Rigged from the Start

Interlude XI

The Trumpets of War

Lucina

Anger. I felt that first. As the cart jostled beneath me, I pulled me knees closer to my chest, keeping to my corner near the front of the cart.

Pain flashed through me next as Anna's cart hit a hard bump in the road, rattling my body, and causing me to bump against Kjelle's armor with my broken arm. I hissed, tears burning my eyes. Blood seeped through the sleeve of my shirt. I still hadn't put it in a sling. Medical attention could wait though. Anna was driving her cart hard to escape the carnage enveloping Charlet. We did not have time to stop and dress wounds as minor as mine.

Disbelief flooded me when the pain subsided. My eyes flicked around to the others sharing the cramped cart with me. Kjelle had a blank expression on her face as she sat across from me, Inigo's head in her lap, fingers gently rubbing circles into the side of his head as he slept. Dried blood crusted the gash over his brow. Droplets still pelted the floorboards of the cart from his bloody shoulder. Virion and Cherche did their best to dress the wound, but it still wasn't pretty.

Virion sat beside Kjelle, awake, but exhausted. Heavy bags sat under his eyes as his head rested against Cherche's shoulder. He fiddled with his fingers in his lap, trying to keep his mind busy and off of the terrible events that occurred only a few hours ago in his old home. Cherche did her best to soothe him, running a hand through his long hair as she rested her head against his. Both looked defeated.

Say'ri was silent as the grave. Wolfberg sat across her lap, gemstone gleaming within the steel. Her eyes were closed. I was not sure if she was resting, or sleeping, but I chose not to bother her. She just lost her brother. Despite the animosity she had towards him, she was grieving, and she would grieve further when she learned the truth about him. I still had to find the words to tell her Yen'fay's true plight. The silence filling the cart right now was a boon, and it would allow me to think of the right thing to say.

However, I could not think straight. Not right now. My gaze trembled to the last two people occupying the cart. Samwise- or, I should say, Samuel- rested against Morgan's back. He shivered as he slept, murmuring and jerking to and fro. A thin sheen of sweat covered his face. His breathing was labored. The back of his jerkin was scorched and tattered. I could see charred skin through the ruins of it, but I did not have the capacity to heal him, magically or mentally. Not after what I saw him do.

I hissed again when the cart jerked to a stop atop a tall hill overlooking Charlet. Strong winds caused dust to kick up around the cart. Tiki landed behind us, her draconic form disappearing with a shimmer.

She staggered towards the cart. Up front, Anna hopped off. I winced as I got to my feet and stepped over the others, moving to the rear and jumping out as well.

Anna caught Tiki as she slumped forward, exhausted.

"Whoa there," Anna breathed. "Overdid it?"

"A little bit," Tiki gasped, her eyes drooping. She uttered a long yawn then looked at me. "The others?"

I swallowed. "Alive." That's all I could really say for them.

Tiki nodded. "Good," She slurred. "That's good."

"Alright," Anna hooked one of Tiki's arms around her shoulder. She looked at the back of the cart, frowned, and shook her head. "Ruffles, Cherche, Say'ri, make yourselves useful and help set up camp."

"We should keep moving," Say'ri protested from the cart, her eyes still closed. "Chon'sin will be safer than here."

"Yeah," Anna snorted. "Except we'll have to pass by my Mom's place again, which will take a lot of time and energy, neither of which we have right now. One of those we can at least recover. So, quit arguing, and help out a little. I don't have room for Tiki in the back right now anyway."

"Right away, Miss Anna," Cherche breathed, stepping out of the cart with Virion.

Both paused when they stepped out, looking past me to Charlet. I turned around and followed their gaze. My breath caught in my throat.

Charlet burned. Screams soared into the twilight sky. Black smoke choked the air over the city, hanging like a fell fog above the rooftops. My throat tightened as I watched flames soar higher. The army beyond the city gates was in a state of panic. They were fighting still, but not for long. The Conqueror was dead, and Grima stood within their midst.

It was an all too familiar scene.

I tore my eyes from the horror and cast my gaze to the dirt, my throat tightening. I fought back some tears, sniffling hard as I kicked a pebble on the dirt road.

"Lucina," Anna called to me. "Can you help at all?"

I glanced at my broken arm, drew in a deep breath, then nodded. "What do you need?"

"For one, let Cherche put that arm in a sling. Next, you can get some twigs for a fire."

"Are you sure a fire is wise?" Virion asked.

"Inigo is still bleeding," Anna pointed out. "I'm no healer. I may be able to use a staff in an emergency, but seeing as I don't have one, it's going to have to be fixed the old-fashioned way. Potions and cauterizing."

Virion paled, but he did not protest. Meanwhile, Cherche grabbed some fabric from what few supplies Anna still had in her cart and fashioned a sling for my arm. I grimaced, wincing at the uncomfortable sensation of my sword arm being helpless and limp. But, this was better than the break getting worse.

An icy wind swept over the hilltop, making me shiver.

"Reason number two for a fire," Anna snorted, shaking her head as she looked back at Charlet. I saw her throat bob. "Damn…" Her red eyes turned to me. "That's what we're up against, huh?"

I gave her a grim nod. She shook her head, adjusted Tiki over her shoulders, then dragged her towards the cart. "Give me a second. I'll grab the camping supplies and make some food."

"I'm not hungry," I muttered.

Anna paused next to me. "You might not be, but I know I am. Also, you should be. Food's gonna help more than hurt you right now."

I did not reply. My appetite was nonexistent. How could I have one after what happened? Were we successful in our mission? In a way, yes. We recovered Vert. Only one other gemstone remained out of our grasp now. But, what I witnessed during the mission made my blood go cold.

Robin is Grima… My chest tightened and tears filled my eyes.

It had been some time since I thought about him: Uncle Robin. He died alongside my father when the war first began, or so I thought. I remembered him being a quiet man, with a sharp mind and an even sharper wit. He wasn't the friendliest of our parents, preferring to keep to himself rather than mingle with the other Shepherds. But, he adored his family. He loved Lady Cordelia, Severa, and Morgan most of all.

Yet, he was Grima. I sucked in a shaky breath.

My father's best friend killed him.

"Lucy?"

I froze where I stood. Morgan was awake. My mouth felt dry as I looked over my shoulder at her. She stood beside the cart, hands shoved in her coat pockets, eyes downcast. Her dark hair shadowed her face, and her mouth sat in a thin line. A second later, her chin quivered.

"D-Do you think all of that was real?"

