all of this differently."

Ignatz took a deep breath. "Could I ask you something?"

Edelgard turned to Ignatz and raised an eyebrow. "You have my attention."

"Do you think we would ever run into… them again?"

"Mortis and Yurius," Edelgard narrowed her eyes. "Or… Adrasteia?"

"Well, both of them," Ignatz admitted.

"Thales is positioning his forces for war." Edelgard reasoned. "Almost certainly Adrasteia will be amongst his officers. Do you fear the day you will fight them?"

Ignatz shook his head. "I… I've known for years that Count Gloucester had killed Raphael's parents in the monster attack."

"And Adrasteia denied him the chance to seek revenge." Edelgard guessed.

Ignatz shook his head furiously. "No, it's not that. I…We've made our peace with Lorenz. I just wish that his father could give Raphael some kind of closure."

"I see," Edelgard said, her eyes closing for a second. "I'm sorry that you couldn't get that."

A yelp caused Edelgard to scramble to her feet, Aymr pointed at the thrashing form of… Hapi?

"Hapi! Hapi!" Petra cried from somewhere under the red-haired girl. "Get away!"

"Hapi?" Edelgard spluttered.

"What is that?" Mortis growled as she took a step back.

"A sample of pure Agarthan blood, fuelled by arcane might." Myson explained. "Look upon it. Is it not a beautiful sight?"

Mortis turned to the small lump on the ground and the pool of dark liquid expanding from the stone. "How much longer is that going to spread?"

"Quite a bit," Aranea replied, her skirts hiked up and her shoes in one hand. "Wish you bastards told me ahead of time just how much blood you intended to make."

Myson chuckled. "Always complaining about the small things, Pittacus?"

Aranea shook her head in disgust as she stepped behind Mortis, pulling the younger woman away from . "Leave Periander to his work, we won't be needed."

"Is that why you're dragging me off?" Mortis muttered as she reached a safe distance away from Myson.

"My brother has insisted that you stand away from him while this ritual is conducted." Aranea scoffed.

"Why?" Mortis asked.

"You'll see."

Linhardt blinked as he sat up, his eyes slowly adjusting to the dark, spacious room he was in.

"So you're awake now," the voice of Count Hevring murmured to his left.

Linhardt blinked as he turned to the tired face of his father.

"Hey… dad."

"Linhardt," Count Hevring had a neutral look on his face. "I see that you've had some strange sleeping habits."

"Sorry," Linhardt muttered, unwilling to meet his father's eyes. "It's been a long week."

"But for once, I understand why," Count Hevring's voice held something Linhardt hadn't heard in a lifetime. Pride?

"Tell me," Count Hevring continued. "What is Lysithea to you?"

Linhardt flinched at the mention of the tiny girl, his eyes darting to his father. "You know?"

"I've known for many, many years." Count Hevring replied. "He… he had mentioned that, before Lady Edelgard, he had succeeded once before, but at the cost of many lives."

"Adrasteia," Linhardt whispered.

"I've spoken to some of the guards here, the cooks, the maids. She cares for you, more than any simple friend."

Linhardt closed his eyes for a moment before he confessed. "I- I love her."

"Then I expect you to show her that love, not just today, but for the rest of your lives." Count Hevring continued, his voice firm. "Do that, and you will have my blessing."

Linhardt turned to his father in shock. "You approve?"

"She has seen all your imperfections and flaws," Count Hevring explained. "And yet she still wants to be with you, now and forever."

"What about the land?" Linhardt gasped. "For so long you've wanted me to take over."

"I have heard rumblings of what the emperor wishes to do with our territories." Count Hevring explained. "In a few years, there very well may not be any land to speak of. And even if there was still land, I believe that you will do greater things with her rather than with a territory you have never cared for."

Linhardt felt a tear slip down his face as Count Hevring rose to his feet.

"Take tomorrow off," Count Hevring said as he wiped away the single tear. "Show her, and me, what sort of life you intend to lead, and what light you will bring to her life."

"Hey Ferdie?"

Ferdinand glanced up at the mention of his name.

"I think Seteth is trying to tell us something."

Ferdinand blinked as he looked up, his eyes straining to find Seteth against the night sky.

"What do you think he's saying?" Dorothea asked.

"I don't know." Ferdinand muttered as the distant form of Seteth disappeared below the tree line.

"Is he alright?" Dorothea whispered as she watched the green-haired Nabatean disappear.

"Hold on," Ferdinand replied. "We're going after him."

