So, we continue onwards.

Severa: That we do. Say, what's with the burst of inspiration? You've been doing this a lot recently.

Lucina: Not that we're complaining.

7: I just had a real big burst of ideas that led to this.

Severa: Well, don't forget your other stories! The casts for them get really bored just waiting around.

Lucina: Though we do appreciate the extra hands.

7: Lucina, stop thinking you guys sound ungrateful. It's fine, I don't have any further ideas after this chapter and the conclusion, so I'll take that time to run the others through their paces.

Severa: Then that means we get a break! To the beach!

*Runs off dragging Lucina along like always*

7: Oi! You still have scenes to help with, get back here!

*Runs after them, Robin taking the author's place*

Robin: Hello, I don't think I've had to do this before, but we'll go ahead and get on with the show. We hope you all enjoy.

*Bow*

Wolf's Dawn

Robin knew something was wrong the moment their pursuers vanished.

It wasn't an immediate change. Instead, over the last leg of their journey, the shadows that he knew to be enemy scouts had slowly disappeared. The last one vanished just as the estate they'd been slogging towards came into view.

Stahl sighed in relief at the sight. "Praise be to Naga, the place looks pristine. It's almost sunrise, too."

Cordelia groaned from behind them. "Let's just hope the regent doesn't mind early visitors. I don't know about you, but seeing clear field is euphoric."

Robin agreed, his concerns disappearing when the regent's home came into focus.

It was the house he'd seen in his memories, the one he'd seen when he'd first smelled cinnamon and heard Katarina speak. Why this house, of all in the world, would appear in his memories was a mystery he ached to solve, but their mission took precedence.

"Ok," Robin began, "let's get over to the front. I don't know if it's the best idea to just knock on the door, but the sooner we get in, the better."

Stahl spurred their horse without another word, Cordelia following their sedate pace gratefully. It had been a stressful few hours and to arrive uninjured and unchained was a victory in of itself.

Though, Cordelia was still alert enough to notice the distinct lack of guards or servants. Regency may have been a termporary title, but Cassius McCloud had been a prominent marquis from Grevis before Emmeryn chose him to oversee Felds. The previous duke of Felds had died and McCloud's uncle, the traitorous hierarch from Breakneck Pass, continued to act as an advisor to his nephew.

It gave the building a feeling of abandonment, as if no one had lived there for some time. The only signs of life were lights burning in a few of the windows on the second floor. Robin and Stahl had noted the same thing, and they all felt more than a little nervous.

Robin lowered himself from his spot behind Stahl, his limbs heavy. "Stahl, I'm going to take Cordelia in with me. I want you to see if this place has a stable and get these poor beasts fed and watered."

"Sounds good," Stahl replied as he scanned the trees they'd left behind. "Just be careful. I have a bad feeling in my gut and it's not that bear jerky."

Robin frowned, not speaking as Cordelia joined him and Stahl led the horses away.

"So," Cordelia broke the silence. "Shall we knock, at least? I'd prefer to spring the trap while I'm ready for it."

"If there's a trap," Robin countered. "The regent may not be unguarded willingly."

Cordelia nodded thoughtfully and walked up to the door, Robin following behind with a simple steel sword drawn. Mercurius had been left behind in Ferox, but Mjolnir stayed belted to his side for insurance if nothing else.

Cordelia rapped three times on the worn doors before moving aside and letting Robin take the lead. They could hear someone cursing, the sound muffled behind the doors which opened with a creak.

"What the hell d-"

Robin's blade flew to the speaker's throat, the elderly man in a fluffy robe stopping cold. "Is the regent in?"

The man glowered, apparently deciding Robin wasn't worth the trouble. "No, he's busy having a sword pointed at him by some curmudgeon in a tabard."

Robin lowered the sword sheepishly. "Oh… terribly sorry, sir, we feared there'd be a trap behind these doors."

The regent snorted. "Of course you would. The prince is in exile alongside his sister and the tactician he pulled out of thin air pops up at my door less than a week afterwards."

He looked to Cordelia. "And who's this, your bodyguard? Or maybe a personal wench?"

Cordelia growled, her grip tightening around the silver lance in her grip.

McCloud ignored this. "Ah, that's not it. Too much pride in her eyes to be that, must be a soldier."

He looked to Robin again and sighed. "Alright, come on in. Forgive the mess, I haven't had guests in weeks."

McCloud turned and strode into the house, Robin and Cordelia following cautiously. True to McCloud's words, much of the furniture had tarps lying over them and there was little light outside of the early sun's rays.

Only two chairs were uncovered, their upholstery faded. They were only large enough to fit one person each and McCloud had already taken one.

Robin, ever the gentleman, waved for Cordelia to sit. "Ladies first. Besides, I feel I'll be pacing a lot."

Cordelia rolled her eyes, affectionately slapping his shoulder before sitting down. Her face betrayed her relief and Robin knew he'd made the right call.

McCloud huffed. "I can guess your business. You wish to know why Felds and its forces have turned against the Exalted family."

Robin nodded. "Almost. We'd also like to know why the betrayal occurred when Felds sent troops to help Ylisstol against the Plegians and why you would allow such a thing to happen."

McCloud snorted, his wispy white hair swaying with the motion. "Sending the troops to Ylisstol was my last order as regent. After that, my guards were forced to surrender and I was 'persuaded' to hand power to a count by the name of Theodore. He owns a quarter of Felds lands, so he's got some sway here, but it's not the two-thirds that the duke oversees."

Cordelia's face scrunched at the count's name, a vague memory tugging at the back of her mind. "Can you describe the count?"

"Not sure what good it'll do," McCloud spat, "but I don't see why not. The count's not what you would call vain, but he's very used to getting his way. Helps he's got ok looks and isn't stupid, but damn if he can't take a hint."