I swallowed hard. What was I supposed to say? I know what my eyes saw. I know what my ears heard. But, I did not know what to do about any of it.

"Is it all true?" Morgan whimpered.

A pang of sympathy shot through me. I tried my best to quell it. After all, if what Grima said was true, then one of the most dangerous creatures I could possibly face stood behind me, on the verge of tears. Yet, I could not find it in me to be angry with Morgan. I couldn't blame her, and I certainly couldn't chastise her. Of all the people in that Palace earlier, she was the one most affected.

"Morgan, I'm so sorry," I breathed.

Morgan hiccupped as she fought tears. "W-Wow," she gulped. "I-I mean, then that means I really died at some point, huh?" My mind drifted back to Breakneck Pass as she continued to reel. "None of you could've bothered to mention that?"

I stepped towards her. "Morgan, we- we were simply overjoyed to see you with us. None of us thought-"

Morgan sniffled hard. "It's okay, y'know. It's-um-it's not like it's your fault, right? I mean, what could you all do? Your dead friend came back to life. Why question it, right? Even if questioning it meant we would've figured out what I am."

"Morgan," I placed a hand on her shoulder. She raised her head to look at me for the first time. At that moment, I didn't see an enemy. I could never see her as an enemy. After all, despite Grima's declaration, she still fought him. She still threw everything she had at that monster. "You are my friend. You are a Shepherd. That will never change."

"Even if I'm a monster?"

I shook my head. "You're not a monster. You are who you are, and you should never be ashamed of it."

Morgan sniffed, tears brimming in her eyes. Before I could do anything, she threw her arms around me. Her tears stained my tunic as she hugged me tight.

"Thank you, Lucy," She breathed, shaking as I returned her embrace.

I uttered a soft sigh. I have no idea where any of that came from, but it felt right. As I held her, I looked up. My heart turned to stone. Samuel was awake.

"Do you mind gathering firewood for Anna," I said, my voice shaking with barely contained anger. "I need to discuss some things with Sam."

Morgan blinked. She used her coat sleeve to wipe her eyes, stepped back, then glanced back at Sam. Sam winced as he sat up. He briefly locked eyes with Morgan, worry, and anxiety fading to relief when he saw her. Then, he saw me, and all of that relief vanished, morphing into weary acceptance. He closed his eyes, exhaled, and nodded. He knew what was coming.

"Lucy," Morgan said as I moved around her. She snagged my hand. "Don't hurt him."

"Morgan-"

"Severa won't forgive you if you do."

I clenched my jaw. Morgan wasn't wrong there. But Severa was not here, and I had to approach this as a leader, not as a friend.

Her hand slipped from my wrist, allowing me to go to the cart. Without a word, Morgan left me alone with Sam.

Sam propped himself up against the side of the cart. Pain flashed over his face as his charred back scrapped against the wooden railing and canvass side. He groaned, squeezed his eyes shut, then opened them. A modicum of respect filled me. He wasn't trying to hide or run. He was facing me. Good.

"You knew," I snarled.

Sam exhaled. "I knew."

"You said nothing."

"I said nothing."

My fist snapped out and tagged his jaw. A sharp pop rang out, startling Kjelle where she sat.

"Lucina!" Kjelle exclaimed.

I pointed at her, and my voice shook with fury. "Stay out of it!"

I reached in with my good hand, grabbed Sam by the front of his shirt, and threw him back up against the side of the cart. His eyes rolled as he sat, dazed. One hand reached up and ran along his jaw, a bruise already forming where I hit him.

"Fuck, that's a punch," He said, wincing.

"How could you?" I hissed, glaring at him with an unblinking stare. "You knew who Grima was this entire time. You knew what happened to Morgan all along. Yet, you said nothing!? What gives you the right to keep that from me, from Severa-"

"Severa knows," Sam breathed.

My stomach dropped. All of my anger evaporated, replaced with stunned silence. I stepped back, chest rising and falling. It felt like Sam punched me in the gut.

Sam nodded, guilt and sadness entering his gaze. "She knows too. Grima told both of us the truth on Carrion Isle."

I shook my head. "Y-You- Why would she not say something? She knows how important it is we defeat Grima, so why would she- how did you convince her to say nothing!?"

"I didn't convince her," Sam growled, the first hit of aggression filling his voice as I shot that accusation at him. A dangerous gleam entered his eyes. I crossed a line. Good, maybe he would be honest now that I provoked him. "She came to that decision herself."

"Why!?"

"Because she feared what you would do," Sam snapped.

My heart tore. It felt like an arrow shot straight through my chest. I staggered where I stood, my posture stooping as I reeled.

"She doesn't trust me?" I breathed, my hand trembling at my side. "She-"

"She was afraid you would try to kill her father, Lucina."

I whipped my eyes back to Sam's. "I-I- would never-"

"You would," Sam wearily replied. This time, he wasn't angry. He was sad. "The stories I know about this world, they all have a point in them where you confront Robin. You ponder killing him, and in some instances, you try to, but Chrom stops you every time." He nodded as I stared at him in disbelief. "I never told Severa that, by the way. She figured you would do everything possible to destroy Grima, even if that meant killing her family."

"I-" I choked on whatever words were supposed to come next. With all of my heart, I wanted to deny what Sam said. I would never murder someone in cold blood like that. Never!

But, deep down, I felt a twinge of guilt. My eyes closed. Deep down, Sam was right. Severa was right. If I knew Robin was Grima, and I saw him before this conversation, I would have tried to kill him. I would have taken my chance to change the future and slay the Fell Dragon.

"What we saw in Charlet was the Grima we know from the future," Sam continued. "He followed us, as I said back in Ylisse."

"He hasn't just followed us," I muttered. "He's been studying us too. Watching our every move." Sam's eyes closed and he bowed his head. "Sam, how did he do all of that in Charlet?"

Sam shook his head. "I don't know. I vaguely remember him torturing me with those beetles when I was captured during the Plegian War, but those memories are broken. Like a bunch of glass shards from a stained-glass window. There's a picture there, but it's never going to be put back together." He scoffed, eyes drooping. He was fading. "Damn that lizard. He used me to learn everything about us. He knows our mission. He knows what we are trying to do."

I nodded. "He does."

Sam looked at me, struggling to stay awake. His throat bobbed. A tear dripped down his cheek. "Lucina, I'm so sorry."

My jaw tightened and my lips thinned. "Yeah? Well, it is a bit late for sorry now."

