Chapter 5-Echoes

The rest of the trip from my border keep was mercifully uneventful. Every night we camped in the wilderness to ensure if we were attacked again that no innocents would be hurt. Fittingly at dawn we finally reached the central plain that served as the foundation for my homeland's magnificent capital, my jaw practically fell off my face. It was a truly gorgeous city of brick and stone, with a sturdy turreted castle perched atop a low-slung bluff, all tinted with a warm amber glow from the morning's rays. It made me catch my breath as I was so moved.

Siffra elbowed me and winked, "Breathing is important, milady!"

I exhaled sharply as both Siff and Vanny broke into soft chuckles.

Revellia trotted up next to me on her majestic white winged steed, her eyes glowing with childlike awe, "It is such a beautiful city, isn't it Raquelle? It never fails to make my heart swell with joy."

Her sister walked up and gave an appreciative whistle, "Agreed. It is truly amazing that not that long ago, this whole country was on the verge of collapse."

All because of bloodthirsty zealots like the late Exalt Luca and my father. It was infuriating to realize that my parents had thrown away all of their advantages over a pointless war. I took out the scroll from my hip pouch and squinted at the writing that looked like it had been scribed by a drunken spider that had taken a bath in ink. Unfortunately, it wasn't any easier to decipher in the bright morning light than any of the other times I had read it. It really was a pity. His highness was a righteous and truly noble prince, but he lamentably did not carry a single one of either of his sisters' more refined talents.

Iniabi calmly walked up and inquired with an outstretched hand, "Milady, may I?'

"Um…yes you may, Mister Iniabi."

I handed over the scroll to the clever mage and he scanned over the script effortlessly. After scrutinizing the text, he piped up, "Besides sending you Raquelle and Revillia to serve as Arrowhead Scouts, Prince Chrom also requests that you to go to the Queen Caeda Memorial Complex to meet up with a trusted friend of his who will represent your interests when you petition Her Highness to get rescind your family's exile order." He rolled up the scroll and returned to me with faint satisfaction visible in his eyes, "Just so you know, before it was opened to the public Caeda Memorial was Paraglaive Manse; your parent's estate before it was seized by the crown."

Another echo from the past I could never seem to evade. I was truly grateful for Iniabi's service, but it was starting to bug a little me that this man seemed to make a habit of effortlessly upstaging me. I gave him a slightly strained smile as I thanked him, and we soon rode into the city.

I thought Vicateria town near my keep was bustling, but the crowds of nobles and commoners alike in the streets of the capital city made me dizzy as a mobs of humanity that called the Halidom home went in all directions. We had gotten past the Western gatehouse without any trouble as the guards recognized both Revillia and Raquelle as familiar faces. The two to three story plebeian buildings and businesses near the gates soon gave way to bustling street markets and then the five story tall noble mansions lining the ceremonial main cobbled street that led to the gentle slope that curved around the bluff up to the castle gate. Just seeing the Royal palace made my stomach knot up as I knew I would soon be in the presence of Her Royal Highness, Exalt Emmeryn and her entire court by tomorrow at noon. None of the commoners gave my finely crafted black garments or family emblem with more than passing glance; still a few nobles looked the Paraglaive family crest with looks of shock, or suppressed fury. I shivered inwardly as I realized Duke Rachelon's vendetta against my family name started to make more sense. I knew now that I would not likely ever get my name restored; honestly I was more worried about being denied from serving the Prince and his Shepards in any capacity that I could.

A couple of female peasants in muted dressed and cloth caps raced by my motley crew with expressions of pure delight on their faces. One of them called over to her friends, "Come on! We have to see those hunks in the flesh! Let's go!"

What was that all about?

Raquelle pointed over to a massive grey stone building with a central entry way with thick oaken doors eight feet tall, "That's it milady. The former Paraglaive Mansion."

I nodded as I took in the grandeur of the building, I saw that the decoration on the keystone over the main door had been hastily chiseled off; no doubt my polearm and snake family coat of arms. An offset arched tunnel led into the back gardens behind, and a crowd of over a hundred were attentively watching some sort of charming musical performance. The musician with the flute was a master of his craft and his sweet but lively tune that made me want to tap my toe in time with the melody. However the stringed instrument sounded very strange; it had a bouncy and bizarre twang that gave me the willies.

Xolette's eyes widened, "That's a Plegian Zither, milady. I have not heard it's like in over a year."

Seriously? We were stopped short by the throngs, so I quickly dismounted, handed the reins over to Raquelle and pushed my way forwards. I was not a giant by any stretch of the imagination, so I had to get in front of the taller men to get a good view. I blinked as I finally could take in the sight.

Minded by their caretakers, dozens of children ranging in age of two to young teens sat in a circle watching three strapping men put on a show; more properly one was leaning against the tunnel wall with a stony expression and the other two were performing.

