Hello one and all!

I apologize for the wait, but today's chapter is very much going to be set-up and explanation for the next big arc. Valm is a big place after all, so minus getting Tiki, the Shepherds aren't going to be together too often.

Considering what we know, this is bound to get certain… objectives, completed.

Let's go!

Wall and Rose

Say'ri had only witnessed the scene before her once in all her life.

It was shortly before her brother had betrayed their country, the whole host of Chon'sin and its allies mustered to stymie the Valmese advance. Soldiers of many kinds and ranks had swarmed the capital city, seeking to fortify it and deny the Valmese the open field.

It had truly been a grand sight, and one that had given Say'ri hope.

Then her brother had surrendered without a fight and joined the enemy.

Now though, as Say'ri watched the Alliance forces disembark into the port of Alsace Lor, that old hope was rekindled. The first ship to dock had disgorged hundreds of soldiers in gleaming silver armor with blue trim, various regalia on certain groups marking the famous Ylissean Orders. Those soldiers swiftly set to work rebuilding the destroyed docks, creating functional anchorage for the other vessels within a few hours.

Then the true marvel began as literal thousands spilled into the port, each in immaculate uniform and marching with discipline only hard training could grant. Orders were followed without question and with utmost efficiency, the port square turning into a staging ground. Civilians were gathered and asked to point out the residential buildings, the soldiers marched right past them to begin pitching tents on the outskirts, so as not to disturb the people.

Even the mass of supplies and pack-animals was handled with care and efficiency in mind, the various crates and barrels split uniformly amongst the various divisions as the Shepherds designated abandoned buildings as supply depots and bunkhouses.

She was watching all this from the largest of the port's inns, the owners having fled shortly before the Valmese arrived in force. Now it acted as the central command center of the Alliance, its leaders discussed their logistics and plans behind her.

"We're unloading on schedule." Frederick said as they wrapped up their tallies. "The locals have been quite generous in providing shelter for the troops. But even with the buildings the Valmese were using for housing, the vast majority of our force will need to camp."

Sumia nodded. "That's still well within our expectations. So long as everything continues apace, Evelyn should be able to sortie into the countryside with Stahl before long. Once we have her report, we'll be able to start fortifying."

"I've already got the engineers laying the groundwork." Basilio rumbled, throwing a set of schematics onto the large table dominating the center of the room. "Preliminary surveys aren't good though, the soil's soft. Good for farming, but they'll need to put in a lot of foundation before any walls or towers can be placed."

Chrom sighed at that news. "I've seen the roads during the initial patrols, they're in desperate need of repair. Efficient movement is going to require a complete overhaul, and that's without any raiding parties or sappers slowing the work."

"This'll take months." Robin groaned, eyes scanning the map of Valm. "Traps and outposts, we can do shortly, but making the roads serviceable should be our first objective. With that done, our forces can engage in raids and other sabotage, delay any major offensive against us."

He moved several wooden pieces on the map, arraying them to the south and west. "If there's one saving grace, the woods and mountains to the north will keep any significant force out. As such, we can place the majority of our forces here and here," Robin gestured as he spoke, "that will give us optimal coverage."

Virion shook his head and shifted the southern piece further north. "There's a series of hills in this region, it's far more defensible. I think it a fair trade-off for slightly less visibility."

Say'ri scoffed inwardly, wondering why the Alliance would listen to the cowardly former duke.

"Let's get to the point here." Sumia said, silencing any further talk. "At this point, all we can do is establish outposts and set traps. More permanent fortifications will take time, but we need to keep at least some momentum going if we're to keep the Valmese off balance."

Their attention turned to Say'ri, Robin calling for her attention. "Lady Say'ri, would you mind joining us? We need to hear a more up-to-date version of what's going on in the continent at large."

Say'ri turned and nodded before joining the small congregation. "Of course, I'll do my best to give you the most accurate version I can. First, as I'm sure you already know, Valm was splintered into seventeen different duchies and six countries prior to Walhart's conquest. Chon'sin and Roseanne were two such places, my home a country and Roseanne a duchy."

She started making marks on the map, starting on the western coast of Valm. "This is the center of the Empire, where Walhart first rose to power. The duchies around it are utterly loyal to Walhart, they'd rather die than anything. The same is true for the subjugated countries in the north."

She made several marks through the northern part of the map.

"The southern lands are also loyal, but that's mostly because of… my brother." Say'ri ground out, pointing to a region on the southeastern corner of the continent. "This is Chon'sin, my home. We were the most influential of the southern countries, and as such held the majority of the southern continent as vassal states. Their loyalties switched to Walhart after my brother's betrayal, though many citizens are less than enthused by it."

More marks were made and Say'ri pointed to the central lands. "This is the best place to look for allies at this juncture. The central lands of Valm are home to its richest farms, creating a full third of the continent's food by themselves. As you might imagine, they are fiercely independent people and powerful at that. Even Walhart knows that attempting to make them capitulate by force would only cripple his ambitions, and even then, I know most of the lords are allies by convenience alone. Were another power to come by and promise a return to independence like they've always known…"

Robin smirked and circled the largest regions Say'ri marked, two in total. "Then if we can bring these two to our side, we cut off a large portion of Walhart's ration supply. That'll weaken his military capabilities immensely, especially when winter sets in."

"It'll also up his raids." Basilio pointed out. "We'll need a steadier supply than just those two, especially if Walhart's agents get some leverage on them to force compliance. Anyone we can convince on the coast, Little Miss?"

Say'ri cupped her chin in thought, running through the various lords and ladies on the eastern coast while the others debated the merits of advancing their lines as far as they could before settling down to defend.