Cordelia frowned deeper, the memory niggling at her at the edge of recollection. Robin took over while she thought on it. "If that's the case, then why not leave? Surely there are soldiers that are still loyal to the Exalt here."

McCloud scratched at his robe. "That's what I thought too. See, I was forced into cooperating when I was visiting Linde on business, and I knew that General Evelyn had sworn her loyalty to the Exalt personally. So, imagine my surprise when the woman was at the count's side when everything changed."

Robin shook his head. "Maybe she didn't appreciate the posting? Felds isn't all that prestigious if you don't mind me saying."

McCloud hacked a laugh. "I prefer my old ranch in Grevis, thanks. Too much flat land and wood here if you ask me, not enough hills and grazing ground. Besides, most of the people here are pretty down to earth, the count being an exception, and Evelyn's the same."

Cordelia snapped her fingers, the memory clawing its way back from the dead. "That's it! I met the count you're talking about a couple years ago when he was visiting Ylisstol at the same time I was. It was for the initial military training I'd signed up for before Phila found me, but I remember the count being very… amorous."

McCloud looked pleased with himself. "And there you have it. The count's long been desperate for a wife, but no sane woman would ever pair herself with him since he's an uncontrollable flirt. He's gotten pretty obsessed with someone the last few years though, only ever mumbling about an angel or something like that."

Robin and Cordelia exchanged stunned glances. It couldn't be, could it?

Cordelia cleared her throat. "So… did the count decide this on his own or was he meeting someone?"

McCloud sighed and reached for a table beside his chair, grabbing a pipe that looked worn and well cared for. After cleaning it and putting in new tobacco, he lit it after touching a thin red book. Puffing away, he stared in amusement at Robin and Cordelia's consternated faces. "Don't give me that. I was a mage before I retired, and I have plenty of practice."

His pipe fell to his leg, the hand holding it bouncing in rhythm with his leg. "Now, I do know that he was in talks with someone. Before I was deposed, one of the soldiers that was stationed in his lands gave me a report about a carriage coming and going from the count's estate a few times a month."

Robin jumped on the opportunity. "Did they have any identifying marks? A crest, heraldry, personal colors?"

McCloud broke into a fit, surprised by the enthusiasm. Once he'd calmed down, his answer was tired. "Draconis colors, but it was the general type you see on their forces. No crest on the carriage either, but it flew a banner with two lances crossed over a tree."

Robin didn't know that heraldry and when he looked to Cordelia her face belied her own confusion. "So, we have a symbol at least. Miriel can probably tell us, but we'd need to get out of Felds first."

McCloud sighed. "That's going to be a problem."

He pointed to a window, face grim. "Take a look outside. I'm rather surprised neither of you have heard it by now."

Robin sprinted to the window in question, glancing outside after pressing himself against the wall. "Damn it all."

The house was completely surrounded, soldiers, cavaliers, and knights forming a solid wall that stretched beyond Robin's line of sight.

He rounded on McCloud. "Did you give us up?"

McCloud shook his head. "No way I could. Besides, I like your gumption kid, and treason is something that I never once entertained. If you're here to get information to end this, then I've fulfilled my role, but getting out of here is going to take more than just gumption."

Robin growled and turned back to the window, Cordelia ran to the one next to him

"Robin!" She gasped. "They got Stahl!"

A foul oath spilled from Robin's lips, his eyes spying the emerald armor of his friend being led before the house. They were close enough that Robin could see several bruises marring his face, his armor brutally dented in several places.

Robin took a savage glee when he saw several covered stretchers being carried through the line. Stahl hadn't gone down without a fight.

One of the horsemen sallied forward once Stahl was forced to a stop. Based on his gold and blue plate and signature helmet, he was a paladin too. "Sir Robin and Dame Cordelia, you are to surrender peacefully and return with us to Linde! We do not wish you harm and I promise your safety on my honor and name, Branden das Felds!"

Robin and Cordelia held their positions, not wanting to give away their location.

The paladin outside shook his head, his voice calling forth again. "Again, I guarantee your safety! General Evelyn simply wishes to meet with you, there's no need for violence!"

Stahl's voice rang across the air. "Get out of here guys! These dastards ambushed me out back, they don't want to talk!"

The paladin looked down at Stahl before landing a solid kick to his back, sending him to the ground. Robin almost ripped out Mjolnir, prepared to burn the dastard to ashes, when Cordelia's arm caught his.

Robin turned and her eyes broke his heart. "Cordy?"

Cordelia shook her head, a sad smile on her face. "Robin… you, out of all of us, can't be captured. We have the information, but it only takes one to deliver a message. Please… go. See the instigator behind all of this heartache in chains. I know we'll see each other afterwards."

Robin choked on his words, even as the paladin called out again. "We shall give you five more minutes! Surrender or we'll storm the building!"

Robin felt his mind thrown into turmoil. He couldn't just abandon his friend or his love, but Cordelia's words made a cruel and icy part of his mind whisper that the truth was undeniable. If he wasn't there, then the Shepherds wouldn't have someone that could coordinate between the armies, Chrom would come roaring after them to get his best friend back, and everything they'd been building for after Emmeryn fell would be for naught.

Even still his heart cried against the choice. Stahl had just suffered a great personal loss and was willing to finally move past his perceived averageness while Cordelia had not only seen his heart but reciprocated in kind. To abandon them was a sin beyond redemption.

Cordelia's hand found his cheek, her lips pressing against his gently. "It's ok, Robin. You're not abandoning us, only going to put an end to this. We will be fine, and I won't be taken without a fight."

Robin returned the kiss desperately, his decision made. "I…I will. Please, don't do anything reckless. I would rather die than see you hurt, but I know you're right."