"Hey!" Anna marched around from the front of the cart, arms folded. "Sorry to interrupt your little meeting- trial- interrogation; whatever the fuck you want to call it. Last I checked, Samwise was doing everything in his power to help you and your mission. Last I checked, he didn't willingly become a pawn of the Fell Dragon." Some shame filled me when Anna pointed that out. "Lay off him. I'd say what he's been through is punishment enough."

I glanced at my feet. "Perhaps you have a point."

"Of course, I do," Anna remarked. She let out a long breath and glanced at Sam. He was asleep again. "Gonna have to work on him too. Damn!" She shook her head, hands moving to her hips. "Say'ri's not wrong. We'll be safer if we move south. Although, I'm not sure how safe Chon'sin will be."

"We need to get home," I pointed out.

"Well, no shit. But I see about-oh, I don't know- a million of those Risen things rising from the ground behind us! Charlet is the biggest port north of the Hoshido range, Princess. From it, Grima can control the entire coastline. Any pirate or smuggler worth their salt is going to see what's happening and beat feet as soon as they can. They're greedy, but they aren't brave."

A pit formed in my stomach. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying we're trapped," Anna said, a defeated breath leaving her. "We got that damned rock, but we have no way of getting it back across the sea. None that I can think of, at least." She moved to the cart and pulled out some of our cooking gear. "Our only chance right now is to try to move south as fast as possible. Maybe we can beat the Fell Dragon to Yato. If so, we might just be able to get off this patch of dirt."

"And if we can't?" I asked.

Anna shrugged. "You tell me. You're the one who lived under Grima's thumb before."

Fear lanced through my heart. We were trapped in Valm, with only one potential way out, and that was only if we made it back to Yato unimpeded, fast. We weren't going to be able to move swiftly with me, Inigo, and Sam injured. Add Tiki's exhaustion from her transformation, and that was yet another factor slowing us down.

I knew how fast Grima's hordes could move. I knew what we faced. We have no chance of reaching Yato first.

Naga help us.

Robin

Cool, silk sheets shifted around me. Sunlight slipped through a gap in the curtains, flickering into my eyes as I slowly woke up. A light groan left my lips as I sank my head further into my pillow, puffing out a long breath in the process. That breath blew some locks of red hair from my lips. When I realized that, a small smile formed on my face.

Cordelia slept beside me, wrapped tight in the sheets, my arm draped over her waist. I wasn't exactly sure when both of us realized this was the path we were heading down. It just naturally happened. One moment we were going on small dates as I did my best to comfort her after the disaster on Carrion Isle, and the next… well… here we were.

She let out a soft groan as she stirred beside me. I froze, unsure of what to do. Did I wake her up? Should I stay awake myself? Perhaps I should go back to sleep so that she could keep resting? She did have a hard day of training yesterday, after all. And, well, it's not like she got a head start on sleeping last night.

A harsh blush shot over my cheeks when she rolled over, half-lidding eyes looking at me as I propped myself up on my elbow.

"Good morning," She mumbled.

"Uh…" I blinked, and she chuckled.

"I guess that's what Sully means by me leaving men unable to form words," She tilted her head a bit, even as she rested it on her pillow. "Although, with how much time we've already spent together, I'd think you would have gotten used to me."

"You think?" I replied, mentally smacking myself almost immediately as she raised an eyebrow. "I-I mean, um, you are very pretty and it's kinda hard for me to not realize that every time I look at you."

A light blush shot over her cheeks, turning them pink. "I'm pretty?"

A small swell of confidence filled. "Beautiful."

"Oh really?" She replied, shifting a little closer and running a slender hand against my cheek.

"As gorgeous as a well-written tome."

By the Gods, Robin, you are a terrible romantic.

To my shock, Cordelia giggled. Her arms snaked around my neck as she pulled me in for a kiss, an action I did not resist. After such a tender moment, she smiled at me.

"I wonder when the others are going to find out?"

I raised an eyebrow. "I thought you wanted to keep this quiet?"

Cordelia shrugged. "Perhaps at first but…" She trailed off, red eyes flicking at the sheets a moment. "I don't know, Robin. I'll admit, I wasn't certain how this would all work out, but the more we are together, the more this feels right."

I swallowed hard. "That isn't the looming predestination of us supposedly having children in the future causing you to say that?"

She shook her head, smiling wide. "I don't think so." Her fingers ran through my hair as she nuzzled closer to me. "I think it's because you are a wonderful, kind man, Robin. Somehow, you've stolen my heart."

Warmth bloomed in my chest. My heart beat rapidly. I reached out and brushed my fingers along her cheek, a broad smile forming on my lips.

"That's good to hear."

Right as I leaned in for a kiss, the door to my chambers burst open.

"Robin!" Chrom cried, slamming the door behind him and pressing his back to it. "You've got to help me. Lissa found… a… frog…"

Chrom's eyes widened. He sucked in a sharp breath as he stared at me and Cordelia, immobile. I couldn't move either, too surprised to even think of what to do. Rarely does my brain grind to a halt like this, but when it does, strange things happen. Or, rather, I utter some of the most ridiculous things my mind can come up with.

"Is it a bullfrog?"

The door burst open again, bumping into Chrom and sending him stumbling further into my room. Lissa cheered as she charged in, a massive frog grasped in both of her hands. A maniacal cackle erupted from her when she reached Chrom and pried open the back of his shirt.

"I've got you... now?"

Lissa froze, eyes wide as she looked at us. Her cheeks turned red. Beside me, Cordelia sank a little further beneath the sheets, face burning with embarrassment. Meanwhile, I was a bit focused on the fat frog in her grasp. Judging from the size, it could absolutely be a bullfrog. But I could not tell from a glance. Miriel would know for certain.

Lissa blinked, uttered a sheepish laugh, then let go of the frog. The amphibian croaked and leaped away, rushing out the door and away from its potential fate as a prank prop.

"So," Lissa folded her hands behind her back, "uh, you two look comfortable?"

"Robin actually got laid?" Chrom muttered.

Armored footsteps rushed to the room. Frederick charged in, chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath.

"There you are, milord. I know you probably want to speak to Robin right now but that might… have to… wait?"

"Oh, by the gods," Cordelia mumbled, burying herself completely beneath the sheets.

"Could you all just- Naga," I ran a hand over my face, a frustrated sigh leaving my lips. "I'll meet you all outside in a couple of minutes."

"Is that all it takes?" Lissa asked without thinking.

"O-Of course Robin!" Chrom stammered, spinning Lissa around and pushing her to the door. "Come along, Frederick. Let's allow Robin and Cordelia to get ready."

Frederick nodded, still too stunned to form words. Silently, he turned and followed the royals out of the room, making sure to keep his head down as he walked.