"Right," Dorothea managed as Ferdinand gripped the reins, willing the horse to charge forward, past the bend. Right into Ashe.

"Ahh!" Ashe cried as he dove out of the way, narrowly avoiding being trampled as Ferdinand forced his horse to a halt.

"Ashe!" Dorothea cried as she climbed off the horse, her legs sore. "You alright?"

"Ah, Dorothea, Ferdinand," Ashe started, wiping away a lock of hair from his head. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you."

"We didn't hurt you or anything right?"

"No, no," Ashe replied. "I'm quite alright. Still, I'm quite surprised you're here. It's rather far from Myrddin. Did you ride all the way here?"

"We did," Ferdinand confirmed. "Has the ship set sail?"

Ashe shook his head as he turned to the distance. "The Professor tried to make contact with our people here, but we haven't heard anything from him for some time."

"He's alright… right?" Ferdinand cut in.

Ashe shook his head. "Edelgard went to look for him, but she hasn't returned either. Hubert's growing restless."

"I can see why," Ferdinand muttered. "Are you looking to leave soon?

"You'll have to ask Hubert that," Ashe said, hurrying along the road. "Did you two come alone?"

"We came with Seteth," Dorothea replied. "That's not an issue, is it?"

"I am aware of that," Hubert muttered as he stepped forward, greeting Dorothea and Ferdinand with a nod. "We'll be leaving in a few minutes if Lady Edelgard has yet to return."

"Hubert," Seteth muttered as he landed next to Hubert. "There are Imperial soldiers coming this way. I presume they are not under your command?"

"Imperials?" Ferdinand asked.

"Daphnel territory has a significant garrison," Hubert explained. "A force, that, for all intents and purposes, was not informed of our presence."

"And they're coming across the bridge." Felix growled, his sword drawn. "What do we do?"

Hubert growled as he turned on his heel. "I will… negotiate with them."

Felix grimaced as he sheathed his sword, taking a step back as two figures inched across the bridge, long shields held in a defensive posture.

"Hold it!" a voice shouted from behind the two advancing figures. "Stand down!"

Hubert exchanged a glance with Felix as a third man stepped past the two nervous infantrymen.

"Minister," the soldier greeted.

"Colonel Rav," Hubert greeted. "Why is it that you are here?"

The tall, pale soldier waved his men down before he spoke. "We received reports that there was a breach in security at the port. Considering how valuable this transport is, we could not risk it harm."

"Who is it that leads the Almyran fleet?" Hubert asked, his eyes dark. "Why is it that they deserve such… preferential treatment?"

"The previous leader of the Leicester Alliance was amongst the captives." Rav explained. "Despite his so called oath to stay away from Fodlan."

"So Claude has returned." Yuri muttered as he stepped past the two guards, one jumping as the lilac haired lord slipped past him. "Hubert, Edelgard wants you to move to her position."

Hubert nodded as he turned to the colonel. "Our professor attempted to make contact with your forces, but we have not seen him for some time. Could he be your security breach?"

Rav clenched his teeth before he nodded. "The men around the ships are on high alert, and they're rather tired."

"I did not ask for excuses." Hubert reminded the officer before him. "Now, lead us to the port."

"As you wish," Rav muttered as he gestured for his two guards to move.

"Where is Byleth?" Edelgard growled at the sheepish looking soldier before her.

"Chatterbox is on the ship," Hapi offered. "Eddy, are you alright?"

Edelgard gave Hapi a glare before she stormed up the plank leading to the ship, her cloak billowing behind her as Hapi and Ignatz shared a shrug.

"What happened to the Professor anyways?" Ignatz asked the man.

"They shot down Mr. Klow," Hapi replied, a pout on her lips.

"Mr. Klow?" Ignatz stammered.

"We fired on their mount as they tried to land." the sheepish officer explained. "The mount isn't in flying shape, but it should survive."

"But you still hurt Mr. Klow."

"And we're sorry for it." the sheepish officer sighed. "Just… please, forgive us."

"Is the Professor going to be alright?" Ignatz asked.

The man glanced up at the huddled form of Edelgard, on the distant ship. "I can't say for sure. Our medics have been working around the clock, but I'm not sure when he'll wake."

"Is Claude behind oranges?" Petra asked.

The man blinked. "Claude?"

"Was Claudester the one behind the oranges?" Hapi translated for Petra.

The man blinked again, turning to Ignatz. "I'm sorry?"

"We were told that a band of Almyran pirates led by a Khalid wanted the oranges." Ignatz explained. "Is that true?"