Cordelia kissed him again, her free hand squeezing his reassuringly. "I'll be fine, and so will Stahl. Please, just go."

Robin leaned his head against her forehead, recording the memory for posterity, before stepping away and letting go. "Regent, sir, is there any way to get out of this house undetected?"

McCloud scratched his chin. "With the time you have? Only for one and you'd need to hurry, but there's a passage the former tenant built into the cellar. Go down the hall here, through the third door on the right, and find the rack of wine casks that say 'Denaris' on them. Push those to the left and you'll find a door worked into the stone. You'll have to really push, but it leads off into the forest to the north."

Robin blinked, but took off for the door as directed, internally screaming.

Throwing the designated door open, Robin sprinted down the steps and set a torch alight with a blast of lightning. Well, the troch exploded and scorched the wall, but it provided the light he needed. Casting his gaze around desperately, Robin found the casks just in time to hear the sounds of breaking wood echo down the stairs followed by shouts and clashing metal.

Panic taking hold, Robin mustered all his strength and almost threw the casks aside before crashing through the false wall and taking off down the tunnel. Something rational in him realized that his desperation had left behind evidence of his flight, but a full helping of Mjolnir's might collapsed the tunnel behind him and afforded him an escape.

It felt like hours as he ran with all the strength his legs could give, not once slowing. Even as the tunnel began to slope upwards and reveal a set of stairs, Robin did not slow. Bursting into the forest, Robin continued his frenzied sprint as sunlight began to shine through the leaves.

I left them! I left them to be captured and there's nothing I can do! What kind of thrice damned tactician am I where I have to leave people so precious to me behind for the sake of information that may not even be important? What the hell am I doing?!

His mind replayed those thoughts over and over again, his feet carrying him through the brush until a large root tripped him.

Crashing to the ground, Robin gripped his leg in pain. There was no doubt he'd sprained it, but he needed to keep moving. The safety of his friend and his love depended on his ability to get away and damn it if this wasn't helping!

Grinding his teeth, Robin pushed himself to his feet and started limping as fast as he could. There were already the sounds of search parties behind him, the wonder of his enemies having horses where he did not.

No, no, they cannot catch me! I will blow off my own arm and bite my tongue in two before that happens! I will not betray the trust they showed me by screwing this up now!

Decided, he looked around until he found a sizeable hollow that had a few bushes concealing it. Scrambling into it, Robin huddled against the far corner after making sure the shrubs were back where they belonged.

Then, he waited.

The sound of hooves and boots came along minutes later. "Is there any sign he came this way?"

"No, his tracks end here."

"Look around, he may be hiding somewhere nearby!"

Metal and boots echoed through the air, Robin's breath halting every time the sounds grew loud. Then, just as Robin heard them contemplate leaving, a voice sounded very close to him. "Wait, there's a hollow over here!"

Robin grimaced in fear, Mjolnir shakily making its way into his hands. If he needed to fight, he would, but it would give away his position.

Please, please, just go away!

His plea was not answered as the shrubs began to shift, a metal encased grieve appearing at the entrance of the hollow.

Robin held his breath, ready to fight.

A helmet appeared at the entrance, eyes hidden by a shadow staring directly at Robin.

"…Nah, just a wolf den. There's some pups in the back."

"Then get the hell out of there! The last thing we need are a couple of mad wolves baring down on us!"

The helmet disappeared, but Robin didn't dare breath. Somehow, either through the man's loyalty to the Exalt or sheer luck, Robin had not been ratted out. But, instead of moving, Robin remained where he was until the sounds of boots and hooves had long faded into memories.

Finally, sighing in relief, Robin closed his eyes and allowed himself a moment's rest.

"Child, you cannot rest quite yet."

Robin's eyes snapped open, only to be met with two sets of eyes staring at him. One set was purple while the other was solid white, their owners a pair of wolves with yellow and blue fur.

Robin tried to wrap his head around the sight. "Who… who are you?"

The blue wolf tilted its head, the voice speaking again. "My name is Sköll, and this is my brother, Hati. We have been watching you ever since you entered this forest with such a stormy mind."

The yellow wolf growled, a deeper and more masculine voice breaking the air. "We come as messengers from our father, Fenrir. He has an offer for you."

Robin felt his mind stall, the information barely able to be processed. "Wait… Fenrir? As in… the High God of Lightning and Thunder? The one that Lissa and Miriel told me about during a break in training?"

Sköll gave a grin, all his teeth bared. "One in the same. He is… interested, in the conflict you feel. It reminds him of his own powers and his offer concerns your trials."

Hati scowled, his teeth bared openly as well. "The offer is simple. Our father offers power over Lightning and Thunder second only to him, in exchange, you attempt to overcome the storm that such power draws upon. Do so, and our father will grant power to you again should it be needed. If not…"

Sköll laughed, the sound like that of a jackal. "Father will take something precious to you as he rips the power away. We do not know the details, but your life will be forever changed, forever more difficult."

Robin took a long, deep breath. "I think I'm hallucinating from a combination of relief and nerves. Thank you, but I'm going to close my eyes and find that neither of you are real."

He did so, counting to ten just to be sure before opening them.

The wolves were still there.

Robin closed his eyes and counted to fifteen this time.

The wolves were still there.

This process repeated itself several times before Hati got annoyed and smacked Robin with his paw. If anything proved they were real, it was the jolt of pain from both the strike and the electricity within.

Robin took a deep breath. "Alright, fine, but what use have I for an old god's power? I have a mission to complete."

Sköll chuckled, snout twisting into a hideous grin. "Oh, it's quite simple. With this power, you can waltz into the prison holding your friends and not one thing will stand in your way. You can punish the one that started this mess in the first place, the one who disturbed this land's peace enough for our father to awaken."