Eventually, she came up with two names. "Just to the south of us is the realm of Lady Montmorency and her husband Lord Gramont. It's a matriarchal inheritance system, but they hold the largest and third largest ports within their lands. The good lady is not a fan of Walhart for his policies and violent ways, but her people are ill-equipped to fight. Instead, their strength lies in their merchants and guilds, all sworn to serve the lady."

Sumia grinned mischievously. "That would kill two birds if we got her to our side. Losing a major player in trade would not only make them lose a large supply provider, but also a significant portion of their revenue. We'd have to convince her we could hold back the onslaught from her lands though, should she throw her lot in with us."

"The same could be said of Lord Arsene and Lord Sigmus." Say'ri replied, gesturing to the large central countries Robin had marked. "The former is a devious man that was able to swindle a great deal of independence from Walhart's authority while only paying lip-service, he'll be difficult to convince. The latter takes his oaths very seriously, and Walhart's made him swear one of utmost loyalty. We'd need to find a serious breach of that oath for Sigmus to declare it broken."

She pointed to a small duchy to the north, where something called the Great Gate guarded the lone entrance. "This, however, would make our lives much easier. This is the abode of Lady Ymir, whose wisdom and patience are respected across the continent. Only the Voice of Naga holds more sway than her and even Walhart is loath to try and subjugate her lands."

"That's a hard sell." Chrom said. "Isolationists are loath to leave their lands for any reason, only direct threats get them anywhere. We'd have to convince her that Walhart is a direct threat to her people, in addition to making sure she's not convinced we're the enemy."

Say'ri smiled and tapped a spot on the map just outside their current location. "Then we free the Voice. Her word is held sacred by all in the lands, and Walhart keeps her imprisoned in the Mila Tree so that she can't countermand his agenda. Should we free her and bring her to our side, it will constitute a major defeat for Walhart and make all the leaders I mentioned far more… willing to listen."

"We'll need to show them we can actually fight." Basilio said. "Flavia's bound to love hearing it at least, but the good news in that is we have the advantage. We get to choose our battlefield this time, so we better make it count."

All looked to Robin, who held up his hands in surrender. "I'll speak with the scouts when they return and then start working on an outline of a plan with my fellows. While defeating them on their most advantageous turf would win us significant clout, that would just make the Valmese cautious. We'll need to save that for a more critical juncture."

"I'd call our current circumstances pretty critical." Chrom sighed while pushing off from the table. "In any case, we need to learn more from scouting missions. Make sure all the Valmese who escaped aren't sticking around."

Sumia stepped toward the door, marking the meeting's end. "I'll have Cordelia and Cherche get their Orders in the air. They can give us an overview of this land before the far-riders head out tomorrow. Virion, can you see to working with Flavia on possibly taking Roseanne?"

Virion bowed in answer, humbled the liberation of his homeland would be made an early objective. With that, Chrom joined Sumia and the royal pair left, Basilio following soon after to help Flavia get the troops organized.

Robin gestured for Virion to leave before he turned to Say'ri. "It still surprises me that you're so forthcoming about the Valmese tactics and politics. Even in the direst of straights, I've never heard of a rebel leader so readily divulging what they know to a new player."

"Holding out on you would be of little help." Say'ri answered. "And even then, my word is that of a rebel, so all I can do is share what I've heard. Not to mention my brother being on Walhart's side and as one of his best commanders makes me… a poor liaison to the others who share my views. It was why I was attempting to contact Shade."

Robin frowned and shook his head, remembering the tongue-lashing Maribelle had given Gaius for neglecting that avenue of action. "Be that as it may, it's still very much welcome. I have no doubt your knowledge of backroads and other trails will be invaluable, but if I may ask, why is the Voice so sacred here?"

Say'ri tilted her head in thought before nodding. "The Voice is the oracle of Naga herself, Lady Tiki. Much like your land, faith in Naga is strong here, Walhart himself is counted amongst the believers. As such, Lady Tiki is considered a light to the people and her word has ended many possible conflicts peacefully. The only problem is she sleeps for years at a time, so we often have to rely on the clerics that tend to her."

Robin could tell by her sour tone that the authority those clerics held had been abused in the past. "I see. Regardless, we've been fortunate to have you. For now, go rest, we're bound to be on the move again before long."

Say'ri bowed and strode from the room, Robin walked to the balcony and stared out at the town. A moment later, the door opened and admitted Morgan. "Um… sir? We've seen to the camps for the infantry, but we've found a problem."

Robin sighed and gestured for her to stand next to him. "What happened? Did the Valmese set fire to the fields too?"

Morgan groaned as she took her spot. "If only. No, it's a bit of ill-timed sabotage on the parts of the locals. The rains were being collected in a natural reservoir, but some of the miners decided to weaken the tunnels next to it. All of the iron mines are completely flooded."

Robin bit back a curse. They'd chosen this place as their landing spot not only for the port size, but also because no lords owned the surrounding lands and there were rich iron mines therein. While it was only a drop in the bucket compared to the total mineral wealth of the northern mountains, it would still drastically reduce their need to import in supplies.

"It'll be a week before we can drain them." Morgan continued, leaning on the balcony railing. "And even then, the miners aren't happy that we'll be taking the metal. Minus the saboteurs, Valm at least paid them for the work, the problem was how their soldiers acted."

Robin rolled his eyes at that tidbit. "It always comes back to money. Can't just promise safety and meals, no sir."

He sighed as Morgan gave him a teasing smile. "Just point Cherche at the problem, or Miriel if they're really stubborn. In the meantime, mind walking with me? I need to talk to you and your sister about our next move."

Morgan nodded, and they gathered the maps and left. Robin gave her a quick summary while they made their way through the port's hectic crowds. Soldiers weaved around them trying to get various supplies set up alongside command areas and other essential parts of an army base.