"You two look cute!" Lissa called, as the knight shut the door behind him.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Cordelia popped her eyes up from beneath the sheets. Her face was as red as her hair as she darted her eyes to and fro, making sure we were alone again. When she was certain that was the case, she exhaled and emerged from the sheets, giving me a sheepish look and a nervous smile.

"That cat is out of the bag," She said, making me chuckle.

"Appears so."

"At least it wasn't Gaius?" Cordelia shrugged.

I swallowed hard. "Oh, we're going to hear it from him soon. I'm sure."

With that, I swung my legs from the bed and rose. Cordelia did the same. Quickly, I threw on some clothes. However, as I got dressed, I realized I was missing a very important article. I spun around, searching for my coat. I almost always hung it up on the coat hanger near my bed. For some reason, it was missing.

"Um, Cordelia, have you seen my-"

I turned around, and my jaw fell open. Cordelia wore my coat over her lithe form as she moved to the windows and drew back the curtains, allowing the morning sun to fill my room. Within the golden rays, she looked beyond radiant.

Perhaps her wearing my coat helped with that too.

"Hm?" She blinked.

"Um," I swallowed hard. "N-Nothing."

"Oh!" Cordelia jumped where she stood. "Your coat. Right, um, you don't mind, right? It's quite comfortable, and I seem to have misplaced my stuff at the moment."

I raised a hand, chuckling a little. My stomach twisted and my heart beat at an unsteady rhythm. I have no idea what Cordelia did to me but seeing her like this put a broad smile on my face.

"Don't worry about it," I replied as she returned my smile. "I'm going to go see what Chrom and Frederick want."

"And I'm going to find my stuff then get to work as well," She replied, moving across the room in search of her clothes. "I'll bring your coat to you as soon as I can."

"I'd appreciate that," I smiled as my hand touched the doorknob. "Um… see you soon?"

"Absolutely."

With that, I stepped out of the room. The door shut behind me with a soft click. For a second, I hesitated, letting my head fall back against the door with a quiet thud.

My heart refused to stop racing in my chest. Could something be wrong with me? Or, was Cordelia having that much of an effect on my usually composed demeanor? Either way, I would have to address it. The latter would be addressed differently than the former, because if it was Cordelia causing my heart to race, my lips to smile, and giving me a skip to my step, then I may take no action at all.

I kind of like feeling like this.

The sound of Chrom clearing his throat made me jump. He stood a few feet away from my door with Frederick and Lissa, an amused look on his face.

"So, Robin, you and Cordelia are finally getting serious?"

"About time!" Lissa crowed.

"And as much as I wish to congratulate both of you as well," Frederick continued, taking a deep breath. Seems he finally calmed himself after rushing into my room in a state of almost panic, "there is an urgent matter we must attend to."

"As urgent as this?" Chrom asked. He wrapped an arm tight around my shoulder. "Our good friend is romantically involved with another close friend of ours. I'd say this is cause for immediate celebration."

"It would be if Miss Severa Daraen was not standing in the courtyard," Frederick replied.

Chrom's eyes widened, as did my own. My heart screeched to a stop in my chest. All of the air was sucked from my lungs as I struggled to process what Frederick said. Carefully, I stepped towards the knight, looking up at him as I moved.

"Severa is here?" I breathed.

"She is," Frederick nodded. "She is not alone either. There is a gaggle of her companions with her; all of whom claim to be from the future. They say they are part of the same group as her and Marth."

I reeled. Whatever Frederick said next, I did not hear. I stepped away from Chrom's embrace and pushed my way past Lissa. Each step made me feel lighter than air as I moved. I was almost flying with how fast I rushed from my chambers, down the stairs, through the empty great hall, and out to the Palace's main courtyard.

My hands shoved the palace doors open before the guards could swing them open. I stepped into the morning sunlight, the rays blinding me for a moment, causing me to raise a hand to shield my eyes. As I blinked sunlight from my eyes, I spotted red hair standing in front of the Palace doors, at the base of the stairs, waiting.

Severa looked a little worse for wear. Her hair was frayed from days of travel. She did not wear the armor and tunic I saw her in before, instead opting for warmer attire, which meant she traveled south from Regna Ferox. The sword on her hip was not the same blade she had before either. However, despite her change in appearance, her grumpy demeanor remained. Her arms were folded over her chest. A frown rested on her pale lips. She rolled her eyes then glanced back at the motley crew behind her.

And a motley group they were. A loud, boisterous Pegasus knight with shining armor and blue hair tied up in pigtails hopped happily beside Owain as they chatted with Yarne. Brady and Noire stood near Nah. Behind all of them stood a man in dark armor wearing a mask, seemingly sheltering himself behind a large Wyvern. Last of all, I spotted a dog panting as it sat beside Cynthia, smiling.

I didn't pay attention to what any of them were discussing. Instead, I descended the steps and moved to Severa. I must have taken her off guard, because she flinched when I reached her, recoiling at my very presence.

"Oh, um," I coughed into my arm, sniffed, then held out my gloved hand, "it is good to see you alive, Miss Severa."

Severa raised an eyebrow. There was so much hesitation and fear on her face. Why? Did I scare her? I hardly thought I was a threatening person.

Quietly, she took my hand. "Good to be alive," She mumbled before glancing past me to Chrom and Frederick.

Prince Chrom moved towards Severa, a broad smile on his lips. "I'll be damned!" He reached out and took her hand next, giving it a firm shake. "We feared the worst when Cordelia, Tharja, and Henry returned from Plegia."

"The worst almost happened." Was Severa's muted response.

I looked past her to the others, noticing a few important people absent. I knew Owain and Nah left with Marth for Valm. Something about finding help for our upcoming fight against the Fell Dragon. However, they were here, and Marth was not. I also noticed Virion and Samwise were not among the group. A pit formed in my gut.

"Virion and Samwise?" I asked, worry filling me.

Severa grimaced. "Elected to stay behind with Lu-Marth." I raised my brow at her quick correction. She was about to say a different name. What name though? I would have to ask her about that later. "Marth wanted me to lead the others back across the sea, both to protect them, and to give the Exalt a dire warning."

Chrom raised an eyebrow. "Dire warning?" He glanced at Frederick, who shrugged. A deep breath left Chrom's lips and he motioned for Severa to follow him. "Emmeryn shouldn't be busy right now. Robin?"

"Coming," I replied. I glanced at Frederick. "Do mind assisting them in getting settled?"