"The group wasn't led by this Khalid character, but yes." the man said. "The leader of the group is a former Alliance noblewoman-"

"Lady Tiana von Riegan?" Ignatz asked.

The man looked at Ignatz for a moment. "Are you-"

"Ah, sorry," Ignatz exclaimed, bowing to the man. "My name is Ignatz Victor."

"The Victor Trading Company?"

Ignatz nodded. "We did a great amount of business with House Riegan."

"Ignatz?" Petra asked. "Is Tiana Claude's mother?"

"She is," Ignatz said. "My father did a considerable amount of business with her back in the day."

"And we will do more business with her in the coming weeks." Hubert cut in as he marched up to the unfortunate officer. "After all, we'll be meeting her face to face."

"Poor bastards." Claude muttered as he stepped over the corpse of the last dead man, taking a knee to close the sightless eyes of the poison victim.

"Just one left." Douglas shook his head. "Just one left."

"I suppose we'll find out what his plan after all this time was," Claude said as he stretched his arms. "And we'll put an end to it."

"Remember, we'll need to take him alive." Douglas reminded the younger man. "Though taking a suicidal man alive is easier said than done."

"What makes you say that?" Claude asked.

"He didn't take even the edible berries his men gathered," Douglas replied, pointing to a large, filled sack. "That could have lasted him for at least another day."

"What the hell was he thinking?" Claude muttered as he picked up a berry from the sack.

"You can't reason with a madman," Douglas scoffed. "Now, come on, let's not lose his trail."

"My Agastya," Spite murmured as he stepped back, sloshing through the several inches of foul blood as he turned to Thales. "My role here is complete."

"As it should be," Thales said, his eyes on the faceless legion around him. "Sons of Agartha, I call upon you to serve, to avenge our forefathers, and to give light to those of us who follow!"

For a moment the ghostly forms of the undead flickered as Thales stood, orbs of power growing in his hands as he turned to the towering Titanus unit.

"For Agartha!" Thales roared.

"For Agartha!" The crowd roared back.

Mortis grimaced as Spite sloshed through the lake of blood, his face emotionless as the lesser magi and undead spirits began to chant.

"For Agartha!" the voices chanted, echoing and disjointed.

When Spite finally stood next to Mortis, the chant had become synchronized, a hundred deafening voices chanting as one, the droning chant unmistakable as the orbs of power channelled by Thales grew in size and power.

And then the room was drowned in a blinding white.

"Lady Edelgard," Hubert whispered as he placed his cloak over Edelgard's shoulders, moving softly to not wake her.

"She's sleeping," Yuri observed from behind Hubert.

Hubert clenched his teeth as he glared at Yuri. "Don't be so loud."

"Could I take you aside before we meet Claude?" Yuri asked. "You know, since we'll be seeing him for the first time since Derdriu."

Hubert grimaced as he rose to his feet. "Tell me what you are planning then."

Byleth blinked as the world around him became clear again.

Somewhere, far to the distance, a bird called as the sky above was a kaleidoscope of bright pinks and oranges.

And yet even the sky paled when he found Edelgard hovering over him, her features claimed by a deep, peaceful sleep.

He lay on the ship for a while, his head nestled between Edelgard's legs and stomach, the world around him charmed by distant waves and Edelgard's own gentle breaths.

Byleth paused as he shifted his free arm, shielded from the elements by Edelgard's cape, feeling a slight smile come over his features as he leaned into Edelgard, watching her sleeping face as he rested.

He wasn't sure how long it took before Edelgard began to shift. A minute? An hour?

It didn't matter, for Edelgard's eyelids cracked open, the violet orbs hiding within revealing a moment of surprise before turning into a bright, unhidden joy.

"Good morning," Byleth whispered.

"Good morning," Edelgard whispered back as she shifted on the ship they were on. "Did you sleep well?"

Byleth smiled. "I did, all thanks to you."

A slight sigh of relief escaped Edelgard as she shook her head. "That's the last time I'm letting you fly alone."

"You know, if we master flying, we could get some… alone time," Byleth suggested, lightening the mood. "You know, away from Hubert."

Edelgard giggled at the suggestion. "I like that idea. Just a free afternoon-"

"Or an early morning," Byleth whispered. "Like today."

Edelgard blinked as she glanced up, falling silent as they explored the brightening sky.

"I think that's a wonderful idea," Edelgard whispered at last, her eyes falling back to Byleth.

"Am I getting anything for it?" Byleth teased.

Pink tinted Edelgard's cheeks as she leaned down, sharing a kiss in the early morning light.