"So, we're trying to court nobles?" Morgan asked after Robin finished his rundown. "And here I thought the hard part would be getting this place set up. Not to mention getting Roseanne under our banner so we have a steady food supply."

Robin ruffled her hair. "The wonders of counter-invasion. It'll be a hard few weeks, and that's just securing all the land. After that, we'll have our first real fight on our hands."

"I'll be ready." Morgan promised as she pushed his hand away. "I've faced the hordes before, the only difference is these guys are organized. I'll do my part, same with my squad, so you better have a good plan for us."

Robin smirked at her. "When have I not, Cherry Head? Just be careful out there, I want to win back my gold."

"We'll see if you ever learn to bluff first." Morgan laughed. "Oh, 'fore I forget, don't be surprised if you hear odd whispers whenever I'm walking with you in public. People seem to have gotten it into their heads I'm your secret mistress."

Robin responded with a truly disgusted face, making Morgan break into giggles. "That was my face, and Sev's when I told her about it. I mean, the very idea you'd ever cheat on Mom is ridiculous enough as is, but that's just… bleh."

Robin gagged for a moment before spitting, as if ridding his being of such terrible thoughts. "Born of ignorance it may be, I like to think people have more respect for me. That disturbing thought aside, where the hell is your sister? We should've run into her by now."

Morgan shrugged and gestured to the edge of the town, a familiar mane of red hair directing several Pegasus knights. "Let's ask Mom, she saw Sev last."

Robin hummed in answer, the pair walking up to Cordelia as she finished her orders and the knights took to the air. A cleared throat grabbed her attention. "Oh, hello you two. I assume we have at least an idea of our next move?"

Robin sighed. "Mostly, though I still need to talk with everyone and get the full reports in."

Cordelia nodded in understanding. "Well, if you're looking for Sev, she's helping Maribelle and Libra direct the medical personnel to their new work areas. I need to speak with Cherche about setting up a new estuary in a canyon to the south, but I'll help you find her first."

Robin responded by wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her in for a kiss to much whistling and hollers. Cordelia pulled back from the contact a moment later and smacked his shoulder. "What have I told you about doing that when we're on duty?"

"To do it more often." Robin replied as he kissed her again, deeper.

Cordelia was more than willing to indulge in Robin's affections, but Morgan's cleared throat made her pull back with a giggle. "Let's… save this for later. So much to do without giving the poets among us ideas."

"More than you've already given anyway." Morgan laughed as she followed her parents through the city of tents that had popped up. "You should hear some of the shanties and songs they came up with on the voyage, it's a riot to listen to."

Robin took Cordelia's hand unconsciously. "I bet they're full of ribald descriptions too, along with less than flattering titles. Maybe we should send Sev in to copy it all down, so we can come up with our own songs?"

"Not without starting a war over the silliest lyrics." Cordelia laughed, squeezing his hand. "Frankly, I'm just glad there's been no retaliatory strikes yet. Lady Say'ri's efforts in misleading the Valmese have been more complete than I thought."

Morgan pointed to a spot beyond the tents, several riders in Ylissean colors cresting a hill. "It's let us scout without issue, yeah. If what she says is right, then we'll have a few weeks free before any counter-attack can be made."

"An advantage we must use." Frederick said as he fell in line with them, a roll of spears under his arm. "This is our first true war where the enemy is as set in their belief of righteousness as we are, there's simply no possibility we'll always win. As such, we must strike while we can."

Robin sighed, knowing Frederick was coming from the right place. "It's as you say, but we still know precious little of the terrain. Not to mention the iron mines are flooded and Nowi's still screening the civilians and captives."

Frederick's frown became more pronounced at the mention of his wife. "I know of this, but that's why Evelyn and her cohort have already set out alongside another dozen scouting parties. The Exalt and Queen have also authorized the repair and overhaul of this land's roads, while the Khans have set out to find spots for outposts and forts."

Robin internally groaned, knowing that there'd be more work when they all returned. "Have Miriel get her fortification designs ready for review and get Kellam to help her. Make sure Sully and her Order keep any enemy scouts away, then I want Gregor to meet with me and Sev about the local mercenaries."

Frederick nodded his understanding and split off down another avenue, the Volk family entering a section of the tent-city where plate and spears gave way to chain and staffs, marking the medical section.

Severa was easy to spot from there, her coat and golden armor at great odds with the blue and yellow robes of the priests and clerics. She was speaking with Libra when she noticed her family. "Oh, what brings you guys here? I'm guessing the meeting ended."

"That it did." Morgan answered, greeting Libra before continuing. "Sad thing is, we have to draw in some allies alongside our original plans. Iron mines got flooded too."

Libra frowned, not remembering any casualties related to a mine collapse. "Then are we to be delayed in occupying Roseanne? Our rations and medicine won't last more than four months unless we halve consumption."

"Thankfully not." Robin answered, nodding to Cordelia to make his point. "Her knights have already returned from initial flyovers of Roseanne's borders, the Valmese have only a single fort across its expanse. Flavia will see to getting the place surrounded while the rest of the excursion deals with Roseanne proper."

Severa crossed her arms in thought. "That's… not a surprise, to me at least. Roseanne may be very fertile and have the herbs we use in our medicines in abundance, but it's still only a small territory to Valm."

Everyone knew Virion and Cherche would be less than enthused to hear that brutal description of their homeland, but it was true.

"Regardless, we'll be sure to have our own production before long." Robin promised Libra. "How's it going getting this place set up? I haven't heard from Lissa or Maribelle since we started unloading."

Libra smiled and gestured to the tents around him. "We've been settling in just fine. The locals Nowi pointed our way have been quite helpful identifying poisonous insects and plants, and we've been able to get the general clinics up and running. As of right now, Lissa is looking into uses for a few plants we found promising while Maribelle's seeing to the surgery centers."