Hati snarled. "You can go to your pack and prove yourself the alpha beyond doubt. You can show those that once remembered the bounty given to them by our father's shaping bolts what power is. But, more importantly, you can save the one who causes such turmoil in your breast."

Robin frowned. "I have no need to lead friends as a dominant male. Chrom is our leader, and damn if I will ever try and usurp him from his rightful place. To be a confidant, friend, and advisor are all I desire in life, aside from courting Cordelia."

Sköll and Hati's expressions changed, the former snarling and the other grinning. Hati turned to his brother. "The mortal has conviction."

Sköll growled. "Indeed he does. Tell us, do you still refuse the power? Even if it means the loss of your friends to those that venerate Naga only in word?"

Robin glared at the avatars of lightning and thunder. "Not if it means changing who I am. I made friends as I am and the woman of my dreams fell for me as I am. Changing so drastically for the amusement of your father would be my greatest folly!"

His glare intensified. "You can take your power and shove it! I will rescue those precious to me, and I shall do it as myself, not some puppet!"

The hollow was silent, Robin and the wolves staring each other down and daring the other to speak first.

Sköll chuffed. "You pass, Robin of Plegia."

Hati cackled at Robin's stunned face. "You showed the conviction to turn down easy power. Many have been given the same offer as you, but only one has ever shown the conviction to turn us away."

Robin gulped. "What would you have done if I'd accepted immediately?"

Sköll tilted his head. "Why, I would have ripped out your throat."

Robin's hand immediately covered his throat, rubbing it nervously. "Uh… why?"

"Our father's power is not to be trifled with," Hati explained. "The power hungry or desperate would cause untold damage should they have such power and our job is to offer it and kill those unworthy to wield it. As I said earlier, many have been offered, but we always sensed dark intentions behind their pretty words. You are the first to outright refuse."

Sköll bowed politely. "We are pleased to make your acquaintance and offer a lesser power instead. While it is below the power my brother and I hold, it will serve you well in your mission."

Robin crossed his legs, trying to get some blood into them. "Ok, what is it?"

Hati bowed alongside his brother. "You already shape wolves as part of your spells. The power we shall grant will make these wolves into temporary familiars that you can command."

Robin considered the offer before finally sighing. "If it will save my friends, then I shall accept the power you offer. But, I wish it gone the moment I no longer need it."

Sköll rose from his bow and padded forward. "A request most easily fulfilled. Now, hold out your hands."

Robin raised his brow, but did as instructed.

He regretted it when the two wolves dug their fangs into his hands, the gloves he wore giving way easily as blood stained the ground. Before he could make his pain known, a tingling sensation flowed up his arms followed by an intense burn that made him pass out.

Hati and Sköll released his hands as he slumped to the side, Sköll hissing and spitting. "His blood is tainted by the parasite."

Hati spat too. "It is, but his mind is his own. What do you think, father?"

Footsteps thudded against the ground though no other being was inside the hollow. "His mind is his, as you say. Remain calm, Sköll, he has a greater destiny than you may realize."

The voice was like booming thunder, shaking dirt loose from the hollow's walls. It was gone as soon as it arrived, the two wolves disappearing with a crackle of electricity.

-Several Hours Later-

Robin woke to a pounding headache and aching arms, his thoughts cloudy and fractured.

Groaning, he rolled onto his side and tried to collect himself. Based on the shadows around him, it was well past midday.

Geez… damn wolves, biting me out of nowhere…

Robin's mind snapped to clarity as he recalled what knocked him out in the first place. Looking himself over, he was glad to see that everything was where it needed to be. The only difference was a change in Mjolnir's cover, a wolf's face replacing the star in the center of the cross.

"Well," Robin breathed, "let's see what those dastards gave me. Hopefully it's not just scars and pain."

Crawling to the hollow's exit, Robin paused to listen for any sign of life before climbing out and stretching. With his bones back in place and blood returning to his limbs, Robin pointed to an open spot between the trees.

I summon the wolves whenever I speak in Old Ylissean, or whatever Miriel calls my spell names, so let's try that.

Not wanting to start a fire out of hand, Robin decided on a simple call. "Erscheinen! "

On cue a tingle of power ran down his arm, a bolt shooting from his hand and striking the ground. When the flash faded, Robin was left staring at the flickering form of a wolf, albeit one that wasn't much larger than his shoe.

Robin and the wolf stared at each other before the familiar winked out of existence. "Ok, that's pretty amazing. Let's see if I can't get a bigger one and order it around."

Putting more power into the spell, Robin proceeded to summon ever larger, more complete wolves until he was staring at a familiar the size of a full-grown grey wolf, its body yellow and eyes electric blue. When it didn't dissipate after a few minutes, Robin gave it a simple command. "Find food."

The wolf stared at him.

"Damn it," Robin muttered. "Looks like I have to give orders in Old Ylissean too. Essen finden!"

The wolf bowed before flashing away, Robin having to wait only a few minutes before the wolf returned through the bush with a singed pheasant in its jaws.

Robin felt a feral grin cross his face. "This… this can work. Feel like I can make a few more like you and still fight"

The wolf dropped its prey and looked to its master, ready for its next command.

Robin had only one. "Find my friends while I make some for you. I want you to pursue them until you find them then report back to me."

His hand flew forward. "Verfolgen!"

-Cordelia-

Waking up in a cell was never a pleasant experience. Actually, waking up in an armory was the closest Cordelia had ever gotten to that moment, but the point stood.

Groaning, Cordelia sat up and looked around, shivering when a stiff breeze met her skin.

Wait a thrice damned minute…

Looking down, she yelped and pulled the thin sheet she'd been laying under over her exposed body. Some sick bastard must have taken her clothes after the paladin's forces had knocked her out, and she wanted to know who so she could gouge their eyes out.