"I am not a butler, Robin," Frederick grunted. When I gave him a pleading look, he sighed. "I'm sure Lissa will be overjoyed to assist as well."

"You have my thanks, and I shall let you run me into the ground tomorrow morning in training."

"I do that anyways whenever you actually show up!" Frederick called after me as I raced after Severa and Chrom.

The palace doors groaned closed behind me. Severa and Chrom moved at a brisk pace, striding past the Exalt's throne and moving into the Palace's residential wing.

Every time I passed through the corridors in this section of the Palace, I had to keep myself from getting lost. The tapestries on the walls showed so much artistry and history; it was easy to lose track of time studying them. Add in the various sculptures and paintings dotting the walls, and this wing of the Palace may as well be a museum dedicated to Ylisse's grand past.

Exalt Emmeryn's chambers were on the top floor. As we reached the hall leading to there, I noticed her door crack open. Sumia stepped out, a small bundle in her arms. Severa screeched to a halt while Chrom kept walking, a broad smile spreading over his lips when he spotted Sumia and his newborn daughter, Lucina.

"How is she?" He asked Sumia.

Sumia beamed. "Our little Lucina reminds me a lot of you, actually. And just like you, Emmeryn has an uncanny ability to calm her down. It's adorable. "

Chrom chuckled. "Oh, I'm not that bad." Sumia gave him a knowing look and he gave her a sheepish smile. "Okay, sometimes I let my temper get the better of me."

"Not your temper, Chrom. Your passion, never forget that," Sumia corrected. She spotted me next and smiled. Then she saw Severa. Her eyes widened. "Oh Naga, Severa! Thank the gods you're alive!"

Severa gulped. "Yeah, thank the gawds…"

Sumia moved to her, a gentle smile on her lips. It was a smile that could disarm anyone, friend or foe, and it worked on Severa. However, not in the way I expected. Severa did not warm up to Sumia. She backed away, stepping back from the royal and her daughter. Sumia raised an eyebrow.

"Is everything alright?"

"Y-Yeah just," Severa feigned a harsh cough into a hand. "A bit of a chill. I'd rather not get the Princess sick."

Sumia blinked. "Oh? Is that so? Well, make sure to visit Lissa or Libra about that. I'm sure they would be happy to perform a check-up."

Severa waved her concern off. "Don't worry about it. Um, if you don't mind, I need to speak with the Exalt."

"Of course. Chrom, I'm going to put Lucina down for a nap."

"I'll find you a few minutes," Chrom replied, smiling at her. "We've got some things to discuss as well." He finished, winking in my direction.

"Oh, do we?" Sumia flicked her eyes back and forth between me and Chrom. "What are you boys up to?"

"Nothing!" I exclaimed, wheezing as my voice cracked. "Nothing important- er- nothing that- well you see-" I sighed and hung my head. As Cordelia said, the cat was out of the bag. "I'm sure Chrom will tell you later."

Sumia furrowed her brow, puzzled. "Very well. Don't delay, Chrom."

"I won't. I know lunch is soon."

"And I made fiddlehead and rhubarb pie~" Sumia sang as she moved past me and out of the corridor.

Chrom's mouth watered. "Naga, that woman knows me so well."

Severa cleared her throat. "Can we just get this over with?"

"Right," Chrom nodded.

He motioned for us to follow him into Emmeryn's chambers.

The Exalt's room had been remodeled since the attack by the Grimleal during the Plegian War. The entire space was reduced to a burnt husk, with nothing but cinders and splinters holding the walls up. After months of work, the project was completed, and it left Emmeryn with a grand space for her to work from when she wasn't meeting subjects or nobles.

The first room in her chambers was a large study that made me green with envy. Bookshelves lined the walls with titles ranging from the history of Ylisse to the politics of Ylisse's various noble houses, even simple novels to occupy long, lonely nights. A large desk sat at the center of the room, laden with documents for the Exalt to review and sign.

However, Emmeryn was not standing at the desk. She stood behind it, gazing out a large, bay window to Ylisstol's sprawling city center. Her head was bowed as her hands were folded in front of her. I couldn't help but think she looked both regal yet sad. A heavy breath left her lips.

"Chrom?" She said, knowing who entered her chambers without having to turn around. "Is everything alright? I thought you would be out in the yard training already?"

Chrom shook his head. "Not this morning. Something a bit more important came up."

Emmeryn tilted her head. "And what could be more-" She turned around, saw Severa, and uttered a small gasp. "Miss Severa, you're-"

"Alive? Yeah, I'm getting that a lot from everyone," Severa grunted, resting one hand on her hip. "Can we cut the pleasantries? There's not much time for them, and I'm not in the mood."

Emmeryn closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath as she drew upon her enormous well of patience. "Of course. But before you begin, let me say that it fills me with joy to see that you survived the disaster in Plegia."

Severa scoffed. "That's one way of putting it. And, unfortunately for us, a bigger disaster is on the way if we don't start being a bit proactive soon."

Chrom furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?"

I remained silent, preferring to listen and observe. It did no good to make unnecessary comments without receiving the full details about an unknown situation. That would be like formulating a strategy without taking in all of the necessary intelligence regarding the battlefield and the enemy. It would be premature and would only make a fool out of myself.

"What I mean is Valm is on the warpath," Severa said, voice filled with warning. "When the others and I were smuggled out, a massive Valmese army was preparing to load onto ships and set sail from Charlet, destined for Port Ferox." Emmeryn paled. Chrom frowned. "The goal of this army is to serve as a Vanguard, establishing a foothold for Walhart the Conqueror's main army to take advantage of."

"An invasion?" Emmeryn breathed, clearly rattled. "That's… no, I cannot accept such a thing. An action like that would be the height of strategic foolishness. Am I wrong, Robin?"

I hummed and rubbed my chin. Various scenarios and calculations ran through my mind. "How many ships?" I asked.

"Dozens," Severa answered. "All packed full. Several hundred soldiers per ship."

"So an army numbering in the thousands to tens of thousands?"

"At least," Severa nodded, causing Chrom to swallow hard and Emmeryn to blanch more. "I don't think I need to tell either of you how well prepared both Ylisse and Regna Ferox are for something like that."

"The simple answer is: we are not," I replied before either Chrom or Emmeryn could say a word. "Ylisse's army numbers a couple thousand at the most, and that's with the Pegasus Knights included. As for Regna Ferox, they may have more numbers, but they lack the discipline of an organized force."

"Easy pickings for the Conqueror's immense army," Severa nodded.

"There must be a way we can prevent this," Emmeryn breathed, leaning against her desk, blue eyes darting from one blank scrap of parchment to the next. "Perhaps I can send a letter to the Conqueror asking for a peace council?"