Cordelia sighed in relief. "That's good, I have no doubt we'll have soldiers out of commission before long from eating something or getting bitten. Speaking of, I really need to find Cherche and get that estuary sorted out lest our mounts not have a place to rest."

"She was speaking with Sully and Miriel last I saw her." Severa informed her mother. "That was a couple hours ago though, so you should probably go to the current staging grounds for the Wyvern Knights."

Cordelia thanked her and bid them goodbye, though not before giving Robin a customary kiss that practically steamed.

While her father was dazed by the promise that act held, Severa looked to her sister. "Honestly, I'm kind of surprised you're not with Cynthia. Weren't you two assigned to the northern scout groups?"

"Skies over there are still way too rough." Morgan said with a shrug. "Cynthia's using the time to familiarize herself and the off-duty knights with the local air-currents. Had quite a crowd gathering before I went to find Dad."

Severa grunted, continuing when she saw Libra trying to snap Robin out of his daze. "I was talking with Lucy and Nah before I came here, getting some stuff about a command center set up. But, once Dad's back with us, my original plan of checking in on Kjelle and Noire will have to wait."

"They're not puppies." Morgan muttered. "At the very least, Noire's keeping herself calm. Kjelle got most of her, shall we say, less than sensible arrogance knocked out of her via Sully too."

Severa sighed and patted Morgan's arm. "They're still the babies of our group, same with Inigo. I can't help but worry after them."

"I took care of them too, and I say they're fine." Morgan countered. "But that's that and this is this. You ready to start going over fort locations and logistics?"

Severa looked to the camp then her sister. After a moment, she pinched her nose. "Ready as I'll ever be, I guess. Maybe we can do more important stuff like organizing the Roseanne excursion when all this is over."

"Don't get too excited, Sev." Robin said, finally free of his own mind. "We've got a week's worth of work ahead of us, and that's before we so much as move beyond this region's borders."

Severa and Morgan looked at each other and shared a mutual groan.

This was going to be a long week.

-One Week Later-

They were wrong, it wasn't a long week.

It was a very long week.

The initial settling in and organization of the forces went about as smoothly as could be asked for. Smithies were set up, leathermakers followed, along with a variety of other specialists. They took residence in the town proper, since it already had most of the space and specialized equipment needed.

The soldiers all camped outside of town, Shepherds included. They were all used to camping anyway and it wouldn't do them any good if the soldiers felt they weren't worth a warm bed and the commanders were.

Chrom and Sumia choosing to ruff it with Lissa actually made the soldiers upset though, saying that the Exalt and Queen deserved the comfort for all their work. Chrom and Sumia politely declined.

Beyond that initial set-up, problems swiftly mounted. The flooded iron mines meant a number of parts for the siege weapons they'd brought couldn't be replaced any time soon, the originals lost at sea. Heavy rains set in shortly after, turning the fields to mud and bringing the road project to a halt before it even began.

With the mud came bugs and with bugs came disease. Despite the best efforts of Olivia and Kellam to keep the camp clear of fetid water, and the soldiers keeping latrines well away from both the town and camp, a full third of the camp came down with some sort of ailment that slowed the work.

The harsh weather slowed the scouting parties as well, Evelyn herself ending up delayed for an entire two days. The lack of reports and the ever-roaring rain made the entire camp paranoid that the Valmese may be coming for them.

Thankfully, the Wyvern Knights could still fly despite the weather and Cynthia's squad was used to rough air currents after training under their boisterous captain. Based on their reports, no Valmese were moving amongst the lashing rains and roaring thunder, so at the very least they were safe.

Keeping gear clean and rations dry was another big issue. While various texts and other delicate items had been stored in town, rust cleaning was a constant activity whenever the rain took a break. Rations grew moldy as well and had to be thrown out, to the tune of several tons worth.

Much to Severa and Robin's alarm, the locals informed them storms like this were fairly common.

As such, they had to piece together the Roseanne excursion far sooner than they'd originally thought. Evelyn hadn't even gotten her first trap corridor set-up before a force numbering just north of five-thousand set out, using a break in the weather to leave.

At the head of the excursion were Virion and Cherche, Vaike and Panne following them. The excursion's job was to run the Valmese out of Roseanne and establish a perimeter before linking up with the main force. This would form a solid base for the Alliance to work from and retreat to, but they'd need to do it fast.

"I don't like the quiet." Virion mumbled as he scoped out the fields before them, the clear sky a welcome sight compared to the rains they'd left behind. "One doesn't move this many men and beasts without someone noticing."

Panne scanned the horizon, eyes narrowed in concentration. "Someone's heard of us, we know that. Unless Gaius decided to be sloppy at a truly terrible time, we should expect whatever Valmese forces govern your home to meet us before long."

The flap of wings marked Cherche's arrival, Vaike hopped out of Minerva's saddle with a grim frown. "More like within the hour. We spotted six units of cavalry marching for these fields, a dozen infantry units behind them. Three of the cavalries are heavy riders while two are regular cavaliers. The other unit looks like archers."

"A full-scale version of what Stahl anticipated." Cherche mused, eyes fixed on the horizon. "We'll need to see how they work, I don't recall such a unit being in use when we were forced out of Roseanne."

Virion sighed and looked back down the hill, taking in the sight of the troops at his command.

How things had changed.

"Call them to battle." Virion ordered, Vaike set off for the camp. "Cherche, take your unit and hide amongst the clouds. Once the Valmese are committed, dive on their rear and drop your bags. The ignition and blast should cause a panic."

Cherche hummed in thought. "We'll need to make sure those mounted archers aren't watching the air. If they are, they'll notice our approach and break off."