"Oh, sleeping beauty awakens!"

The distinctly feminine voice made Cordelia's eyes turn to the cell door. A tall woman with silver hair and blue eyes stood dressed in scale-plate and greaves, her eyes twinkling amusedly. "Sorry about making you go au natural. It was all I could do to keep the count from sitting here and lusting after you."

Cordelia shivered again, this time for an entirely different reason. "So, that means I'm that so called 'angel' Regent McCloud was talking about."

The woman sighed, her eyes never leaving Cordelia's own as she sat in a chair. Laying her arms on the back-rest, the woman lowered her voice. "So, he did give you information. Doesn't surprise me, the old codger always was loyal to a fault."

Cordelia narrowed her eyes. "Wait… are you Evelyn?"

The woman clicked her tongue. "Call me Eve, we'll get along better. Now, I won't insult you with small talk, so why don't you tell me where your tactician friend went?"

Cordelia felt a surge of triumph. "Not a damned clue! I didn't see where he went before your men stormed the house, he could be anywhere."

Eve shrugged. "Ok, that makes some sense. Found a cave in in the cellar when they finally subdued you. By the way, did you have to kill six of my men?"

Cordelia sniffed. "They came at me with blades drawn. I was trained to treat such actions as a threat to my life."

Eve snorted. "Spoken like a true soldier. Ok, how about realizing that if you don't give me something, I can't keep the count off your back."

Cordelia stiffened; dread taking root in her heart. "W-what?"

Eve grew serious, voice cutting. "Frankly, as you are, you'll be little more than a bargaining chip alongside your friend a few cells down. Nice guy, but the count and his friend aren't all that keen on keeping prisoners around. 'Sides, if I'm honest, the count only joined this coup because of you."

Cordelia's dread deepened. "That can't be, no one could be that obsessed! Besides, I was only eighteen, damn it!"

Eve sighed. "Just seeing you entranced the man in a way I never thought possible. He's like one of those tragic characters that forever pines after an ideal image and never sees the forest for the trees because of it. Made him even harder to deal with as he was, but now he has you in his clutches."

Her eyes were stoic. "If it weren't for me, you would have woken somewhere else and in a condition I wouldn't wish upon anyone. His sick ramblings have been going for hours based on my last update."

Cordelia curled in on herself, trying to stop the shaking in her limbs as images of her doomed patrol flashed before her eyes for the first time in weeks. "…Why?"

Eve's eyes gained a spark of curiosity. "Why what?"

Cordelia looked up, teary eyes hard and passionate. "Why do this for me? I'm an enemy, a follower of the Exalted family, a family you turned your back on."

Eve grimaced. "Look, that wasn't up to me. The count's my boss, so I gotta do what he says. It took a lot of arguing to keep you and your friend safe as is."

Cordelia's glare intensified. "So what? You chose treason and civil war because it was the easiest thing to do? The Exalt is barely two weeks dead, Plegia gathers its strength to invade once more, and you join a coup because you were lazy?"

Eve had the audacity to look offended. "I've been nothing but loyal! Do you have any idea how much work it took to get all those traps ready? How much time and planning I had to put in to get everything set up?"

Cordelia snorted. "That's just work. You refused to make a hard decision and it cost your men and this kingdom lives that cannot be replaced! And even now, you still refuse to make a decision, telling yourself you can't make it because it's out of your hands!"

Eve stood fast enough her chair fell over. "I haven't been able to make a choice since I was assigned my post! It was the regent first and then it was the count, everything's been over my head since the title 'General' doesn't mean shit if you don't have an ounce of blue blood in your veins!"

Cordelia recoiled at the venom, but Eve had apparently decided now was the time to vent. "I've to deal with nothing but assholes and entitled dastards lording their positions over me since I was born! Damn the fact I almost single-handedly destroyed Felds' bandit problem, my parents were farmers so my accomplishments are obviously the result of my noble superior's 'visionary' leadership!"

Eve started pacing as she ranted. "It didn't stop there, either! After three years of that drudgery, I finally got to lead a garrison up north, but what do I find? Torture, beatings, rape, all the evils of man in one place! My every word was waved away by my superiors and every reform I attempted to put in place was reversed when the little noble boys and girls complained to their daddies that the mean woman was taking away their playthings!"

Her breaths came in sharp pants now. "You know who gave me the title 'General'? It wasn't the Exalt, no, it was the damn count soon after the regent got forced into giving his powers over. It was made very clear that the only reason I was given the position was because I was a commoner and my every decision would not be my own, but that of my betters! It's always been like that, and it will stay like that!"

Rant ended, Eve flopped back into her chair to catch her breath. Cordelia, not really sure what to say at this point, tentatively spoke. "I…I see. I can't say I've ever gone through such a thing, but I know what it feels like to be put down at every opportunity."

Eve snorted. "And how's that? You got looks most women would die for, you're in the personal force of the Prince of Ylisse, and you have obvious skill. I bet you've never worked a day in your life."

Cordelia sighed, standing with the blanket and walking to stand before the cell door. "That's not the case. Both my parents were in the military, my father a simple soldier and my mother a member of the Pegasus Knights. They never got promoted beyond sergeant, but they were content with their lives. My mother retired after I was born, but I helped with everything from cutting wood to cleaning."

Eve had given Cordelia her undivided attention. "Ok, so you have worked. Still doesn't sound all that bad."

Cordelia shook her head, more memories flashing by. "I always admired them, so when the time came I decided to enlist. In Grevis, we don't really have a large military, so most of us get sent to Ylisstol for training. While I was there, it was determined that I had the skill to be a Pegasus Knight and I joined them the following year."

Eve narrowed her eyes. "Still haven't convinced me. Get to the point."