Severa scoffed. "I don't think someone named 'the Conqueror' is interested in peace, lady."

Emmeryn whipped her eyes to Severa. "And what would you have me do? Commit Ylisse to a war? To more carnage and bloodshed we do not need? No, I cannot ask my people to do such a thing."

"Emmeryn…" Chrom sighed.

"No, Chrom! There must be a way to sue for peace before blood is spilled. I believe, with all of my heart, that there are ways to solve these issues without violence and I intend to find them."

Severa shook her head, a deep frown forming on her lips. "Gawds, your delusional."

"Excuse me?" Emmeryn shot. Meanwhile, I gave Severa a surprised look. Where was she going with this?

Severa placed her hands on the desk and leaned towards Emmeryn, her red eyes giving her an unblinking glare. "You. Are. Delusional. If you think that a little letter asking for a peace summons will be listened to, much less even read, by the Conqueror, who are sorely mistaken. I was in Valm. I saw how he operates. He would see such a letter and scoff at it. That is weakness to him, and he does not respect weakness. Neither do his men. He will be far more likely to sit down with the Khans after a bloody campaign than to ever discuss peace terms with you right now."

Emmeryn's hands balled into fists on her desk. She met Severa's unwavering glare, not flinching, refusing to back down. Her lips thinned.

"There must be a way."

"Your grace," I said, stepping into the conversation. "May I speak freely to you?"

Emmeryn closed her eyes and sighed. "You always have permission to do so, Robin. Just as my brother and sister do."

"War is coming, whether we want it or not. This warlord, the Conqueror, cannot be negotiated with. We may desire peace, but we are not going to have it." I drew in a deep breath as I readied to say words that I knew would cut deep with Emmeryn, but needed to be said. "It is your duty to protect your people, Emmeryn. Sometimes, the way to do that is to fight."

Emmeryn's jaw clenched. Her blue eyes drifted away from me to Chrom. Chrom grimaced beneath her gaze.

"You know where I stand, Emmeryn," He said.

A heavy breath left the Exalt's lips. She sagged, dropping into her seat behind her desk. One hand shielded her eyes. At that moment, she was no longer regal, or calm, or patient. She was overburdened and stressed. The pressures of rebuilding a broken Halidom had been mounting for some time. Adding a war to that would only make everything more difficult.

"We can't just leave the Feroxi to fend for themselves," I pointed out. "Not after how much they helped us against Plegia."

Emmeryn nodded as her hand fell from her eyes. "And Plegia? Do you have any idea where they will stand in this war?"

Severa grimaced. "Samwise and I observed a Grimleal advising Walhart the Conqueror." Chrom paled and Emmeryn swallowed hard. "I think that's all that needs to be said."

"Damn them," Chrom growled. "They couldn't defeat us on their own, so they enlist an outside army to do the killing for them."

I furrowed my brow, puzzled. Why would Plegia ask Valm to invade Archanea? I shook my head.

"That makes no sense to me."

"It doesn't?" Chrom replied.

"No, because everything we know about Walhart the Conqueror tells me that he does not leave a job half-finished. If he means to conquer Archanea then he is going to conquer the entire continent, regardless of who he is allies or enemies with. We already know that King Reflet of Plegia guards his realm jealously. He will not surrender it, by any means." I drew in a breath. "I think we are dealing with a true outside force coming to subjugate us all. A tide that will not be stopped unless we move to stop it ourselves."

Chrom grimaced. "You make a fair point."

"How can we stop them?" Emmeryn muttered, despair filling her voice. "All of my work, everything I have done, has been to preserve peace. You are asking me to toss all of that aside, build an army, and sound the trumpets of war over the Halidom once again?"

I shook my head. "Exalt Emmeryn, you are not being asked to sound the trumpet, you are being demanded to."

Severa gave Emmeryn a grim nod. There was a haunted look in the redhead's eyes. She knew what was coming. She had seen the brutalities of war far too often in her young life, and it showed. We spoke of warfare, and whether or not we should even take up arms. To her, there was no question. If she were in charge, Ylisse would already have a standing army, ready to respond. She would take the fight to Valm.

She was of the same mind as me.

Emmeryn flicked her eyes down at her desk. Great reluctance filled her gaze. One trembling hand reached for a quill. She dipped it into an inkwell then began scrawling on a piece of parchment. Once she was done writing, she rolled it up, then sealed it with wax and her personal stamp.

"Gaurd!" She called.

One of her Pegasus Knights marched in. She held the letter out to them.

"Take this message to every city and noble house in the Halidom. Inform them that we have received intelligence that the Valmese Empire is about to invade the continent through Regna Ferox. We are honor and duty-bound to aid them in their defense of their homeland. They are to muster and train forces to lend to the Halidom in this time of need. Do you understand?"

"Yes, your grace!" The Gaurd saluted.

"Go, and may the grace of Naga be with you."

The Pegasus Knight rushed out with the message in hand. Once she was gone, Emmeryn rose from her desk and moved to the window again. Moments later, all of us spotted a Pegasus Knight race through the sky, heading west toward Themis, where Duchess Maribelle and Duke Donnel awaited the ill news.

"This is the right decision, Emm," Chrom said, trying his best to comfort his sister.

Emmeryn bowed her head. A teardrop glistened in the morning sun as it dripped from her eye, falling to the floor. She uttered a shaky breath as her hands folded tight behind her back.

"Chrom, I want you to start recruiting soldiers from the common people of Ylisstol personally. The Shepherds will be part of the group training this army we must build." She turned her bleary gaze to Severa, drawing in a deep breath as she fought back her tears. Somehow, she remained calm. A leader in the storm. At that moment, she was becoming the Exalt Ylisse needed. "Severa, of everyone involved in this, you have every right to step away. You have already been through much and-"

"Give me a unit to whip into shape," Severa growled. "Sam is still across the sea. I'll be damned if I step away now and abandon him."

Chrom smiled, appreciating her dedication and intensity. Emmeryn gave Severa a solemn nod.

"Report to Commander Phila. She will help you get organized."

Severa nodded, bowed, then spun on her heel and marched to the door. I wanted to follow her out and speak with her, but I found myself caught up in the planning that came next. Besides, judging by how quickly Severa exited the room, and how startled she was when she saw me, she was not interested in talking about what happened in Plegia and Valm. She wanted to get to work. It was best to let her do so then speak with her later, when she had time to recover and calm down.