Virion spotted a dark line growing on the horizon, his sharp eyes catching the minute change in light. "Again, wait until they're committed. The archers won't be watching for an ambush at that point, then you can strike. Tell the Pegasus Knights to stay well outside of range until the battle is joined, follow hit and run pattern four."

Cherche nodded and took to the air once more, the clash of steel and thunderous voices rising from the army. Virion took a deep breath before feeling Panne reach over and cup his cheek. "You've been paying attention in those sessions with Robin and Evelyn."

"I have to be a better man than when I left." Virion sighed, steadying himself with Panne's touch. "My people deserve it, Yarne deserves it, and so do you. He may not have been able to join us this time, but…"

Panne shook her head and nuzzled his nose. "Virion, I need no proof you're a better man than when we first met, and Yarne knows you only as a good and just man. If anyone needs proof you are no longer a coward… it's you."

Virion smirked tiredly, used to this argument. "As always, you cut straight to the marrow. Worry not for me, I will stand with these soldiers who so valiantly left their homes a world away. Their enthusiasm to free my homeland, even if in the service of protecting theirs…"

He looked into her eyes, something he'd once been unable to do. "It makes me want to do something brave, and this will be my first true step in repaying the debts I've incurred. Now then, you know what to do?"

Panne pulled away, a scary smirk on her lips. "Of course, see you on the field."

Virion smiled and shrugged helplessly before descending into the mass of soldiers, guiding them into battle-formations with the Valmese still growing on the horizon. In terms of numbers, the Valmese had them beat by about five-hundred.

However, the difference in quality was clear. While the Valmese riders were clearly trained and able alongside quality equipment, their infantry supporters looked like little more than men-at-arms and levies. Most had probably only received the most cursory training, and even then, their inexperience with the weapons they held was obvious.

"Hold the line!" Virion bellowed as the Valmese came close enough for their banners to stand clear in the daylight, the blood-red cloth bearing the glaring image of a lion. "You are soldiers of Ylisse and warriors against those who would conquer and pillage for its own sake! Do not let these mongrels intimidate you!"

He was met with cheers, the Valmese continuing to advance. Virion recognized a familiar face at the back of the riders.

It was the general that had led the invasion of Roseanne all those years ago.

Virion had never learned his name, Walhart considering him too minor to ever make him worth rumors, but Virion knew that face like the back of his hand.

He bit back the desire to string his bow and plant an arrow in the man's black heart. Showing his maximum range this early would only make important targets hide from his sight, no matter the personal satisfaction it would bring.

Virion frowned as the thunder of hooves met his ears, the Valmese apparently secure in their numbers to be going for a frontal charge. "Halberds, to the front!"

The earth shook as the knights marched forward, great tower shields nailed to their gauntlets while long halberds were attached to their other arm with a chain. As they settled, their shields were planted into the earth and their blades came up to form a wall of metal.

Virion knew the Valmese had seen this formation before, it was obvious as they continued forward, lighter cavalry breaking off with the intent to flank. "Archers, pepper them! Take down as many as you can!"

Arrows rained on the cavaliers who broke off, their desire to go around the wall taking them away from the heavy cavalry's armor. Several dozen were felled in the first volley, another three forcing the remainder back into the main body.

The heavy cavalry continued their charge unabated, likely believing they had the momentum to smash through the knights and the rest of the Ylissean infantry.

A massive blast sent the whole of both forces into a brief panic, the Alliance forces recovered quickly. The levies of the Valmese swiftly bolted though, the sight of Wyverns diving on them making the skittish men and women break formation. Then came the Pegasus Knights, mounts and riders slamming into the disoriented flanks and causing further confusion.

Virion smiled as this occurred, the heavy Valmese cavalry far too committed to pull off from their charge now. "Brace!"

The Valmese slammed into them with the crash of steel and the screams of horses, steel biting into flesh as the first line of cavalry was summarily slaughtered. The momentum carried through though, and the knights found themselves bowled over by the Valmese.

Virion rolled away from the charge and came up shooting, his preternatural draw-speed sending a stream of arrows through the Valmese armor and felling twenty men as they passed. The riders were panicking at this point. Rather than scatter from the charge, the back ranks of infantry fell back in an organized retreat, creating kill-zones with lances constantly seeking flesh.

Their doom was sealed when Virion sent up a signal spell, his own cavalry streaming over the hills and completely encircling the heavy riders. They were slaughtered to a man thereafter, with only the archers and remaining light cavalry left of the formerly proud Valmese force.

Those archers were proving to be an annoyance though. Three dozen of the Wyvern and Pegasus Knights had been forced to pull out by their constant fire, and they were staying mobile to avoid retaliatory spells, hand axes, and javelins.

The general of this erstwhile force was following them, no doubt wanting to inflict as much damage on Virion's forces as he could.

Seeing this apparently rallied the men-at-arms, the better trained soldiers reforming their battle-lines and forming a refuge for the remaining cavalry behind their spears. With a melee no longer in doubt, Virion raised his bow. "Swordsmen and archers, advance! Knights and spearmen, hold this position in case they have a surprise for us, don't give them an inch!"

He was met with roars of approval, most of the army marching forth in unison. Virion followed them proudly, his silver armor shining in the sun while his cloak billowed in the wind. As he passed a small stream that marked the border between Roseanne and the world, he took a breath.

I'm home.

A hand landed on his shoulder, making him jump until he turned to find Vaike grinning at him. "Come now, don't do that. I've shot people for less."

"No, you haven't." Vaike teased. "You just looked distracted and we all know that throws off your aim. So, where ya need me?"

Virion gestured to the center of the reformed Valmese lines, the men speeding their steps at they got closer. "Why, where you always are. Make us a path, my friend."