Cordelia sighed, feeling tremors shake her arms that had nothing to do with the cold. "Well, I was the youngest member aside from my friend Sumia. I wanted to show that my being there was the correct decision, so I worked harder than ever before. But… it wasn't enough."

Cordelia sank to her knees, not caring about covering herself now. "Every mistake, no matter how small, was berated relentlessly. Rumors were always whispered behind my back and not one of my comrades ever offered me support, Sumia the only exception. I had to approach every spar as if it was life and death because they'd always fight me like it was. Not one of my superiors ever helped for they were complicit in it."

Eve blinked, surprised. "That doesn't make any sense. Your mother was a former member and the skill you hold is obvious in your frame! They should have been praising the ground you walked on!"

Cordelia smiled sadly, tears pricking the corners of her eyes. "Well… it was all because I had looks, skill, and the audacity to try and show that I wasn't hurting. All of them were jealous of me, and they wanted to break me into a sniveling pile to make themselves feel better. They didn't change their tune until Plegia was breathing down our necks."

Eve stared at her in shock. "Jealousy? That's all it was?"

Cordelia stared back, melancholy clear. "Indeed. They even apologized to me for their behavior since my captain realized it needed to stop before Plegia came down on us. If what she said was to be believed, there was a scolding and beating that took place while I was in town that put all others to shame."

Her eyes lit slightly. "But, I still forgave them. I knew holding a grudge at that point was foolish, but I also knew what jealousy did to one's mind."

Eve put two and two together. "Wait, the Sumia you were talking about, is she the one that Prince Chrom's been trying to court?"

Cordelia nodded. "One in the same. I had a deep crush on the prince not so long ago as he'd saved my life when his family had come to visit my neck of the woods. I'd gone out to collect firewood, but stumbled on a bandit camp and had to flee for my life. Chrom saved me and I tried to catch his eye ever since."

Nostalgia clouded her eyes. "As you can imagine, that strained my relationship with Sumia. It was my fault too, since Sumia never turned her back on me. If I couldn't forgive jealousy after being affected by it, I'd be nothing but a hypocrite."

Eve was silent so Cordelia drove the point home. "It was not a matter of strength that allowed me to do what I did, it was understanding. Everyone has strength in them, but they hold themselves back because of other things. Fear, anger, denial, irrational things like that. I was too afraid that confronting the problem directly would only make it worse, but once I knew and understood, it wasn't scary anymore."

Her hand reached through the bars tentatively, offering something Eve could not describe. "You know the soldiers under your command better than anyone, and you know yourself as well. There's still time to be brave, to right the wrongs cast upon you. You still have a chance, a chance I was never given."

Eve stared at her hand. "What… what do you mean?"

Cordelia's voice shook. "Th-the day I was ap-pologized to… Plegia attacked. We… we had just started eating and… and they attacked. They d-died for me…"

Eve's hand reached out and touched Cordelia's. "I…I'm sorry to hear that. I guess suffering comes in all forms, not just getting talked over constantly."

She sighed. "Unfortunately, I can't keep the count away for much longer. My personal regiment controls this prison and the city it lies in, but all it takes is one order and we'll have to leave. After that, I can't guarantee your safety."

Cordelia sighed. "I…I know. I suppose it was too much to hope I'd be able to change your loyalties so easily, but I stand by my words. It's not too late to change your position; you just have to be brave enough to act."

Eve pulled her hand away. "I'll give it some thought. Gonna have to come up with something though, so I'll go talk to your friend down the hall."

Standing, Eve strode from the cell, but paused just before she left Cordelia's sight. "Oh, and before I forget."

Bending at the knee, Eve slipped a parcel through the bars. "It's a tunic and some stockings. Gets cold down here at night."

Cordelia took the clothes gratefully, whispering her thanks before Eve left. A few minutes later Cordelia could hear Eve start talking to Stahl, the two apparently hitting it off immediately after Eve realized Stahl didn't know anything either.

Tuning out the casual conversation about the difference between traps for animals and humans, Cordelia swiftly dressed herself. The clothes were rough and altogether itchy, but they were a much better option than being naked.

Walking back to the hard cot, Cordelia looked to the small window at the top of her cell. It was barred, as expected, but her eyes widened at what she saw.

It was a wolf, but sparks of electricity hopped from its fur. In fact, it was glowing in the evening light and its fur was a sparkling yellow.

The wolf tilted its head before it flashed and disappeared. Cordelia stared at the spot for a long time after that, even as the sun disappeared and the cell grew dark.

A smile crossed her face and she found the darkest corner in the cell.

Cordelia had an idea and by heaven it was going to work. Robin had found them after all, and it was just a matter of time before he arrived.

-Stahl-

Eve was an interesting woman.

She'd tried to the usual suite of questions, but that gave way to a nice conversation about traps and the types of stew venison could make.

Altogether, they probably spent a few hours on that and a couple other topics. It was a nice reprieve for him as he'd been bored stiff waiting for Cordelia to wake up and not one person had been down to the dungeon since they'd been brought there.

Sadly, Eve had to leave eventually and Stahl was unsure if he'd see her again. It wasn't every day you made a friend with someone who was nominally your enemy.

Before he could ponder that idea further, the sound of boots met his ears. "Alright, the Count wants the man dead and the woman brought to his carriage. Make it quick, this is all so rotten it's making me sick as is."

Stahl tensed, recognizing the voice of the paladin that had captured them. Gazing around, Stahl smirked at the dark room.

The torches won't reach that corner. Let's see if I can get a few in here.

Cramming himself into the corner, Stahl held his breath and waited. Voices soon echoed from down the hall. "The woman's not here!"

A curse followed that yell. "Make sure the man is still there! You two, search the cell, I'll head up and see if the others have spotted her."