"Robin," Emmeryn said, forcing my attention back to her. "If we are about to go to war, then I want to know what we might be facing. Gather as much intelligence about our enemy as you can. I want war games run with Frederick and Phila, and I will be present for them."

I raised an eyebrow. "War games?"

A disgusted sound left Emmeryn's lips. "I witnessed several when I was younger, back when my father sought to destroy Plegia through bloody conquest. It has been many years, but I recall how they work. I want to know what could happen. I will not send my people to die without knowing what they might be facing."

Admiration filled me. Yes, Emmeryn really was stepping up to the monumental task placed upon her. I gave her a small bow.

"As you command, your grace."

"Good," Emmeryn uttered a heavy breath. "Both of you are dismissed. I need some time to think and pray."

Chrom nodded. He stepped to Emmeryn, gave her a small rub on her shoulder, before turning to me and signaling for me to follow him out. Once outside of Emmeryn's chambers, the doors clicked shut. Briefly, I thought I heard soft sobbing coming from the other side of the door. I wanted to go inside and make sure the Exalt was okay, but I decided against it. Emmeryn needed a moment to herself, just like Severa. She needed to process this alone. The decisions she just made would weigh heavily on her for a long time, and it was not made lightly. I could not blame the Exalt for breaking down in private.

"Robin," Chrom began as we walked down the hall to the stairs, "be honest with me. What are our chances of having a standing army ready to fight in the next couple of weeks?"

I frowned and ran a hand along my chin, humming as I pondered. "That depends."

"Depends on what?"

"On how fast the Valmese get here. They must be close behind Severa. They may be slower because of their numbers, but they will be here soon all the same."

"And?" Chrom pressed.

"And?"

"I know you, Robin," He said as we moved swiftly down the stairs. "You're never considering just one possibility in that skull of yours."

I uttered a grim chuckle. "Well… it also depends on another factor, yes."

"That being?"

We reached the bottom floor and moved to the Palace exit. Outside, I saw the Pegasus Knights already forming. Severa must have found and informed Commander Phila of the situation faster than I thought. They were all already standing at attention in front of the short, blue-haired woman. Phila barked at them, informing them of the impending Valmese threat, and that their ranks were about to grow. Severa stood beside the Commander, as did Cordelia. When I saw both of them together, my steps faltered.

They were so much more alike than I thought.

"Robin?" Chrom tapped my shoulder. "What other factor?"

I blinked, shook my head, then looked past the walls, past the forming Pegasus Knights, to the large steeple belonging to the Naga's Grand Cathedral.

"How fast do you think Naga answers prayers?"

Severa

It was sunset, but that did not mean my work was going to end. A bitter chill hung in the air over Ylisstol, signaling the onset of winter. A poor time to begin a war. Food reserves were already strained. There would be less cotton and leather to form proper gambesons, tunics, and armor with. Fewer rations for the army as well. Walhart the Conqueror could not have picked a better time to launch his invasion. For at least several months, Ylisse and Regna Ferox would be on the back foot, struggling to fend off massive numbers with their meager forces while also trying to not blow through their food reserves.

Starvation could decimate any resistance. I knew that firsthand. Humans could withstand enormous odds if they felt like they had the strength to do so. When Grima first began his war in the future, I witnessed gargantuan force after gargantuan force exit Ylisstol and march to face his hordes. Reports of titanic battles, lasting days, or even weeks, would return. Tales of knights fighting gallantly to their deaths filled the ears of me and my friends.

Then the food began to run out. Farms burned. Rivers dried up, their banks and beds turned to ash by Grima and his horde. The drive died, and it became a fight for survival. I knew what desperation looked like, and I feared seeing it again.

That was why I trained so hard. The stronger I am, the more I can help those who need me. They didn't need to know that of course. Gawds only know how Owain or Inigo would react if they found out I actually cared.

My arms shuddered as I buried the edge of the training sword into the straw dummy in front of me. Puffs of straw poked out from the many holes and tears I put into the burlap covering. Despite the blunted edge, I still did damage. I swung my weapon like I was facing an actual opponent, an actual Risen. If there is one thing I learned through the years, it was to never half-ass training, and that included the amount of effort put into every swing of my blade.

With gritted teeth, I yanked my weapon free. Sweat dripped down my face. Strands of my red hair clung to my forehead and neck. My chest heaved up and down as my muscles burned. The workout distracted me. It helped me clear my mind.

I reached up and wiped some sweat from my eye with my sleeve. Slowly, I lowered my sword, giving my arm its first break in a while. As I drew in deep breaths, trying to replenish my body's energy, I spotted someone watching me from near the Shepherd's barracks.

That clarity I gained evaporated. Of course, she had to be watching me. She had been watching me ever since I got back to Ylisstol.

Gawds, why couldn't my mother take the hint that I wasn't interested in speaking with her?

And here she comes.

I rolled my eyes, set my gaze on the dummy again, and swung. My blade hissed through the air before biting deep into the dummy, edge kissing the wooden stake at the core.

"That was a strong swing," Cordelia said as she drew closer, staying a fair distance so I could continue my practice.

I grunted but said nothing in response. I didn't want to say anything. What could I say anyway? Hey, Mom, I'm alive and yes, you are indeed my mother. Surprise!

Gawds, I sound like Sam. A twinge of worry shot through me, causing my next strike to wobble and bounce off of the dummy's burlap head.

Cordelia winced beside me. "Are you tired at all?"

"I'm fine," I grunted, retaking my stance.

Truth be told, my muscles were beginning to burn more than normal. The cold was seeping in now too. Winters in Ylisse could be tough, but I was used to them. It would take a couple more weeks before the cold bit me to the bone.

It was going to be a cold night tonight, though, wasn't it?

"Do you want to join me indoors?" Cordelia asked, making my irritation rise. "Perhaps for a warm cup of tea?"

I snorted, shook my head, and readied to swing again. Before I could strike the dummy, my mother spoke again.

"Did I do something wrong?"

My swing missed the dummy entirely. I yelped as the momentum of my strike carried me forward, causing me to stumble against the target's burlap skin. A frustrated snarl tore from my lips.

"Gawds, can't you take a hint!?" I tossed my sword to the side, put my hands on my hips, and scowled at Cordelia. "Fine, let's talk. I don't need tea to do that."

Cordelia flinched at the venom in my voice. Good. Maybe that would finally get her to shove off. I didn't want to talk to her. I didn't want to talk to anyone. Even Owain figured that out after several attempts. My focus was solely on getting prepared to go back to Valm so we could find Sam and the others. Anything else was a distraction I could not afford.