Vaike smirked, a lucky arrow finding his shoulder. Virion watched as Vaike's eyes went wild and he sprinted towards the Valmese line with a hellish war-cry, the soldiers behind him following with a great roar of their own.

Then the lines met.

For several minutes it was nothing but sound and sparks, and shouts, and bangs, and blood, and cries, and bile. Men and women fell upon each other with the intent to kill, life spilling into the earth that had sustained it. Guts were spilled, heads cleaved, shields splintered, swords broken, and lives shattered.

Pandemonium.

And Virion was in the thick of it, bow eternally strung and arrows seeking prey. He alone slew two dozen enemies, rolling and weaving amongst the struggling bodies like a panther in the jungle. But even with his arrows claiming their fellows with ease, the Valmese did not break.

Virion knew why too, as an arrow fletched in red skewered the arm of the swordswoman he'd come to aid. The horse archers were circling the melee and putting potshots into anyone not wearing Valmese colors. Even those soldiers caked in mud with no way to show their loyalty were shot.

The other light cavalry and the general did their parts by nipping at Virion's men, distracting them long enough for men-at-arms to land fatal blows.

Virion's own cavalry did its best to drive them off, but the Valmese simply wouldn't break.

Buy, it was concentrating solely on the melee that sealed the Valmese's doom.

With the whisper of a shadow across grass, Panne appeared behind the Valmese general in her great form, the huge hare looming over the rider with glowing red eyes. The man didn't notice the demon before Panne reared her paw back and rent him in two, her claws stained with blood and bile.

She didn't rest or allow anyone to take in the sight, her claws tearing the mounted archers from their horses or breaking them with a kick from her mighty hind legs. The sudden appearance and immediate slaughter of half their only effective unit finally broke the Valmese completely, their forces swiftly abandoning the field if Virion's forces didn't capture them first.

Except for Vaike though, anyone he caught died painfully, the man caught once more in the throes of a blood-rage. It was understandable considering he had a spear stuck in his arm and a nasty gash on his side, but Virion would need Cherche to come down and calm him.

Regardless, they had their victory, and the men had tasted their first true test. Unlike the Risen, the Valmese could think and had the ability to hold despite losses incurred, as shown. Only levies used to bolster smaller professional forces could be counted on to flee in such cases.

Sadly, some had learned that lesson with their lives.

"Virion." Panne called to him, shifting to her normal form as the soldiers celebrated. "I apologize for taking so long, having so many of them break so early forced me to hide."

Virion strode to her and pulled her into an embrace, Panne protesting the action. "Shush, we're both caked in the aftermath of battle, but I wish to hold you close. Thank heaven you weren't hurt."

Panne growled but eventually returned the hug. "…I am glad you are unhurt as well My Fool. I hope this at last brings you some peace."

Virion buried his nose in her hair, taking in her scent. "It does, if only just. Peace… peace will come when I've paid my debts to this land."

He pulled away and turned Panne to face the pristine land that stretched away from them, showing her the rolling fields unsullied by the battle. "This is my warren, My Love. I welcome you to it and hope it shall treat you as you have treated me."

Panne chuckled, the sounds of nature telling her it certainly would. "And a good warren it is, I will be glad to see to its defense alongside you."

Virion smiled at her before looking to the soldiers, Vaike standing among them and far calmer. "It appears our friend has returned to his senses without Cherche's aid. We'll have to see to securing the borders now, but I have a feeling it won't be too difficult."

Panne rolled her eyes, a very different feeling sitting in her gut. "We'll see, we'll see. Let's gather everyone together and send a message back to Chrom and Flavia, they'll want to know how we did."

Virion nodded and they went amongst the soldiers, organizing them back into units in case the Valmese had reinforcements en route. After that, scouts were dispatched to Roseanne's borders and along the route to its capital. Much to Virion's chagrin, the people they passed were less than happy to see him, but that was only right considering he'd run away.

They didn't know that he'd done so to spare them the axe.

It wouldn't be for long though. While the Shepherds and Alliance at large would operate out of Alsace Lor and its surrounding lands, Roseanne would be administrated by someone Miriel would appoint for their agricultural and logistic expertise. Virion himself wouldn't be there much longer than a few days.

It didn't make the vitriol sting any less.

-Alsace Lor, Three Days Later-

The success of the excursion into Roseanne was a needed rush of good news after the series of problems they'd been beset with.

It showed that Valm relied on levies for the bulk of their provincial forces, the professional military constantly on the move to deal with a variety of issues all their own. With that in mind, the Alliance could theoretically take and secure the entire northeastern part of Valm before facing a determined threat.

The advantage would not last long though, as despite his tactical ineptness, the Valmese held a brilliant strategist in a man named Excellus. He couldn't direct battles worth anything, but he held great skill in logistics and organization that made it so he was always where he needed to be. Combined with the competence of the Valmese generals they were sure to face, any territorial gains would need to be made quickly.

Then came the test of holding them.

Nowi knew this all too well, though she knew not why she'd been asked to accompany Robin and Chrom on a tour of the outer defenses. With the rains finally at an end, the soldiers had gone to work at long last getting the roads set up.

The method of their construction was lost on Nowi, but they were designed to drain water and hold up against all kinds of weather. The widest of the roads would connect the port straight to the borders, with smaller roads connecting the outposts and other bases getting set up. Problem was this required lots of manual labor and the mud only made things more difficult.

"At least we've got wooden walls set up." Chrom sighed from his horse, the trio cantered alongside the soldiers working on the road. "Once the mud dries and the roads settle, we can start on actual walls."

Robin grunted, his horse leading Nowi's. "If we have enough time to get them set up. We're lucky Roseanne and Alsace Lor only cover a few hundred leagues along the borders or we'd have to abandon this idea."