Voices, boots, and clattering metal sounded through the hall, Stahl spotted a trio of guards jog up to his cell with torches in hand. As he'd thought, the light from the torches couldn't reach his corner and one of the guards produced a set of keys.

Right as the lock clicked open, a great crash sounded through the hall followed by a heartfelt curse and another crash. The guards in front of Stahl's cell went to investigate, only the one with the key remaining.

Better now than never!

Springing from his spot, Stahl rammed into the door and sent the iron straight into the guard's surprised face. The metal clanged hard and the guard crashed to the floor, groaning from the headache. Stahl punched him hard enough to knock him out. "Sorry, nothing personal!"

Looking down the hall, Stahl watched as one man was thrown from a cell further down the hall before he heard Cordelia's voice start demanding release. Sprinting for the cell, Stahl reached it just in time to deliver a haymaker to the first guard that emerged.

Metal clanged and bone cracked, the guard dropping like a rock while Stahl nursed his broken fingers. Cordelia, who'd been held between the guard Stahl punched and another one, used her freedom to trip her remaining captor. Grabbing his spear, she smacked his helmet with the butt and he grew still.

Panting, the two looked at each other and smiled. "So, they actually gave you clothes?"

Cordelia rolled her eyes. "You can thank Eve for that. I think I got through to her, if only a bit, but that's not important. I think Robin knows where we are, so we need to get out of here!"

Stahl blinked. "How could he? From what I could hear, Robin got away. There's no way he'd be able to figure out where we were taken."

Cordelia shook her head. "Look, just have some faith. Were you conscious when we were brought here? Did you see where we went in?"

Stahl held up his hands. "Whoa-whoa, slow down. I was conscious, but they threw bags over our heads after going through the city gates. All I can recall is taking two right turns before I was in the cell!"

Cordelia grimaced. "Ok, it's not much, but better than nothing. Grab a spear and let's get on with it!"

Stahl nodded and they grabbed the discarded weaponry. They hadn't brought anything important on the mission, so now they could just focus on getting out.

Jogging to the end of the hall, it was with great relief they found the stairwell deserted. Stahl took point, much to Cordelia's silent chagrin, but he led them past the first door they came through and stopped at the top of the stairs.

Cordelia poked his shoulder. "What are you doing? The ground floor's down there!"

Stahl shushed her, staying quiet. Cordelia huffed, but grew quiet as shouts sounded from lower in the stairwell.

Stahl pushed open the door in front of them, only speaking when the coast was clear and they were both through. "We need to get out of here, I understand that, but charging headfirst into a hall full of guards is a bad idea. Getting to high ground is always better and the less time we have to run, the better."

Cordelia looked at him with a newfound respect. "Those lessons with Gaius really paid off, huh?"

Stahl chuckled. "You could say that. Now come on, I don't want to get caught so soon."

Cordelia nodded and they took off again. The first few halls were mostly deserted, but the further they went, the louder it got. On the bright side, a glance through a window had shown the building only had two above-ground floors.

On the other hand, the smaller size of the building made it difficult to avoid the periodic patrols. It was only a matter of time before an alarm was raised, they needed to find horses fast.

After evading another pair of soldiers, Cordelia and Stahl found themselves leaning next to a pair of double doors, the bulk of the noise they'd heard so far coming from behind them.

Stahl held his hand to his mouth, indicating silence, before pushing open the door ever so slightly.

A loud voice greeted them instantly. "What do you mean they're gone?! What have you done with my angel?"

Stahl saw Cordelia stiffen, marking the voice as the count if Stahl had to guess.

"We're looking for them now, sir." Eve's voice answered. "We'll see to it that she's delivered to you in Ylisstol. For now, I think it best you go ahead and answer the summons, if only so I can use your retinue to search more effectively."

Stahl heard what he believed to be an exaggerated huff. "I do not care what must be done! Find them, end the man, and bring me my angel! I will have her, even if I have to burn this city down!"

Judging by the murmurs that met that proclamation and the slamming of doors, the count had left. Cordelia was frozen where she was, but Stahl jogged to the hallway on her left and glanced out the window there.

A tall man in stately clothes was stepping into a carriage, the door closing and the entourage surrounding it taking off. Stahl watched the count go until he was well out of sight, sighing in relief when he was gone.

"It's the prisoners!"

Stahl yelped and ran, not knowing where the shout had come from. All he knew was that the carriage had passed a stable and that was their way out.

"Cordelia!" He yelled. "We need to go!"

Cordelia jumped in surprise, but slammed the double doors open and sprinted through. Stahl followed right on her tail, ignoring the shouts and roars of surprise that came from their entrance. They vaulted over the wooden railing that stood between them and the bottom floor, landing in a large lobby with numerous doors leading into equally numerous halls.

Stahl caught a glimpse of a surprised Eve before he and Cordelia were sprinting out the front door.

Four surprised guards greeted them and their meeting was sadly cut short by two lengths of wood slamming into their helmets. Stahl and Cordelia ran as hard as they could, hearing the shouts and calls of soldiers behind them as townspeople tried to get out of their way.

Stahl skidded to a stop in front of the stable he'd seen earlier, gritting his teeth as he felt the skin of his feet peel from the force. "Here it is! Let's go!"

Cordelia turned hard and sprinted into the stable, abandoning her stolen spear before grabbing some reins. Turning to a stall, Cordelia grimaced. "Sorry about this, but I'm in a hurry."

Meanwhile, Eve had saddled up with her officers and thundered out of the garrison. They'd all been more than a little surprised to see their prisoners burst into the lobby of the building, but it had taken them little time to grab their own horses and ride after them.

Though the last thing they expected was to reach the stable the prisoners had been running for only to watch two horses fly out of their stalls and take off down the road, townspeople screaming and jumping out of the way of the stampeding duo.