"Are we moving?" Byleth asked as Edelgard retreated, her face turning into a painful wince as she shifted below him.

"Professor?" Edelgard's voice was strained when Byleth looked up at her, noting how her face had flushed even darker.

"El?" Byleth whispered as he brought his face close to hers, his tongue poking out to explore the sensitive spots of her neck. "Are you alright?"

Edelgard let out a loose, awkward laugh as she averted her eyes. "I- I can't feel my legs."

"Is it because of… me?" Byleth asked as he inched higher, past Edelgard's chin.

"No!" Edelgard protested. "Please, don't blame yourself. Maybe I should have-"

Byleth pressed his lips against Edelgard as a squeak escaped her, her train of thought derailed by blissful joy as she leaned against the bulwark behind her, content to enjoy the moment.

"Are you going to be able to walk?" Byleth asked as he slowly climbed up, a smile on his face as he met Edelgard, eye to eye.

"I can try," Edelgard whispered as she raised a hand, her legs shaky as Byleth pulled her to her feet, only for her legs to give out a moment later.

Byleth was quick as Edelgard fell, his spare arm brought against Edelgard's waist as he gave her a look of disapproval. "Clearly you can't walk on your own for now."

"Sorry," Edelgard managed as she shifted her gaze to the deck below them.

It was a mistake, as she missed the gleam in Byleth's eyes, the only warning she had before Byleth caught her, sweeping her off her feet as he raised an arm to better hold on to Edelgard's back.

"Professor!" Edelgard yelped, her face as red as her cloak as she tried to squirm out of Byleth's arms. "I'm fine now!"

"Are you really?" Byleth whispered as he turned to a set of stairs leading to the belly of the ship. "Are you able to walk on your own now?"

"Yes!" Edelgard yelped, her legs kicking uselessly as Byleth moved to the first stair. "I can walk!"

"But do you want to?" Byleth whispered, a victorious smile on his lips as Edelgard hesitated.

Edelgard sighed as she resigned herself to defeat, inching back into Byleth even as a smile lit up her features. "You know the answer to that."

"Narik," Spite murmured as he stepped behind the bald man. "I have some words with you."

"Figured as much," Narik replied. "Which one of the two are you asking me to watch out for?"

Spite clenched his teeth, his eyes moving to watch the sleeping soldiers of Narik's battalion. "Mortis is capable of handing herself, but I still want you to… advise her when it comes to the political side of things."

"Is she not your protege?" Narik asked, his arms crossed. "Was it not your role to teach her those things?"

"I intended for her to take my role upon my death, many decades after this mess had been sorted." Spite replied. "But as you know, even the best laid plans can be foiled."

"So it is," Narik replied. "But what of your sister? Your flesh and blood?"

"It was not my intention to bring her back again," Spite shot back. "You know this."

"Why not?" Narik asked. "And do not lie to me about you not caring for her."

"Because she is no longer my sister," Spite replied. "I encountered her in the tunnels twice before. She could no longer recognize me. Nor Aranea, nor Mortis."

Narik glanced around the room. "And what is it that you intend for me to do?"

"Dump her in a covenant somewhere." Spite said. "I don't want her fighting this war, not after what happened with Solon last time."

"And what do I get out of this?" Narik asked, his tone neutral as Spite raised an irritated eyebrow. "You ask for much."

"Name your price." Spite replied.

"The location of the vaults. All twelve of them." Narik narrowed his eyes as he paused. "Good morning, Lady Bias."

"Spite?" Mortis asked as the older man turned around.

"Good morning to you," Spite replied, his eyes shifting as he turned back to Narik. "Fair enough. Come speak to me after."

"What are you going on about?" Mortis muttered as she narrowed her eyes at Narik. "What's going on?"

Narik frowned as he looked at the woman next to Mortis. "He's worried for his sister."

Mortis turned to look upon the unmoving form of Kronya as Spite marched away, pain flashing across her face as she sighed. "Let's get this over with then."

AN: Sorry for the late chapter. Lost motivation to write for a bit. Back now. Another factor to the slow chapter was that I changed the Edeleth scene after finishing it initially.(Because Edelgard's birthday was 2 days ago).

Read, Review, Follow, etc.

Next arc: Carpe Noctem.

Next chapter:

Black Winds, Red Blood- Mortis.

Arrivals- Linhardt.

Departures- Claude.

A Stench in the Wind- Seteth.

The Veil Falters- ?

Next Tuesday: Seven Years chapter 3.