"I'm well aware setting up permanent walls along borders larger than this is impractical." Chrom reminded him. "But as I told you on the sea, the borders can be covered by walls the same length as those that surround Ylisstol and Denaris. With that permanent line, we have something to work with."

Robin shook his head. "And a lot of ground to cover. At least Sumia convinced you that most of the walls would be little more than warning stations or we'd be spread too thin."

"This fascinating conversation aside, what are we doing out here?" Nowi asked. While she'd agreed to accompany them for possible use of her semi-sight, their bickering had taken precedence over telling her the main reason for this trip. "I mean, you denied an escort despite your family's pleas."

Chrom looked back before gesturing to the growing sight of walls in the distance. "We need you to look on the fields beyond the walls and tell us if you can see the Voice's aura. From here, we can see the outline of the Mila Tree, but we need to confirm Lady Say'ri's report."

Nowi frowned in thought, wondering if she'd be able to from such a distance. "I'll give it a shot at least, but what about those reports I've been hearing? It sounds like we have a bunch of Valmese heading our way."

Robin bit his lip. "It's… preliminary, but Gaius has heard whispers that a portion of the forces sent south have been directed to us. Rumor has it that Walhart has summoned his generals and strategists to the capital, which to me means this is a test."

Chrom nodded, their destination becoming clear enough to see the forms of soldiers pounding logs into the earth. "We've heard tell of spies and informants from all over the continent following the Valmese, so we need to choose a battlefield and get ready. Having the Voice beside us before that happens would be a major blow to their morale."

"Assuming they don't make it look like we kidnapped her." Nowi drawled, making her friends laugh. "Anyway, so long as we don't try and beat them head to head, we can keep some trump cards in reserve. Last thing we want to do is show everything in our hand."

Robin gave her a playful glare. "Excuse me, do you want to be the tactician?"

Nowi flashed a cheeky grin, but they grew serious as the walls loomed closer. At the foot of the gatehouse, the first structure to be erected, stood Flavia herself. "Well, look who came to visit! I'd get out the fine silver, but it's occupied digging a moat!"

Chrom shook his head and dismounted when they were close. "I didn't think you had fine silver besides your sword. Learn something new every day."

"Write that down, you're being wise for once." Robin cracked. "How goes the first set, Flavia? Last I saw, our own supply of logs has been holding up."

Flavia grunted and pointed to a tall stack of logs. "I still think you're mad for bringing all this wood with us, but it's kept the locals happy. Shoulda seen their faces when I told them we might need to do some logging. Thought they'd come at me with pitchforks."

Nowi giggled at the image of Flavia fending off incensed villagers with a large stick. "Well, at least that won't be something to worry about for a while. I also wanted to congratulate you, that idea to dig into the fort's well was brilliant."

Flavia shrugged with a smug smile. While the excursion had gone around the fort, Flavia had taken one look at the thing and told her men to start digging. It wasn't a big hold but tearing it down or going over the walls was too much a hazard. However, she'd noticed a bit of civilization at the fort in the shape of a sewage pipe.

Strange to see in a fort, but it let one of Gaius's agents slip in. From there, they mapped the interior and found that the fort's well was fed by an underground spring.

Then, it was just the matter of digging into the flow tunnels, sending in a team of saboteurs, and opening the door. Right in the middle of the night.

The fort surrendered after waking up to Feroxi staring at them, weapons bared and ready to go.

"Anyway, we're here for a look at the fields." Chrom coughed, not wanting Flavia to preen too much. "I'm sure you've read the most recent reports, so we'll be surveying possible sites."

Flavia grunted and pointed to a set of rough-hewn stairs. "Use those, nothing else is stable enough to walk on yet. Let me know if you see something interesting."

Chrom agreed and they made their way to the top of the gatehouse, Robin pulling out a spy-glass while Chrom positioned Nowi where she could face the Mila Tree. "Alright, ready when you are."

Nowi looked at him before facing forward, nothing standing out in the foggy outlines she could see. "Chrom I can see, that's it. There's no special word or anything, if I see something, I'll tell you."

Chrom looked sheepish. Or, the steel-figure Nowi saw looked sheepish. Ignoring any apologies, Nowi scanned the horizon, milky purple eyes taking in the fields and trees. Nothing special from what she could…

Wait.

In the distance, something was growing. It looked like a font of light, though nowhere near as powerful as Lissa or even Robin. Then, before her eyes, the light mixed into… an effigy, green light forming the hair while the body was formed of blues and yellows.

The form of Naga, standing in the sky, lay in the distance. Nowi watched as it faced her, piercing eyes of white light staring at her, before the purpose of its existence stood clear.

Tiki, the Voice, was no mere oracle. She was the very blood of Naga herself, and her mother's power stood guard over her even now.

A voice spoke to Nowi. "Child of Mila… you will find the answers of your form upon this tree, and the secrets of thy sight as well. Bring the Chosen to the Tree, free my daughter, and all will be known to you that she knows."

The voice faded, Nowi placing it as the one that had taken her other eye in exchange for Frederick all those years ago. She'd bargained with Naga, it seemed, and now had been ordered to go to the Mila Tree.

"Guys…" She started, an audible gulp drawing Chrom and Robin's attention. "I can see Tiki… and, well, she's Naga's blood daughter. I just got told by the Lady herself we have to free Tiki."

Robin threw his head back and laughed. "Of course she is! I'm sure glad we got divine permission too, because we'll need her help!"

He pointed to the horizon, Nowi just catching a glimpse of a shadow disappearing over the hill. "Is that what I think it is?"

"Scout." Robin confirmed. "Based on the equipment I saw, it's a far-rider like Evelyn. Probably sent from one of the closer bases so that the force on its way can have as accurate a picture of our progress as possible."