Eve was dumbfounded. "Wow."

Branden agreed. "Screw skill, this is miraculous."

Another officer coughed. "Well we can still catch them. Gates are closed for the night."

Eve grinned. "Oh, that's right! Ok, I want three groups to form up on me, Branden, and Gloria! Block the roads around the north gate, that's where they're heading!"

She received yells of acknowledgment and hooves thundered down the cobble streets. It would take a miracle for the two prisoners to escape now.

-Robin-

It was a miracle he'd made it by nightfall.

His first actual wolf familiar had returned shortly after the sun had begun to set, dissipating when it arrived and sending a surge of images into Robin's head. Having a vague idea where to go now, Robin set off to the south and eventually ran across a farmer.

The farmer had gladly taken him into his wagon, telling tales to pass the time. Robin had been polite about it, but slowly grew frustrated as the sun began to set.

His frustration had skyrocketed when the farmer had been forced out of the road by an entourage escorting an incredibly tacky carriage.

Vowing to find out who that particular dastard was at a later date, Robin had been forced to settle down and wait out the rest of the ride until the city his wolf had found came into view.

Silently praising Cordelia's use of a relatively rare perfume, Robin thanked the farmer and hopped from the wagon before running towards the city with all possible speed.

A shift in the wind brought the smell of spicy sausage and fresh bread to his nose, his stomach growling at being denied sustenance for so long. Ignoring the pain, Robin ran until he stood before the gates.

Which, as luck would have it, were closed.

Damn it all! Here I am, with the ability to summon thrice damned lightning wolves, and I can't get into a gate because that farmer decided to pause in the middle of the road for some ass!

Growling, Robin ripped the tabard from his shoulders and removed his greaves. The wall was rough and sturdy, plenty of handholds and footholds littering it, so if he couldn't go through, he could go over.

Glancing at the gates one more time, Robin smiled at the lack of guards and ran at the wall. Dashing a few feet up, Robin grabbed the first crack and started to scramble up as fast as he could. The wall was thirty feet high, but Robin had been forced by Sully to climb a local mountain when they'd been patrolling in Surperius.

This was child's play by comparison, especially after Chrom had happily done all he could to slow Robin down.

…The Shepherds had a deeply repressed sadistic streak, most of it aimed at the newest member they recruited. Robin had been a little too amiable when first getting to know them, so that had been fun.

Anyway, he was atop the wall in short order. Stopping in place, Robin observed the city.

Ok, so it's split into quarters. There's the main square in the center, what looks like a bunch of taverns and shops in the northeast, houses in the northwest, forges and craftsmen to the southeast, and what looks like a garrison and stable to the southwest. Actually… what's that commotion below me?

Looking down, Robin gaped at the sight of crimson hair sitting bareback on a horse, to her left a man. All around them were cavaliers and soldiers, a rider with silver hair leading the contingent.

It's them! I have to save them!

Concentrating his power, Robin called forth as many full wolves as he could. Thirty answered his call, though few were actually well formed, before his order choked through his raw throat.

"Schützen!"

The wolves howled and jumped, electricity shattering the air as the beasts landed around Cordelia and Stahl. Robin panted before looking to his right and glimpsing some stairs. Staggering towards them, Robin worked his way down at a painfully slow walk.

When he got down to the road, the wolves were growling at any that tried to approach, weapons drawn on the soldier's side. "Excuse me, but I think it's time for my friends and I… to leave."

The silver rider, a woman with blue eyes, looked to him. "You must be Robin, then. I'd say it's an honor, but you interrupted us quite rudely."

Robin scoffed, even as exhaustion made his knees quake. "I won't let them get captured, not again. Unless you want these little guys to burn everything in this city to the ground, you'll let us go free."

He stared down the rider, no one speaking, until she laughed. "Well alright then!"

Robin blinked, dumbfounded. "Pardon, I fear I misheard you."

The rider rolled her eyes. "I said alright. I have no love for the count, and now that he is gone on a summons to Ylisstol, I have no reason or desire to keep any of you prisoner."

One of her officers, the paladin from earlier that day, protested. "But General, that goes against orders! They are enemies, we can't just let them go free!"

The woman looked to the young man. "Our loyalty is to Ylisse, not a single count. Besides, I'm currently the highest authority here, what I say goes!"

She looked back to Robin, his jaw on the ground and eyes wide. "You should thank your lady friend there. If it weren't for her, I may not have pulled my head out of my ass. We'll open the gates and get you all horses and some proper clothes before you leave. Just let us know when you plan on taking back Ylisstol, I'd like to be there."

Robin shook his head. "Well… I was expecting a lot of things, but certainly not this."

Amused giggles met his ears, Cordelia's voice greeted him. "That much I can agree on. She had just called for us to listen when you showed up."

She looked to the wolves, the constructs now calm. "But what are these things? Last I remember, you couldn't do this!"

Robin sighed and walked up to her, taking her hand and kissing it. "It's a long story, I'm just glad you're ok."

Cordelia sighed in relief. "Me too."

Stahl watched them in amusement, glancing to his right as Eve cantered up to him. "So, I guess it all worked out, huh?"

Eve smirked. "Indeed it did. Hey, come by sometime when you're not busy, I want to finish that debate about snares."

Stahl bowed. "It would be my pleasure."

Eve shook her head before barking orders, the wolves disappearing as Robin's power ran out. Stahl went to help the panicking woman as Robin slumped over in exhaustion, silently musing that their mission had gone very well, all things told.

If they were lucky, the others had seen similar success.

Ch. End.

With that, we finish the mission to Felds!

Sev and Lucy aren't here on account of me finishing this right as food got served, so next time expect to see them! Also, can't imagine how Chrom will take all the events… hehehe.

Hope you all enjoyed and I hope you have a great day! Bye!