The tall one who had his arm crossed as he watched his comrades had short black hair, vermilion eyes and pale peach skin. He was wearing black pants, a black belt that had a large silver buckle, a dark vee-necked shirt under a blindingly bright red coat with disconnected sleeves attached with thin metal plates. Mid thigh black boots with silver shin guards, fingerless gloves, and a bow and quiver slung on his back completed his intimidating aura.

The thief sat on the ground with a cocky smile. He was plucking the strings on a flat, lacquered glossy black trapezoidal stringed box on his lap with a hard resin pick. He was a young man with a light tan complexion, green hair just off his neck and matching eyes. He was wearing a red headband on top of his head and another scarf like it around his neck. He was attired in a long cloak with a fur-trimmed hood over a white and red shirt and pants with mid-shin boots.

The elegant Swordsman playing the bone white flute engraved with delicate curlicued black lines could only be described as handsome enough to be beautiful. Frankly he was better looking than me, Ronna, Raquelle, or Siffra! Many of the young ladies (and a few young at heart) were openly swooning over him. The children from the orphanage watched his playing with open awe. He had flawless pale skin, straight black hair past his shoulderblades and intense and serious sky blue eyes. He was wearing a black cotton shirt and pants with a leather sword belt for his sheathed blade.

A sleepy voice out of nowhere popped into my head, The grumpy archer is Regulus, the cagey thief is Zeno, and the pretty boy swordmaster is Raven.

That was Mika's telepathic voice! What the plop? I angrily looked around but could not see that blasted Manakete anywhere who had very nearly purged me of my memories a few days earlier. That little whelp was short enough to blend in the crowd effortlessly, yet still obviously had a perfect view of the show and me. I furrowed my brows and tried to get her attention, Mika?

Her silken, soothing voice was so relaxing I found it difficult to keep up my curt tone, Yeah, that's me, milady. It's so good to hear your voice again. How are you doing?

None of your business, I groused.

I'm surprised. I remember you with an eyepatch. You're a lot prettier with two eyeballs, Auntie Mimi.

That comment took me aback for multiple reasons, coupled with the bizarre tickling in my brain as we spoke through her telepathic link. I sighed in exasperation, Are you under Kasrin's orders to stop me?

Nah. He doesn't even know I'm here. He'd be the one breathing fire instead of me if he knew I was here to see my family.

My eyebrows raised in surprise, Family? You are related to one of those three warriors?

Yep. Yaaaawnnn. I can't tell you which, but I wanted to see pops again. I missed him a ton.

I felt an empathetic pang in my chest as I realized I would give anything to see my parents again, despite how much pain they caused in my life. I decided to forgive the impetuous Manakete girl in their memory, Okay Mika. I'm not mad at you anymore.

She replied in a muted, singsong voice, Hooray. I could picture her smile even as I still couldn't see her face, Those three will be joining you on your quest whether you like it or not. Just a heads up. I hope to see you soon, Auntie Mimi. If we ever become friends again, I'd be in your debt if I could borrow your lap for a pillow sometime. Bye.

I tried to get her attention, but the prickling in my head was now gone. I had at least a couple dozen questions not the least of which why she thought she was from the future, saw me as her honorary aunt, and seemed to see me as dear ally and not an adversary. Her tone through the conversation had been friendly and tinged with a wistful longing, they way you would speak of something or someone that you loved and lost forever.

…

After the impromptu concert was over the children gave the two friendlier fighters enthusiastic hugs before being escorted by their minders back into the building. Several women including at least one attractive noblewoman all futilely tried to get Raven's attention, but he gave a graceful bow and politely refused all their offers of having tea. Zeno seemed to be good-naturedly rolling his eyes at his friend's effortless theft of the ladies' hearts.

Regulus spotted my party and his pale red eyes narrowed slightly, "They're late."

Revellia and Raquelle walked over, as the sisters seemed to know them well. Revillia curtsied, "Good to see you are in good health Masters Zeno, Raven and Regulus."

Zeno gave a wink as he put a friendly arm around Raven's shoulder, "Yeah. The Sellsword game goes the way it always does. Pays okay, but the jobs stink. Better that than the other way around." He gave a wicked wink to the shy Pegasus Knight, "I'll bet you wish this dreamboat here was a lady, right Revy?"

Revillia sputtered incoherently and flushed beet red. It took all of her effort not to drop her lance.

The lady archer calmly punched the thief in the shoulder, "Hey! No teasing my sis!"

Zeno laughed as he rubbed his arm, "Ow! That hurts, Raq!"

"That was such a beautiful performance just now." I walked up to the group, still in a bit of a daze after speaking with the daughter of one of these mercenaries, "Well met, gentlemen. I am Lady Mimika. How do you do?"