Chrom turned from the fields and strode down the stairs, his companions barely a step behind. "Then we must gather the Shepherds and rally the soldiers. At best, we have a week to free Lady Tiki, at worst three days. Robin, see to getting our forces sent to the southern bottleneck."

Robin nodded, silently agreeing that would be the best first battlefield. "Let us hope the storms stay away, I don't fancy trying to fight when lashed by water on all sides."

"When is that ever ideal?" Flavia asked as they made the ground. "I'll help get our soldiers on the march alongside the oaf, don't worry about us."

Nowi raised a brow at her, Flavia grinning. "Please, you lot have the look of those about to take part in an important mission. Leave the busy work to us and we'll see you on the eve of battle if not sooner."

Chrom held out a hand, Flavia shaking it strongly. "We'll leave it to you then, Khan Flavia. Tell everyone to do all they can to prepare, and to fall back to these walls should another force of Valmese join the ones we go to face."

Flavia nodded and peeled off, already hollering orders while the others mounted up and set off for the port. After a time, Nowi told the last part of Naga's message. "Before I forget, I was told to bring all of the 'Chosen' to the tree. I'm assuming that means the Shepherds, all of them."

Robin snorted, not liking that. "Far be it from me to question the good Lady. Severa and Morgan aren't going to be happy though, they've been losing sleep getting prepped for this. Now they have to run off with us on a rescue mission."

"Lady Tiki was of great aid in their time." Chrom reminded him. "While I'm irked they failed to mention she was Naga's daughter, now's not the time to worry about it. We placed competent people in our ranks for this reason, so they shouldn't be upset. If anything, I'm sure they'll be eager to help her."

Nowi frowned as they continued to discuss the upcoming mission, her gaze turning back the way they came.

It was a small, almost unnoticeable amongst the wispy outlines, but she saw something watching them from far in the distance.

A thick miasma choked its outline, to the point the fog and eyes were all Nowi could see. It held evil, clear as day, but recognition as well.

The figure was strange and unsettling enough just by the fog, but what scared Nowi the most were its eyes.

Four perched atop the forehead, glowing a sickening red, while the two in their normal place looked very familiar. Add on what she believed was a horse and, well…

It looked like Frederick as a Risen.

The figure was gone as soon as it arrived, Nowi feeling a shiver travel down her spine. She needed to see Frederick now, whole and breathing, before she'd be able to process that evil vision.

And the shadow it cast over this whole conflict.

-A Hill Beyond The Walls-

"My love, what is it you see?"

A shadow astride a dead horse stared at the incomplete walls, its figure hidden save for the slight glow of the markings around its eyes. "I see… promise, more vigor than our lord could dream of. There will be much to reap in the months to come."

Another figure melted out of the shadows, this one on foot and far more feminine. "And our dear? Did you see her?"

The first shook their head, voice heavy with lament. "Nay, she was not here. I feel her far away from us, and I yearn."

"As do I, my love, as do I." The second cooed. "All of us miss our blood, most grievously. Even though they do not understand our work, or what we have wrought in this land's shadow, time will bring them to our side again."

The first sighed and stared longingly at the walls. "May the time be soon. Ours will help lead this world into a new age of wonder, but only if they see that which we work towards. I simply fear that their time under the thumb of the lesser will render them unable to do so."

The second laid her hand upon the first's thigh, a smile on her lips. "Have faith, love, have faith. Our Lord will see her returned to us."

"And we can be family again, right Frederick?"

A gauntlet of cursed armor caressed her hand, husband and wife looking to the walls. "Of course…"

"Natalie will be home soon."

The pair disappeared into the shadows, the breeze blowing in an effort to banish their presence.

It would not be enough though, as the sound of marching and clanking metal soon descended on the land.

All would watch the coming battle, for it would shape the fate of the world, for good or ill.

The plans of gods demanded no less.

Ch. End

Alright, chapter is done!

Merry belated Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

Severa: I'm still stuffed from that party.

Lucina: Everyone brought enough food to feed three armies, I'm amazed no one got sick.

Severa: Yeah, not to mention we all have to go work off all that food.

Lucina: Don't remind me, I feel ill just thinking about it.

7: Let it settle first, then go work it off. Even Frederick agrees.

Severa: That's because Aunty looked like she was pregnant again. I told her not to get into an eating contest with Uncle Stahl.

Lucina: Everyone was drunk on spiced wine and every other form of alcohol under the sun, it's no surprise. We even ended up making out under the mistletoe.

Severa: Lucy, private details, we've talked about this.

7: This fascinating subject aside, onto reviews!

Suzaku Mizutani: First and foremost, I apologize for falling off the face of the earth. I became utterly swamped with work to the point I couldn't get five minutes on the site, and even then all I could do was a quick post and leave. Thank you for your kind words and I do hope you enjoy the chapter. Again, sorry for leaving you hanging, I do like your edits.

Warrior of six blades: Weird indeed, and I felt really sorry for Evelyn when she got the news broken to her. You always hold out hope for things, especially when you have several examples of things working out, but time just isn't nice at times. Vaike, I always felt would be one of those cool uncles that would take your problems in stride and help with them, no matter how embarrassing. His fight with the rage just helped him in that regard, considering he has to keep his cool lest he go off the rails.

The plan was just a fun idea for me, since they essentially created floodlights. The lamp-rocks are actually used throughout Ylisse since Miriel came up with a rudimentary battery that allows even the layperson to turn them on and off.

We'll see how the rest goes.

Zero8000: thank you for your kind words, and yes the other kids are being paired. Also, those weren't reserves in the way you think, the ones at the port were miscreants and insubordinate soldiers sent to get discipline hammered back into them, thus their bolting and panic. I'll probably go work on the Stygian after I post this, so that will hopefully be up before long.

That's all ladies and gents, I hope you enjoy!

Ciao!