I definitely could not afford to start getting sentimental with the woman who had no idea she was supposed to be my mother.

Cordelia's eyes flicked to the ground. She briefly tugged on her fingers, much like I did whenever I got nervous, before exhaling and raising her eyes to meet mine.

"I've been putting this off for a little while. Mostly out of fear, I think."

"Good to know I'm scary to you," I huffed, flicking one of my twintails back behind my shoulder.

"I didn't-" Cordelia ran a hand along her forehead. "I'm sorry, let's start this over."

"Oh gawds, it's going to be that kind of conversation?" I shook my head and folded my arms. "Well, let's hear it already?"

Cordelia gave me an offended look. "What did I ever do to you?"

"What did you do to me?" I scoffed. "Do you seriously need to ask that?"

"Yes, I do. Last I checked, we were comrades. Fellow Shepherds. I don't recall ever treating you badly."

"You've never treated me badly, you just-" I bit my lip right my rant was about to start. A shuddering breath exhaled from my lungs. Cordelia gave me a wide-eyed look.

"You really are my daughter, aren't you?"

My breath froze in my lungs. A lump formed in my throat. I tried to swallow it, but the more I tried, the larger it grew, to the point that my jaw felt tight. Involuntary tears brimmed in my eyes, which I quickly wiped away with the back of my hand.

"Severa, whatever I did to you, I'm sorry."

I uttered a harsh sound, averting my eyes from hers. I couldn't look her in the eye. Not now.

"Can you just talk to me?" Cordelia pleaded.

My gaze shifted to her. Tears burned in my eyes as anger swelled within me.

"You left," I growled, making her blink in shock.

"I-I was cast from my pegasus by that deadlord, Severa. You saw that. I did not leave you because I wanted to-"

"No, you left in the future!" I spat, making her freeze. I shook my head, all of the emotions I fought so hard to keep buried bursting to the surface in the form of rage trembling my voice and tears burning down my cheeks. "Dad died. Prince Chrom died. And you might as well have done the same after that first battle. You left my mom and came back a shell of her. But everyone still praised you. Cordelia Kindall Daraen, mighty Wing-Commander, perfect warrior, may I kiss the ground you trod upon?" I scoffed, my disdain and pain growing with each word. "I hated being compared to you, y'know? Not only because I could never hope to meet the standards you set, despite everyone expecting me to, but because I did not see someone worthy of those standards."

"Severa I-"

"You went off and died!" I screamed, jabbing a finger at her. Tears flowed down my face. I didn't fight them anymore. "You knew Morgan and I needed you, yet you still went and got yourself killed! You threw your life away for a hopeless cause, leaving me to take care of things by myself, just like I am doing with Sam and-"

My voice cut off. My chest heaved as sobs threatened to wrack my body. The lump in my throat shot further up. My chin quivered. I could barely make out my mother's form through the tears blurring my vision.

That's what happened, again. I moved forward with the mission without Sam, just like my mom did to me in the future. All because Lucina ordered it. We might've said we didn't like it, but I didn't exactly fight Lucina, did I? A dull ache squeezed my heart. My eyes closed and I bowed my head, shuddering as barely restrained sobs fought to break free.

That's when I felt arms wrap around me. Cordelia pulled me into a warm embrace. Within seconds, I broke. Uncontrollable sobs shuddered from my body as I clung tight to my mother, squeezing her with every fiber of my being, unwilling to let go.

"It's okay," My mother whispered, running a hand through my hair as she held me. "Let it all out."

"Y-You-" I buried my eyes into her shoulder. "You left me alone to take care of Morgan." I blubbered. "I was just thirteen. Thirteen! I had to tell her you died, just like Dad. I had to guide her through that hell we grew up in. Then-Then-Then I lost her too, and I just- Sam was there for me the entire way and now he's not. I don't know what to do."

I probably made no sense to my mother, but I didn't care. It all came out, in all of the ugliness that it needed to appear in. Yet, my mother did not stop me. She didn't scold me or chastise me. She just held me in a soothing embrace, allowing me to unleash all of my venom and rage one sob at a time.

"Why?" I finally croaked. "Why did you go like that? How could you send me away when I wanted to be by your side?"

Mom pulled back and held my shoulders with gentle hands. She gave me a sad smile. At that moment, I felt like I was thirteen years old all over again. I saw her as she was the last time I spoke to her in the future. She was more weathered then. There were lines on her face that did not exist now. Gray strands flecked her hair, something that would not appear for years. But those eyes; they held that same sadness and guilt which caused me to sob back then too.

"I'm sure I did it because I loved you," She replied. "Because… because that was probably the only way I thought we could defeat the Fell Dragon. No doubt you and Sam agreed to do what you've done for the same reason."

My eyes burned. I swallowed hard, the lump finally receding as I admitted a scary truth.

"I don't want to lose him too."

Cordelia put a hand to my cheek. "You won't. The Exalt has given the order to mobilize an army. Sam is also a Shepherd, and Prince Chrom would never abandon a Shepherd to a terrible fate. I will never leave a Shepherd to a terrible fate. I swear to you that, Severa."

I whimpered, then threw my arms around my mother again. She held me tight, one hand rubbing circles into my back. The sobs faded, but the tears remained.

"Now then," Mom drew back, a soft smile on her lips. "Do you want to join me and your father for tea?"

I blinked, glanced at the barracks' door, and saw Robin standing in the doorway, watching, his hands thrust in his coat pockets. For a split second, I didn't see my father. I saw him, the Fell Dragon. But, with my mother by my side, he did not appear as scary. In fact, he seemed like my father again.

"I-I would like that," I nodded, quickly brushing a tear from my eye. "Yeah."

Mom smiled. "Good," She took my hand in hers and walked with me toward the barracks. "I'm sure you have some fun stories to tell us."

I snorted, sniffled, and wiped my eyes again. I'll be damned if the others see me this messed up.

What sort of story could I even tell Mom and Dad? No doubt they'd ask about what I was like as a little kid. They'd probably have a million questions about Morgan, and about the other Shepherds and what life was like in the future, before Grima's rise. I would answer those questions the best I could. As for stories though, I could think of only one.

"Yeah, I've got a hell of a story to tell the both of you." We reached my father. I offered both of them a small smile. "It all began when I found some random guy running for his life from Risen, alongside a dog."

HO HO HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS! This is my present for all of you out there celebrating Christmas or whatever other holiday goes on (for all I know, ya'll are going all in on Festivus lol). Enjoy this behemoth of an interlude and have a great Holiday Season with whoever you're hanging out with!

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