"The legendary Lady Paraglaive graces us with her presence at last!" Raven held up his flute and flipped it up into the air so it landed in a side pouch with a flourish. "Milady, it is truly an honor! I am Raven the Swordsman. My comrades are Regulus the Archer, and Zeno the Rouge."

Zeno bowed in an exaggerated fashion, "Enchanted."

Regulus gave a stiff bow but did not contribute to the conversation.

Ronna came up with a wary glance, "How did you know of my mistress?"

The swordsman gave an apologetic smile. "Well, it's hard not to hear stories about your family considering all three of us grew up in an orphanage built into your former Manse. We were eagerly waiting for your arrival, and when we saw all the little children…well we couldn't help but entertain the kids."

Raquelle rubbed the back of her head in slight embarrassment. "Actually all of us were in Ylisstol together to tryout for the Shepards last week. We have done mercenary work for his Highness before, so when the carrier dove came with the message from Prince Chrom retaining Sis and I to work for you, these three jokers wanted to ask if they could serve under you as well if there wasn't any place in the Shepards."

Ugh! It couldn't be! "I-I'm not seeking applications right now. Besides, I am only free on the Prince's recognizance."

Raven's graceful expression instantly fell into sorrowful disappointment, "Such a shame, milady."

Zeno chuckled as he silently counted up my retinue with his fingers. "I hate to break it to you, Rave, but she's got nine underlings in her service, not counting the cute baby and handsome lad. I think there might be room for a few more talented in the martial arts."

Not wanting to accept Mika's warning about them inevitably serving me I gave a brief bow. "I can't settle this now. Once I the Exalt decides my fate tomorrow, I can ask Prince Chrom if it is possible to expand the roster of the Arrowhead Scouts. If it goes badly, I will appoint a new leader in my place should I be consigned to the dungeons."

Regulus gruffly noted, "We will be in the Shepards' outbuilding after your trial, milady." He stiffly turned on his heel and left.

Zeno gave a cheery wave and bounded off after his friend.

"It will be an honor to serve, milady. Until we see each other again, fare thee well." Raven bowed deeply and departed as well. I was still taken a bit aback by how gorgeous he was. Of course the cheeky Siffra giggled as she saw my blush.

Raquelle sighed ruefully, "Milady, they are all good men…even Zeno. They want to serve a higher purpose."

I made a half smile at their quirks, "Noted. Where is the library? I need to go to this next meeting alone."

"Sure. Go up through that side door, up three flights, and second door on the right. Your contact will meet you there."

"Thanks Raquelle. Arrowhead Scouts, move our equipment into the back gardens and rest a bit. I won't be long."

Bhavin gave me a warm smile, "Be safe, Mimi."

Siffra enthused, "You'll knock 'em dead!"

I tried to put more effort into my smile than I felt, "Thank you everyone. I'll see you soon."

As I went into the stairway, I heard a mortified Revilla choke out, "I d-d-d-didn't mean to turn Raven into a g-girl! Honest!" Peals of laughter followed me up the stone spiral stairwell.

Soon enough I reached the right door and threw the latch open. The two story space was lined with thick tomes of every description on the main floor and a wraparound balcony. A dainty noble lady attired in a pink and white troubadour outfit standing in front of the massive fireplace turned at the sound of my entry and angrily snapped her parasol closed with spotless white gloves, her immaculately styled blond curls tossed over her shoulder, and narrowed brown eyes fixed me with a indignant glint. She spoke with authority and icy disdain, "So, the daughter of the traitors to the Halidom finally dares to show her face on her Highness' doorstep."

"I-indeed, milady. I am Mimika. How do you do?" I gave a shaky curtsy.

She smirked haughtily, "You have nerve to actually show your face to the court, I'll grant you that." She returned the curtsy, "I am Lady Maribelle, loyal Shepard, and best friend in the entire world to her Highness, Princess Lissa."

"I…um… was wondering. You do not seem to h-have a favorable opinion of me. Please tell the Prince when he arrives that if you wish him to find another representative-"

Her eyes flared up indignantly, "I will have you know I am the best legal mind you can have on your side! Trust me you will need it." She uncrossed her arms, "Just between us, I am not doing this at Chrom's behest; Lissa begged me to help you."

I was taken aback, "Princess Lissa? Why would she care about the likes of me?"

She gave a fitful sigh at her friend's intransigence, "Why indeed? Because she idolizes her saintly sister and wants to always see the best in everyone. She has always loved stories about the triumph of underdogs as long as I have known her." She waved me over to the grand twenty foot long polished reading table adorned with piles of books and a tea set complete with gold rimmed ceramic cups and plates of airy sandwiches. "Come, sit. I will endeavor to help your case, as it will make my darling Lissa quite elated."

I complied numbly, not knowing now what to make of the royal family at all. Why would both the Prince and Princess want to associate with a traitor like me? I don't know that I would ever understand it.